A Meeting of Paths

The city bustled with life, a stark contrast to the quiet village Li Mei called home. The hum of conversation, the clatter of carts and the occasional call of merchants filled the air as she stepped off the bus with her leather bag on her shoulder and cane in her hand. She moved with purpose, her steps steady and confident despite the crowds.

Her first stop was a renowned craftsman shop tucked into a corner of the artisan district. The shop owner, Master Zhou, greeted her warmly. He had grown fond of this quiet, blind potter from the village, who always came prepared and spoke with clarity about what she needed. 

"I've reserved the highest quality clay for you, as usual," Master Zhou said, sliding a crate of neatly packed materials toward her. Inside, Li Mei was finalizing her orders, running her fingers along the edge of the crate to inspect the packaging. "It's perfect."

"Thank you, Master Zhou," Li Mei replied. She spent the next hour discussing glazes, new pigments, and techniques. Though she was a humble potter in the eyes of her village, in the city, she was known as the mysterious artist whose intricate pieces sold for high prices in exclusive stores.

Li Mei worked under a pseudonym, ensuring her identity remained hidden to protect her simple village life.

Once the business at the craftsman shop was concluded, she visited a boutique for the delivery of consignment of her latest creations. The store owner marveled at from the sample work, handling the pottery with reverence. "You never disappoint. Customers can't get enough of these."

Li Mei nodded with a faint smile. "I'll have this batch ready by next month."

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Li Mei made her way back to the bus station, her errands complete. 

...

Meanwhile, Chen Wei sat in his office, Yu Jian standing nearby. His assistant's calm demeanor contrasted with the intensity of the conversation.

"She saved a little boy from falling at the bus stop yesterday," Yu Jian said, recounting the incident. "She has this way of seeing the world, even without sight. Blind or not, she moved with instinct. It's clear she has a quiet strength about her."

Chen Wei nodded and leaned back in his chair, his expression softening. He had always known Li Mei to be extraordinary, but hearing it from someone else brought a warmth to his chest.

"She's always been that way," he murmured. "Even as a child, she had a way of understanding things beyond what most of us could see."

Yu Jian paused, studying his face. "You care for her a great deal, don't you?"

Chen Wei didn't respond immediately, his thoughts drifting back to their childhood, to the moments when Li Mei's presence had been his anchor. "She's been a part of my life for as long as I can remember," he said finally. "But she's built walls around herself, and I can't tear them down for her. I'll have to be patient."

Later that evening, Chen Wei sat with his father for a rare, heartfelt conversation.

"Father," Chen Wei began hesitantly, "do you think this marriage is the right thing for both of us?"

His father, a stern yet wise man, looked at him thoughtfully. "Your mother would have thought so," he said, his voice softening. "She always said Li Mei was special. Even as a child, your mother adored her for her kindness and strength."

Chen Wei's gaze lowered as memories of his mother surfaced—her gentle laughter, the way she would hum while tending to the garden, and how she always made time to listen. "She would've been happy to see this day," he said quietly.

His father nodded, his expression softening. "Your mother believed in you, Chen Wei. She would want you to have a partner who challenges you and supports you and Li Mei is that person."