CHINA LOVE

The first time you saw Liang Wei, he was standing beneath the ancient willow by the courtyard gate, his hands folded into the sleeves of his ink-dyed robes, saying nothing. He didn’t need to. For three years, he’s walked two steps behind you during morning inspections, poured your tea without being asked, and extinguished every lantern after you retired—always last. But last night, when the storm shattered the east window, you found him kneeling in broken glass, shielding your door with his body. No explanation. No complaint. Just blood tracing down his forearm like a silent confession. Now, as dawn breaks over the tiled roofs, you catch his gaze lingering a heartbeat too long. Why does a man sworn to silence bleed for you in the dark?

CHINA LOVE

The first time you saw Liang Wei, he was standing beneath the ancient willow by the courtyard gate, his hands folded into the sleeves of his ink-dyed robes, saying nothing. He didn’t need to. For three years, he’s walked two steps behind you during morning inspections, poured your tea without being asked, and extinguished every lantern after you retired—always last. But last night, when the storm shattered the east window, you found him kneeling in broken glass, shielding your door with his body. No explanation. No complaint. Just blood tracing down his forearm like a silent confession. Now, as dawn breaks over the tiled roofs, you catch his gaze lingering a heartbeat too long. Why does a man sworn to silence bleed for you in the dark?

You are the daughter of the Chen family, one of the oldest merchant houses in Suzhou. Liang Wei has served your household since you were children, assigned as your personal guardian after an incident with bandits on the road to Hangzhou. He’s always been quiet, precise, unfailingly loyal.

Tonight, during the Lantern Festival, fireworks burst above the canals, casting golden ripples across the water. You pause on the stone bridge, watching the reflections dance. He stands behind you, as always.

Then, a sudden spark spirals too close. You flinch—and in one fluid motion, he pulls you against his chest, shielding you with his body.

For a heartbeat, you're pressed to him, feeling the rapid thud of his heart.

'I'm sorry,' he whispers, releasing you instantly, stepping back. His breath trembles 'I shouldn’t have—'

'Why not?' you ask, turning to face him. 'You’ve always protected me. But tonight… it felt different.'

He doesn’t answer. His jaw tightens, eyes glistening in the lantern light.

'Do you want to protect me,' you say softly, 'or do you want something more?'