From the hilltop, the village of Xialong spread out below like a living painting—rolling hills, narrow streets, and clusters of rustic homes bathed in the soft glow of lantern light. The ancient willow tree, its branches reaching toward the sky, stood as a sentinel overlooking the scene. Li Mei stood near its base, though her blindness kept her from seeing the colorful displays, her other senses were sharp—every rustle of fabric, the distant hum of laughter, and the sweet scent of blooming lotus flowers carried on the breeze filled her surroundings.
Chen Wei approached her quietly from behind, his presence a steady comfort. Together, they began to walk down the gentle slope, weaving through the winding paths that led to the village square, where the warmth of light and life awaited them. They began walking slowly through the crowd, his presence commanding attention wherever he went.
Chen Wei watched her closely, noting how gracefully she navigated through the people, her every movement deliberate.
"You don't need to pretend," he said gently, his tone teasing but sincere. "I know you're not as fragile as you seem."
Li Mei smiled faintly, the hint of a challenge in her gaze. "You think you know me, Chen Wei?"
He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I knew you better before. But you're not the same girl who used to braid flowers into her hair. You've changed."
"And you've become everything you once despised," she countered, her voice laced with irony. "The charming hero of the village."
Chen Wei stopped walking, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Have you forgotten what brought me back, Li Mei? Or do you simply prefer to push everyone away?"
She let out a breathy laugh. "What else is there to do when no one cares? When even your own family decides your fate?"
Chen Wei's expression softened, his frustration giving way to understanding. "They don't know you like I do. You've always carried the weight of expectations, but beneath it all, you've always fought for what you believe in."
"I fight," Li Mei said quietly, "because no one else will."
The music swelled in the distance, a rhythmic beat blending with the sounds of conversation and laughter. Chen Wei offered her his arm. "Let's share the dance, then."
Li Mei hesitated for a brief moment before resting her hand gently on his. Together, they stepped into the circle of dancers, the lanterns glowing brighter, their shadows merging and shifting with the movement.
For the first time in years, Li Mei felt a fleeting sense of ease. But even in the warmth of the moment, a part of her remained guarded—an ever-present instinct honed by years of solitude and betrayal.
As they spun in the dance, Chen Wei's gaze remained locked on hers. "Why do you keep so much hidden?" he whispered, his breath mingling with hers. "What are you afraid of?"
Li Mei opened her mouth to speak, but the music drowned her words. Instead, she smiled softly, leaning in just enough to brush her cheek against his. "You wouldn't understand," she murmured, pulling back.
The dance continued, yet the unspoken words hung between them, a delicate tension woven into the night air.