Chapter 3: The Gift and the Burden

The days that followed were filled with quiet contemplation for Li Sheng. As the town slowly adapted to the changes of the 1980s, with new technologies and ideas reshaping the fabric of society, Li Sheng found himself drawn more and more to Mei Lin's world. The more he learned, the more he realized that there was so much he didn't understand.

Each night, after his work at the herbalist shop, he would visit Mei Lin. They would talk about medicine, philosophy, and the mysterious power that Mei Lin possessed. She was kind, but reserved, always holding back just a bit of herself. Yet, as the days went by, he began to notice little things. Her gestures were gentle, but her eyes held a depth of knowledge and sadness that he couldn't ignore.

One evening, as they sat together in the clinic, Mei Lin spoke again of her abilities.

"I was born with this gift," she began, her voice soft but firm. "It is not something I asked for, nor is it something I can control fully. It has been both a blessing and a curse."

Li Sheng listened intently. "What do you mean by that? A curse?"

Mei Lin took a deep breath and then exhaled slowly. "The power to heal is not without its price. Every time I use it, a piece of myself is left behind. It takes a toll on my body, my spirit. There are times when I feel like I am losing myself, and yet, I cannot stop."

Li Sheng was silent, absorbing her words. The burden of such a gift must have been immense, and yet Mei Lin continued to use it to help others. He admired her deeply, but also felt a deep sadness for the woman who carried such a heavy burden.

"Is there any way to... I don't know... lessen the toll it takes on you?" he asked gently.

Mei Lin shook her head. "I have tried many things, but it is not something that can be fixed easily. For now, I have learned to live with it."

Li Sheng looked at her, his heart filled with concern. "You don't have to do it alone, you know."

Mei Lin's gaze softened, but she didn't respond right away. Instead, she placed her hand over his, a quiet acknowledgment of his support.

"Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But there are some things even love cannot heal."

Li Sheng found himself increasingly consumed by thoughts of Mei Lin. Every evening, after his duties at the herbalist shop, he would walk to her small clinic, eager to learn more, not just about medicine, but about her. The more he understood, the more his admiration for her deepened. Mei Lin was more than just a healer—she was a woman with strength and mysteries that fascinated him. But there was something about her that troubled him too. She carried a burden, and that burden wasn't just physical; it was something deep within her soul.

One evening, as the soft glow of the setting sun bathed the clinic in a warm, golden light, Li Sheng sat with Mei Lin in silence. The air smelled faintly of medicinal herbs, and the usual hum of the outside world seemed distant. It was just the two of them, surrounded by quietude.

Mei Lin was preparing some concoctions when Li Sheng broke the silence. "You said there is a toll, a price to pay for your gift. What kind of toll are you talking about?"

Mei Lin paused, her fingers hovering over the jar of dried herbs. Her eyes, usually so calm, now seemed troubled. She set the jar down slowly and turned to face him. "It's not easy to explain. The more I heal, the more it consumes me. It's not just energy, like physical exertion. It's something deeper—a strain on my life force itself. I've lived with it for as long as I can remember, but there are days when I feel like I'm slipping away. My body becomes weaker, my senses dull. It's like I'm giving a piece of myself with every person I heal."

Li Sheng's heart clenched. He couldn't imagine what it must be like, living with such a powerful gift and yet feeling the constant strain. He reached across the table and gently took her hand in his.

"Is there nothing I can do to help?" His voice was quiet, but the concern in it was unmistakable. "I don't want to see you suffer."

Mei Lin gave him a soft smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "This is my burden, Li Sheng. It's not something that can be fixed. It's part of who I am."

Li Sheng wasn't satisfied with that answer. He couldn't just stand by and do nothing while she struggled. Her sacrifice was more than he could bear. "I want to help you," he said, his tone firm. "I'll find a way, no matter what it takes."

Mei Lin met his gaze, and for the first time, Li Sheng saw a flicker of hesitation in her eyes. It was as though she wanted to say something, but she was holding herself back.

"You don't know what you're asking for," she whispered, pulling her hand away gently. "There are forces at play here that you don't understand."

Li Sheng leaned forward, his voice filled with determination. "Then teach me. Whatever it takes, I'll learn. You don't have to carry this alone. Not anymore."

Mei Lin was silent for a long moment, her gaze distant. She looked as though she was weighing something in her mind—something that had been locked away for years. Finally, she spoke, her voice barely audible.

"I can't protect you from what you might find out. Once you know, there's no turning back."

Li Sheng didn't hesitate. "I'm not afraid."