•••

This year's winter was colder than usual.

Lin Ting reached out and grabbed the door handle, which was freezing cold. As soon as he touched it, his pale fingers turned red from the icy metal. He carefully pushed the glass door open, the bell above the door chiming softly. Warm air from inside rushed over him, pushing away the cold that clung to his body.

He widened his eyes and looked at the blurry world in front of him. The lights hanging above his head were a bit too bright, making him squint for a second. His scarf was still wrapped around his neck, covering the lower half of his face, keeping him warm and cozy.

Every time he breathed, the tip of his small, straight nose gently touched the soft, fluffy fabric, making him feel calm and comforted.

Lin Ting blinked his eyes, momentarily adjusting to the surroundings. Slowly and carefully, he reached out to touch the chair next to him. He stopped for a moment, unsure if he should move forward or stay where he was. Before he could decide, a café staff member noticed him first and quickly walked over.

"Sir, do you need any help?" the waiter asked in a low voice.

Lin Ting was startled when the waiter suddenly appeared, but he quickly calmed himself down. He lifted his hands to adjust his scarf, making sure it sat snug and comfortable around his neck. Then he gave a small, polite smile, nodded, and asked kindly, "Could you please take me to a seat by the window?"

As he spoke, he pointed to his eyes and said, "I... can't see." His soft voice was slightly muffled by the scarf around his face.

The waiter blinked in surprise. When the young man came in, he seemed to move and behave normally. If he hadn't watched him closely and noticed when he fumbled while reaching out to touch the chair, he wouldn't have realized that the man in front of him was blind.

The waiter quickly responded, "Sure."

He then hurriedly supported Lin Ting's arm, guiding him step by step toward the window seat at the end of the room, once they reached the end, he asked politely, "Sir, are you waiting for your friends?"

While talking, the waiter subconsciously glanced around Lin Ting but failed to spot the white cane, which was usually carried by blind people.

Hearing this, Lin Ting sat up straight, his lips curling into a slight smile, and a touch of embarrassment crossed his face as he admitted, "Actually... I'm here for a blind date."

Instinctively, his fingers moved quietly as they grasped the bottom of his clothes, creating small creases in the soft fabric between his fingertips.

These were the clothes he had carefully selected with the help of his family just the day before.

He actually been preparing for this blind date for more than two weeks.

As planned, he had arrived at the agreed-upon place early to check it out and, without thinking, he paid extra attention to his appearance today.

Not to forget, he was so nervous about the date that he couldn't sleep the entire night. For whole time, his mind was filled with anticipation and worry about how the date would go.

He also intentionally left his guide stick behind, wanting to appear normal and healthy in front of his date. Even if the date didn't go as well as he hoped, he still wanted to make a good impression.

"Do I look strange?" Lin Ting tilted his head slightly as he asked.

The waiter took a moment to observe Lin Ting.

The man seated was undeniably attractive, with captivating peach-colored eyes and long, curled eyelashes that framed his eyes. With a hint of pink on his cheeks and a soft blush on his pale skin, he looked friendly and approachable. Overall, he seemed very pleasant and easy to be around.

"Not at all, sir," the waiter assured him. He helped Lin Ting into his seat and thoughtfully ordered two cups of coffee.

Before the waiter left, Lin Ting thanked him politely. Then he placed his hands on the table and clasped them together, his intertwined fingers betraying his nervousness.

The clock on the wall behind him ticked softly, making a gentle "click-click" sound as the minute hand moved forward. Even though he couldn't see, he could hear the smallest sounds very clearly. Since he lost his sight, his hearing had become much sharper, helping him notice tiny sounds that most people didn't catch-like the soft ticking of the clock behind him.

At this moment, even his own heartbeat felt louder than the noise of traffic outside as he waited nervously for his blind date to arrive.

This blind date had been set up by his sister, who lived abroad. She had described the guy as handsome with a good family background. The only downside, according to his sister, was that he can be a bit unfriendly towards others.

"Shen Chuhan..." Lin Ting whispered softly, his voice was barely audible, as he wondered whether the person would really be as cold as the name sounded.

He pressed his lips together and kept his eyes on the table. Though his vision was blurry, he could still make out the vague shapes of two coffee cups. His eyes looked unfocused, and the backs of his hands had turned red from how tightly he had been pinching them. But Lin Ting didn't seem to notice the pain at all.

This time, Lin Ting didn't talk to his blind date himself. All the arrangements were handled by his sister. In the past, he had been on several blind dates but all of them ended up in failure due to his blindness. He hoped that by meeting face-to-face, his blind date could understand him better, and get to know him without any sympathy. After spending some time together, they could then decide if they wanted to be with him or not. He hoped that by letting his blind date meet him in person, they would get a better idea of what he was really like, as a person. Then, based on how the date went, the other person could decide if he wanted to be with him or not.

As time ticked away, minute by second, Lin Ting lost track of how much time had passed. Suddenly, the quiet of the coffee shop was interrupted by the clear sound of wind chimes drifting in from the door. Lin Ting instinctively looked toward the sound. The light overhead was still bright and dazzling, casting a warm yellow glow over his face.

He listened intently to the footsteps echoing in the air.

The sound of leather shoes tapping against the wooden floor had a distinct rhythm. It started off faint, then gradually grew louder with each step-one step, then another-until the footsteps stopped right in front of Lin Ting.

Right after the footsteps stopped, Lin Ting heard the soft scraping sound of the chair across from him being pulled out. It was clear-someone had just sat down in front of him.

Lin Ting blinked quickly, and his fingers accidentally bumped into the coffee cup in front of him. He could hear the other person taking off his coat, and the soft rustling of the fabric echoed clearly in his ears.

"Hello... I..." the man said suddenly. As soon as he spoke, Lin Ting's heart skipped a beat. Before the man could finish, Lin Ting quickly interrupted him without thinking.

"Hello! My name is Lin Ting, I'm 25 years old, I graduated from X University with a degree in art, and I'm now working as a freelancer. I earn a decent income every month. I've never been in a relationship before, so I don't have an ex..."

Lin Ting quickly said the words he had practiced many times in his head. But because he was so anxious, his voice sounded stiff and a little awkward. In the middle of speaking, his mind suddenly went blank, and he forgot half of what he wanted to say. So in the end, everything he said came out mixed up and didn't really make sense.

After the last word left his mouth and faded into the air, Lin Ting finally blinked. He had a habit of keeping his eyes wide open when he got nervous, and now he wondered if that had scared the other person.

There was a brief silence all around for a few seconds.

And in those few seconds, Lin Ting felt as if he had sentenced himself to death.

What did he do just now...

Lin Ting's heart thumped loudly in his chest. That tiny pause felt endless, stretching out like a punishment.

He also realized, with a jolt, that he had interrupted the other person mid-sentence.

Panic surged through him as he agonized over his actions.

What should he do now? Would the other person think he was incredibly rude? Did he just ruin everything in the very first moment?

Lin Ting's delicate eyebrows scrunched together, and the worry on his face was hard to miss. He debated internally whether to apologize to the other person. Suddenly, he noticed the figure opposite him shift, and then a deep voice filled the air.

"Hello, my name is Shen Chuhan," the deep voice said from across the table, gently cutting through the heavy silence that had settled between them.

It was a very pleasant voice-steady and unhurried.

The slight hoarseness in it carried a warm, magnetic quality that instantly calmed Lin Ting's racing heart. He swallowed softly, his Adam's apple bobbing a few times, while his eyelashes fluttered just a little.

The man across from him seemed far more composed than Lin Ting had imagined. There was no laughter, no awkward pauses-just a calm and natural introduction, as if everything was perfectly normal.

This made Lin Ting feel more at ease. The man wasn't as rude as his sister had warned him he might be.

Lin Ting gently bit his lower lip, a subconscious habit when he was nervous. He reached out carefully, found the coffee cup in front of him, and took a small sip. The warmth of the drink didn't do much to calm the flutter in his chest. Meanwhile, the faint red on his cheeks deepened noticeably. He could feel the heat rising to his face but wasn't sure if it was because the café's heating was turned up too high, or if it was because of the man sitting across from him. Either way, he felt oddly flustered-more than he had expected.

He listened carefully to everything the other person was saying. When Shen Chuhan mentioned "X University," Lin Ting froze for a moment. He slowly put down the coffee cup in his hand, his eyes widening slightly in surprise as he looked at the other party's face.

"Mr. Shen also graduated from X University?" he asked, a hint of excitement in his voice.

The man on the other side paused for a couple of seconds before replying, "Yes. To be exact, I'm probably two years older than you, and I studied finance."

Shen Chuhan's tone carried a slight hint of a smile at the end. As he looked at the young man sitting across from him, the expression in his eyes unknowingly softened.

"What a coincidence!" Upon hearing this, Lin Ting's face lit up with excitement.

"Then... what kind of job do you do, Mr. Lin?" Shen Chuhan inquired with a curious tone, his gaze fixed on Lin Ting as he awaited his response.

Lin Ting blinked twice, and the joy that had just radiated from his body was silently suppressed. He lowered his head slightly, tapping his fingers on the smooth tabletop. He hesitated for a long time before he answered, "Well... I do painting."

He was struggling with a difficult decision. Should he be honest and tell Shen Chuhan that he was blind?

A part of him wanted to be open, but another part hesitated. He was afraid that if Shen Chuhan found out he was blind and still worked as a painter, he would find it strange or even unbelievable.

However, if he told him now... Shen Chuhan would definitely get up and leave immediately.

Just like those people before-who smiled politely, said a few kind words, and then never showed up again.

But then, the man sitting across from him felt different -someone rare, someone whom he actually shared many common interests and could talk to easily. That made Lin Ting hesitate even more. He didn't want to ruin the moment by revealing his blindness and risk losing someone who seemed to understand him so well.

He didn't want to abruptly end the budding connection between them.

Just because he was blind...

With that thought heavy in his heart, Lin Ting's excitement slowly faded. He lowered his eyes and quietly continued chatting with Shen Chuhan. Without even realizing it, an hour and a half slipped by.

"Mr. Lin, we've been talking for quite a while. Let's get something to eat," Shen Chuhan said politely, gently cutting into their conversation. As a waiter passed by, he reached out to stop him and then handed the menu to Lin Ting first.

"Have a look and see if there's anything you'd like," he said with a warm tone.

Lin Ting's scalp tingled with nerves. He quickly lowered

his head and reached out to feel the menu in front of him, trying his best to appear like any regular person. Though he couldn't read it, he flipped through the pages a few times, pretending to think about what to order.

"I-I can eat anything, Mr. Shen... you take a look," he said, his voice shaky, clearly showing how anxious he was.

Shen Chuhan didn't say much in response. Instead, he let out a thoughtful "hmm", took back the menu, and began to browse through it himself. Then, he turned his attention back to Lin Ting, asking him about his eating habits and preferences.

Lin Ting on the other side was gripped by such intense nervousness that he felt as though his heart might leap out of his chest. His hands, hanging limply by his sides, clutched onto the hem of his clothes tightly, his nails digging into his palms with almost painful force. Every second felt like an eternity as he anxiously awaited Shen Chuhan's reaction, his mind racing with worry and uncertainty.

As time passed, Lin Ting realized that his secret hadn't been discovered yet.

He probably didn't notice. Lin Ting thought to himself.

He listened intently to the conversation between Shen Chuhan and the waiter as he tried to detect any hints of doubt or impatience in the other person's tone. But he couldn't detect any hint of suspicion or anything in Shen Chuhan's voice.

"I just ordered something casually," Shen Chuhan stated calmly after returning the menu to the waiter. Then, he turned his attention back to Lin Ting with a warm smile.

"When we meet next time," he continued, "I want to take Mr. Lin to try the restaurant I like." His words were filled with genuine sincerity, and Lin Ting couldn't help but feel touched by the invitation.

"Only if Mr. Lin is willing," Shen Chuhan added, his tone gentle with a hint of hope, as though he genuinely looked forward to hearing Lin Ting's answer.

He stayed calm and warm throughout, speaking like they'd known each other for a long time. And when he casually mentioned meeting again, it made Lin Ting's heart flutter just a little.

Lin Ting secretly let out a breath he didn't even realize he was holding, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. He was thankful that Shen Chuhan didn't seem to mind anything, and that their meeting didn't end like the ones before.

Gathering his thoughts and calming the nervous flutter in his chest, Lin Ting gave a small nod and quietly said, "Okay."

The café served the food very quickly. As a sweet smell lingered at the tip of his nose, Lin Ting felt a little embarrassed.

At home, his family would always consider his poor eyesight when serving meals. They would arrange the dishes on his plate like the face of a clock-placing the food he liked closest to him, and the ones he didn't like a bit farther away. It made things easier for him.

And one of the reasons Lin Ting was so hesitant to admit the truth was because he knew-deep down-that the moment he said he couldn't see the dishes or asked where they were placed, everything he had tried so hard to hide since the beginning of the date would come crashing down.

He didn't want Shen Chuhan to feel awkward, or worse, start treating him differently out of pity or obligation.

More than anything, he didn't want to shatter the gentle, comfortable atmosphere they had built together -a rare and fragile peace that felt too precious to risk.

But the table in front of him was a mystery. He had no idea where the plates were placed, whether there was a spoon near his right hand or if he might knock over a glass by accident. His throat tightened, and the corners of his eyes stung with unshed tears. For a moment, he just sat still, his fingers curled tightly into his lap, pretending like everything was fine.

Just then, Shen Chuhan's calm voice came through gently, "I don't know if what I ordered is to your liking, Mr. Lin."

Lin Ting could feel the intense gaze of the man opposite him, and with a bit of effort, he managed to twitch the corners of his lips into a smile. "Well, I really like it," he replied, hoping to reassure Shen Chuhan despite his inner turmoil.

After that, he decided to take the initiative. He picked up the fork, stretched his arm across the table, and carefully inserted it into Shen Chuhan's sugar-free cake.

Shen Chuhan raised his eyebrows in surprise. He looked at the chocolate brownie he had ordered for young man, then glanced down at his own sugar-free cake. Lin Ting didn't seem to notice that he had taken the wrong one. He happily stuffed a big bite of cake into his mouth, his cheeks puffed up like a little hamster.

As the faint sweetness melted in his mouth, Lin Ting offered stiff praise to the café for their delicious cakes.

Then, without missing a beat, he stretched out his hand once more and inserted it into Shen Chuhan's sugar-free cake, determined to continue the charade without causing any further embarrassment.

Shen Chuhan tilted his head slightly, a trace of confusion flickering in his eyes. Didn't Lin Ting just say he liked chocolate? Why was he eating the sugar-free cake instead?

Still silently, Shen Chuhan gently pushed his cake plate toward Lin Ting. Even though Lin Ting's eyes were wide open, he didn't notice anything-completely unaware of what Shen Chuhan had just done.

Just as Lin Ting reached out for the third time-because Shen Chuhan had moved the plate in front of him-his hand accidentally knocked the knife and fork to the side and brushed against a napkin. Without realizing it, he subconsciously picked it up and stuffed it into his mouth.

"Wait!" Shen Chuhan exclaimed, stopping him. He instinctively grabbed Lin Ting's wrist with his hand, pressing his calloused fingertips against the warm skin.

He took off the napkin and handed it to Lin Ting. Lin Ting could feel the texture of the fabric and suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

"Ruined," Lin Ting murmured quietly. His cover was blown.

Shen Chuhan let go of Lin Ting's hand and sat back down, his gaze fixed intently on the young man's face, which was turning red little by little. The surrounding area grew quiet for a moment, with only the sound of the heater blowing and the clock hand turning mixing together in the background.

After a long moment of quiet, Shen Chuhan slowly sat up straighter and turned his head to look at the glass window beside him. His eyes seemed to drift beyond the glass, quietly watching the street outside, as if lost in deep thought.

His strong eyebrows and prominent nose were reflected on the glass. Even though his black hair hung a little long over his forehead, it didn't hide the striking and refined features of his face-features that naturally drew attention without trying.

Then, in silence, he lifted the hair that was nearly covering his left eye, revealing the dark red and striking skin underneath. A large burn scar spread across the area that was very vivid and impossible to overlook.

"I want to ask a presumptuous question."

Shen Chuhan looked straight at Lin Ting. Lin Ting instantly understood what the man was about to say, and his heart jumped into his throat.

He swallowed nervously, feeling like he couldn't breathe.

Then he heard Shen Chuhan's calm voice say the words that felt like a quiet judgment.

"Mr. Lin...are you blind?"

•••

•••

For a moment, the air filled with Lin Ting's silence as he stopped talking.

In his hand, he tightly clutched a napkin, its once smooth surface now wrinkled from his tight grip.

He lowered his eyelashes, his eyes darkened as he thought deeply.

› The air carried the delightful scent of chocolate cake, which happened to be his favorite dessert.

Yet, his heart thudded in his chest, beating rhythmically.

Shen Chuhan's words felt like pebbles dropped into water, creating ripples that spread out.

Lin Ting didn't intend to keep his blindness a secret from Shen Chuhan, it's just that he hadn't found the right time to tell him yet.

Seeing that Lin Ting didn't speak, Shen Chuhan didn't urge him. He looked at Lin Ting's slightly red nose and wondered if he had spoken too bluntly.

"Mr. Lin," Shen Chuhan spoke softly, his words blending into the warm air like a gentle breeze, "I didn't mean to..."

"Yes," Lin Ting whispered, his lips moving slightly. He raised his eyes and glanced at the overlapping light and shadow in front of him, the picture appearing blurry and undefined just like a painting lacking clear definition.

Shen Chuhan's mouth was halfway open, he was caught off guard. His face showed a big surprise, with his eyebrows raised and his eyes wide open.

The quick exchange of syllables faded into silence, leaving a palpable tension in the air.

Neither of them felt the need to break the quiet, understanding each other's thoughts without words.

The once easygoing atmosphere gradually gave way to a sense of unease and stiffness as the silence lingered between them.

Lin Ting's Adam's apple bobbed up and down twice as he nervously swallowed, a sign of his anxiety.

He blinked a few times, attempting to dispel the slightly uncomfortable atmosphere in the room. With a hesitant tone, he stammered, "Uh, I... I never intended to deceive you," his sincerity evident despite his nervousness.

As he spoke in a soft voice, his delicate fingers continued to tear the fragile paper, a habit he usually did when feeling anxious.

"Because, um, in the few blind dates I had before, when the other person found out I was blind, they just left right away." His delicate eyebrows knitted together, and his mouth drooped into a sad, pitiful expression. "I'm scared... I'm scared that you..."

would be the same as others.

> Lin Ting clutched the fabric on his thighs tightly, his lips trembling slightly. But he couldn't bring himself to finish what he wanted to say.

Being blind was something he never imagined would happen to him. It took him a long time to come to terms with it himself, so how could he expect others to accept it all at once?

Therefore, he found it difficult to understand how he could expect others to immediately accept him for who he was, especially when it came to something as significant as his blindness.

Lin Ting bowed his head, his tousled hair shaking as he trembled. Tears started to well in his eyes, their warmth spreading instinctively.

Since he couldn't see Shen Chuhan's face, Lin Ting focused on his other senses, trying to steady himself by concentrating on the sound coming from Shen Chuhan's side.

He heard what sounded like the other person getting up.

Lin Ting's chest tightened, and he felt a wave of unease wash over him, causing his breath to catch in his throat.

The next moment, he felt someone touch his head twice.

Shen Chuhan's hand was big and gentle, like petting a puppy's fur, smoothing down his messy hair for him.

"Mr. Lin, please don't be scared," Shen Chuhan said gently, his voice filled with warmth. "I'm not as amazing as you might believe."

As he spoke, Shen Chuhan's facial muscles tensed slightly around the burned area. He lowered his gaze and focused on the top of the young man's head. "But Mr. Lin, you're a painter," he continued, his voice softening. "I believe you are the one who is amazing."

Shen Chuhan's voice, soft and gentle, washed over Lin Ting like a soothing balm, gradually calming the erratic beats of his heart.

Shen Chuhan... believes... he's amazing.

Lin Ting's eyes widened in surprise. At that moment, he appeared just like ordinary people.

"Really?" Lin Ting lifted his head, his cheeks turning slightly pink as he tried to locate Shen Chuhan's figure.

"Hmm" Shen Chuhan made a quiet sound of agreement. He glanced at the young man's expressionless eyes and involuntarily furrowed his brow slightly.

Lin Ting sat up straight and reached for the coffee cup beside him. With his red lips, he took a sip, feeling the bitter taste of the brown liquid as it traveled down his throat and settled in his stomach.

"Thank you," Lin Ting expressed with gratitude, his lips curving into a smile that he couldn't contain. "You're the first person to praise me like this, Mr. Shen," he admitted, feeling genuinely touched by the compliment.

Shen Chuhan was a little puzzled. "Why do you think that?" he asked.

Lin Ting scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Um, my paintings are published anonymously," he explained. "So... not many people know that the artist behind them is actually blind."

Lin Ting's smile carried a blend of emotions-there was a sense of helplessness and bitterness woven into its expression.

"My blindness was caused by an accident," Lin Ting recounted. "Eleven years ago, our whole class went to the countryside for sketching training. Unfortunately, the driver, who was tired, didn't notice a stone rolling down the mountain."

Lin Ting's eyelids dropped slightly, and his thick, long eyelashes cast a beautiful shadow beneath them, accentuating the natural curve of his eyes.

Our car flipped over, and there were a lot of injuries," Lin Ting recounted with a soft voice and steady, as if he was narrating someone's else story. "I was one of the fortunate ones who made it out alive. However, during the accident, gravel scratched my eye, causing damage to the cornea. When I woke up afterward, everything was dark. I couldn't see anything."

Shen Chuhan listened quietly, realizing how important eyesight was for someone who loved painting.

"Eleven years ago?" Shen Chuhan repeated softly, his mind wandering back in time. "What day was it, exactly eleven years ago?" He asked.

"September 25th," Lin Ting replied without hesitation, his voice carrying a hint of solemnity as he recalled the exact date from eleven years ago.

He would never forget that day, no matter how much time passed.

He clearly remembered how helpless he was as he watched the massive boulder crash into their car. A classmate sitting in the front row was killed instantly. The sounds of cries for help mixed with the piercing honking of the horn. At that moment, Lin Ting thought it was the end of the world.

> Shen Chuhan, sitting in front of him, remained silent, but Lin Ting could sense that the other person's hands were trembling slightly.

"Mr. Shen?" Lin Ting's voice was gentle as he spoke, a hint of remorse in his tone. "I'm sorry," he continued, his words filled with regret. "I shouldn't have mentioned something so like that."

Shen Chuhan rubbed his (LT) head, feeling a bit flustered and unsure of what to say. He held back the words on the tip of his tongue and instead, politely requested, "I'm sorry, could you please excuse me for a moment? I need to step outside for some fresh air."

Shen Chuhan knew it wasn't the right time to bring it up, but his emotions were overwhelming. Lin blinked in confusion but didn't press for more information. He simply nodded, understanding Shen Chuhan's need for a moment of privacy.

Shen Chuhan withdrew his hand, feeling the softness of the young man's hair brushing against his palm, which caused a slight itchiness. Despite the temptation to run his fingers through it again, he refrained. Taking a deep breath, he turned on his heel and briskly made his way out of the coffee shop. As he reached the door, he pulled it open and stepped outside, allowing the cool breeze to wash over him.

The small bells hanging on the door made a tinkling › sound once more, disrupting the calmness inside the cafe. Shen Chuhan halted near the entrance, the cold wind sweeping past his ears as he stood there.

He hadn't worn a coat, so his body temperature, which had finally warmed up, dropped sharply. The wind tousled his hair, but he paid no attention to it. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette he had stashed away earlier.

With a soft "pop" sound, Shen Chuhan managed to light the cigarette in his hand. As the wind picked up, tiny sparks danced in the air, and the curls of white smoke from his cigarette were whisked away by the breeze, disappearing into the sky.

Shen Chuhan's gaze remained fixed on the cigarette, observing as it burned down little by little. Gray ashes fell to the ground with each passing moment, while the subtle flicker of the flame reflected in his deep, dark eyes, adding a glint to their intensity.

Eleven years ago, on September 25th, his stepfather lost control of his emotions. A fire engulfed their home, taking away his mother, leaving him with facial scars, and destroying everything they owned.

On that very same day, Lin Ting was involved in an accident that resulted in the loss of his eyes. Leaving him blind.

Shen Chuhan couldn't decide if it was just bad luck or a mere coincidence.

Feeling overwhelmed by an unexplainable emotion, he started to panic. Unable to control himself, he turned around and glanced at the young man sitting in the cafe through a piece of glass.

The other person looked a bit nervous, and Shen Chuhan felt like he should return quickly.

But he felt like his feet were glued to the ground, unable to move. He didn't have the courage to move.

The phone he held in his hand suddenly vibrated multiple times, catching Shen Chuhan's attention. He raised his hand and lowered his head to look at the brightly lit screen. There, he saw several new messages that had just been sent to him.

[Brother, have you seen that person? How's it going?]

> [Listen, brother, don't reveal your marks during the date. I promise the person I've found for you this time won't run away!]

[Why aren't you replying to me?]

The screen suddenly turned black, reflecting Shen Chuhan's face. He couldn't help but stare at the ugly scars on his skin. The rough, rugged marks seemed to cover every inch of his face, and as he looked at them, Shen Chuhan felt an inexplicable feeling of disgust wash over him.

Shen Chuhan couldn't help but wonder: Lin Ting couldn't see. If he knew that he (SC) looked like this, would he feel deceived?

The icy wind felt like a blunt knife on his face. Suddenly, a mom and her kid walked past Shen Chuhan. The little boy, all bundled up like a chubby rice ball, glanced at Shen Chuhan's face and blurted out, "Mom! That uncle's face is so scary!"

A childish voice lingered in the air as the little boy's mother quickly covered his mouth. She quickly apologized to Shen Chuhan and pulled the little boy away swiftly.

Shen Chuhan watched the last sparks disappear before turning around, opening the glass door, and returning to the coffee shop.

Shen Chuhan watched the last sparks disappear before turning around, he opened the glass door and returned to the coffee shop.

On the other side, Lin Ting had been keeping a close eye on whether Shen Chuhan had returned, fearing that the other party would find an excuse just to leave. His heart was pounding so loudly, that he couldn't relax until he heard the sound of familiar footsteps approaching.

Only then did he feel a sense of relief, knowing that Shen Chuhan hadn't disappeared and was indeed coming back.

"I'm sorry," said the man, his voice chilly and a faint smell of smoke lingering around him. "I made Mr. Lin wait for a long time."

Lin Ting shook his head quickly and said that he didn't mind: "It didn't matter, it was just Mr. Shen's coffee. It had gotten cold. Did you want to order another drink?"

Shen Chuhan didn't speak. He just stood in front of Lin Ting silently, then bent down and gently took Lin Ting's wrist.

As Shen Chuhan gently held Lin Ting's wrist, a warmth spread from his touch, surprising Lin Ting. He lifted his head, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. H addressed Shen Chuhan with uncertainty in his voice, seeking clarification. "Mr. Shen?"

"I have something to tell you," Shen Chuhan said, his words coming out faster than usual. Then, he gently held Lin Ting's hand and touched his own cheek with it.

The gentle touch of Shen Chuhan's palm against his made Lin Ting's cheeks flush with warmth. Being deeply engaged in painting, Lin Ting was incredibly sensitive to the touch of different objects. Thus, when Shen Chuhan held his hand and pressed it against his own cheek, Lin Ting instantly understood the other person's intention.

Lin Ting's mind raced with confusion and concern. How could this be happening? They had only known each other for less than two hours! Why was Shen Chuhan already initiating such intimate gestures? It felt too soon, too sudden. These thoughts echoed in Lin Ting's mind, leaving him feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how to proceed.

Lin Ting's heart was pounding like a frightened deer. Which caused his head to spin with dizziness. He > struggled to find his words as he stammered, “Shen, Mr. Shen, you... you..."

"Shh," Shen Chuhan hushed gently, his eyes casting a soft gaze. Delicately, he picked up one of Lin Ting's fingers, guiding it to his own burn. "Feel it well," he encouraged.

The man's voice sounded deep and smooth, like a musical instrument. Lin Ting felt nervous and swallowed hard. He followed Shen Chuhan's advice, slowly rubbing the skin, making sure to cover every bit carefully, step by step.

He could clearly feel that this piece of skin was different. It felt very rough and a little bumpy, which were traces left after the scars had healed and scabbed.

"This is..." Lin Ting's voice was barely above a whisper as he spoke softly, "Is it your birthmark?" he asked.

"Something similar," Shen Chuhan confirmed.

"Then I don't have to worry about not being able to find you in the future," Lin Ting said with a sense of reassurance in his voice.

› As he smiled, his eyebrows arched, Shen Chuhan looked at Lin Ting and felt a warmth spread through his heart, softening his demeanor.

"It's a burn," Shen Chuhan admitted with a solemn shake of his head. "Mr. Lin, I'm not a perfect person either," he confessed, his tone carrying a sense of vulnerability and honesty.

"So," Shen Chuhan said softly as he held Lin Ting's finger gently.

"Would you like to marry me?"

•••

[TL/Author Words]

The publication will be twice a day. Thank you for understanding.

•••

Eh?

Eh??!!!!

Lin Ting's eyes widened, and his expression showed disbelief.

They've only known each other for two hours!

How can they already be talking about getting married?

Shen Chuhan tenderly clasped Lin Ting's hand, causing Lin Ting to feel his palms sweating from his racing heart. Sensing Lin Ting's surprise, Shen Chuhan released his hand gently and straightened up, "I'm sorry, I... I am being too straightforward."

The man's tall frame stood in front of Lin Ting, blocking the bright lights above. Lin Ting felt dizzy as he looked at the blurry figure. But he couldn't say anything for a long time.

It was Lin Ting's first time experiencing such a situation. Rather than fleeing, his blind date surprised him by proposing marriage.

"But, my eyes..." Lin Ting began to voice his hesitation, but his thoughts became muddled, and he found it difficult to express himself clearly due to the confusion in his mind.

"Mr. Lin's eyes are very beautiful," Shen Chuhan remarked suddenly as he raised his hands, gently cupping Lin Ting's cheeks, and softly rubbed the corners of Lin Ting's eyes with his calloused fingertips, his own shadow casting over the dark pupils of Lin Ting.

Lin Ting felt a slight jolt of surprise, causing his red lips to part halfway as he processed the unexpected touch. The warmth of the other person's palms covered his ears, intensifying the sensation of his heartbeat pounding loudly in his ears.

He quietly took a deep breath, then shifted his head slightly to evade Shen Chuhan's touch, and lowered his eyelashes, resembling crow feathers, as he stammered, "I... I will think about it carefully."

Lin Ting's nerves were overwhelming, causing his lips to quiver with anxiety. He couldn't suppress the trembling in his fingers as they anxiously twisted and wrinkled the fabric of his clothes, a clear indication of his inner turmoil.

"Did I scare you?" Shen Chuhan's voice softened as he lowered his eyes, focusing on the top of the young man's head.

Just as Lin Ting was about to shake his head, an unexpected ringtone interrupted the ambiguous atmosphere around him. He raised his head and blinked in confusion. Shen Chuhan patted his shoulder soothingly, then took out his cell phone and walked over to put the phone on.

Sitting in the café, Lin Ting immersed himself in the soothing melody of classical music that flowed into his ears. He sat still, holding the coffee cup with both hands.

Outside, it seemed as though it was raining, with raindrops falling steadily onto the ground. Vehicles zoomed past on the roadside, their tires rolling over the puddles, creating large splashes of water that sprayed into the air.

Lin Ting faintly heard Shen Chuhan's voice on the phone amidst the sound of the rain outside. Despite the calming ambiance of the rainy day, Shen Chuhan's tone hinted at a slight irritation. Despite his efforts to speak softly, Lin Ting could still discern the sound of his heavy breathing.

Lin Ting couldn't help but start to worry if Shen Chuhan had encountered any trouble.

Until Shen Chuhan returned, Lin Ting noticed that the other party's usually steady footsteps had become erratic

"Mr. Lin, I..." Shen Chuhan began, his voice trailing off as if he were uncertain how to continue.

"It doesn't matter!" Lin Ting interrupted before Shen Chuhan could finish speaking. "Mr. Shen, if you have something to do, go ahead and take care of it."

Shen Chuhan observed the youthful features of the young man's beautiful face. Despite being twenty-five years old, he had a look that suggested he was fresh out of college and had just begun navigating life in the real world.

The phone in Shen Chuhan's hand emitted a slight heat as he finally nodded in agreement. "Okay," he said, his voice carrying a hint of regret, "I actually wanted to talk more with Mr. Lin, but there's an unexpected issue that demands my attention at the company."

"I understand," Lin Ting responded, a soft smile gracing his lips as the bright yellow light shimmered in his eyes, enhancing his charm. "If there's a chance, let's talk next time, alright?"

Shen Chuhan's eyelashes trembled slightly as he asked, "Mr. Lin, would you like to exchange contact numbers?"

Lin Ting made a soft "hmm" sound in response. Then, he sheepishly rubbed the back of his head and said, "If it's okay with Mr. Shen..."

"Of course, I don't mind at all. I was just considering how to bring it up with you, Mr. Lin," Shen Chuhan replied warmly.

Lin Ting detected a hint of a smile in the man's tone, which he couldn't quite conceal. He bit his lower lip nervously, then reached into his jacket pocket to retrieve his mobile phone. With practiced ease, he unlocked it, and the phone's built-in accessibility feature automatically activated.

The loud robotic voice reverberated throughout the coffee shop, causing many heads to turn in curiosity. Lin Ting became increasingly aware of the growing number of eyes on him, feeling a sense of embarrassment creeping in. Hastily, he pulled up his scarf to cover himself partially and quickly exchanged contact information with Shen Chuhan.

Lin Ting was unaware that Shen Chuhan had been watching him the whole time. To Shen Chuhan, it wasn't strange that a blind person was using a phone. He even went ahead and added his own number to the top of Lin Ting's contacts.

"If Mr. Lin can draw, he must be very sensitive to color, right?" Shen Chuhan asked abruptly, catching Lin Ting off guard with the question.

Lin Ting tilted his head in confusion for a moment, then nodded in obedentily.

The next moment, there was a "ding dong" sound. Lin Ting lowered his head and saw a few colorful shapes appearing on the large white screen.

Then, a voice notification chimed in his ears: "Your friend Shen Chuhan sent you a new message."

Lin Ting blinked rapidly several times.

"Can you find which one is me now?" The man's gentle voice sounded from above.

Lin Ting's breath caught for a moment, and then his eyes began to warm up gradually.

He never seemed to consider it before.

"Thank you," Lin Ting's voice trembled slightly. "Mr. Shen is so kind."

Shen Chuhan's lips lifted into a subtle smile as he reached out, gently grasping Lin Ting's hand. Together, they walked towards the door, their steps synchronized.

Shen Chuhan's hand was slightly larger than Lin Ting's, allowing him to completely envelop Lin Ting's hand within his palm. The warmth from Shen Chuhan's hand gradually transferred to Lin Ting's skin as they walked together. Feeling his cheeks grow warm, Lin Ting instinctively pulled the lower half of his face into the scarf, attempting to conceal his blushing cheeks from Shen Chuhan's gaze.

At that moment, Lin Ting's heartbeat seemed to drown out all other sounds around him. It was the first time he entrusted himself to someone he had just met, allowing Shen Chuhan to guide him out of the coffee shop.

It was raining outside the house, and the cold rain, whipped by the wind, splattered against Lin Ting's face. In the next moment, Shen Chuhan halted in front of Lin Ting, shielding him from the rain.

"My car is here. I'll take Mr. Lin home first," Shen Chuhan said, then gently took Lin Ting's wrist once more.

"No, it's not necessary!" Lin Ting quickly declined Shen Chuhan's offer. "Mr. Shen, please go if you have something to do. My friend is waiting for me here, I'll be fine!"

As Lin Ting uttered his refusal, he instinctively took two steps backward. However, before he could regain his balance, someone accidentally stepped on the slippery floor, causing Lin Ting to lose his footing and fall backward. In a split second, Shen Chuhan, with quick reflexes, reached out and caught Lin Ting, pulling him securely into his arms before he could hit the ground.

Lin Ting collided head-on with Shen Chuhan's chest, resulting in a muffled groan echoing in his ears. Shen Chuhan's woolen coat was drenched from the rain, and his broad palms instinctively covered Lin Ting's back. Lin Ting's eyes widened in surprise, and he felt momentarily breathless, struggling to regain his composure.

The gap between them suddenly narrowed, and Lin Ting could smell the nice scent of the other person. Their hearts were close together, beating in sync, making it hard for Lin Ting to tell whose heart was pounding louder, revealing their innermost thoughts.

"Is Mr. Lin okay?" Shen Chuhan asked, his expression filled with concern as he glanced at Lin Ting. Despite being slightly shorter than Shen Chuhan, Lin Ting was well shielded by him, and not a single hair on his head was dampened by the rain.

Lin Ting shook his head and gently extracted himself from Shen Chuhan's embrace. The tip of his nose was tinged with red from the cold, and a hint of guilt flickered across his face. "I'm so sorry, I was so careless..." Lin Ting apologized softly.

Then, he pushed Shen Chuhan anxiously. "Mr. Shen! Time has been delayed for too long! Please go to the company and have a look!" Lin Ting urged urgently.

Lin Ting, feeling determined, pushed the 1.8-meter-tall man back a step. Seeing Lin Ting's anxiety, Shen Chuhan felt concerned too. He softened his stance and stopped finding excuses to delay. After giving a few more instructions, Shen Chuhan got into the car in the rain.

When Lin Ting heard the sound of the car starting, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Standing under the cafe's eaves, he tilted his head back, feeling the gentle touch of raindrops on his face.

The chilly rain made Lin Ting's back shiver, but strangely, he sensed a lingering warmth from where Shen Chuhan had touched him earlier. It felt like Shen Chuhan's warmth was still there, even though he had already left.

Lin Ting felt confused and unsure about what he was experiencing at the moment.

"Lin Lin! Lin Lin!"

A familiar shout snapped Lin Ting out of his thoughts. He turned to see Yan Zhou approaching. Yan Zhou had short hair and had traveled from afar to accompany Lin Ting on his blind date, ensuring he wouldn't get hurt or taken advantage of.

"Why are you standing here lost in thought?" Yan Zhou asked, wiping the rain off his face and then approaching Lin Ting curiously. "Was the person who hugged you just now your blind date?" he whispered, eager for gossip.

Lin Ting listened to Yan Zhou's words, feeling a sense of ambiguity. Quickly, he clarified, "It wasn't a hug, I almost fell, and Mr. Shen helped me."

"Really?" Yan Zhou looked skeptical. "Even if he helped, there was no need for him to hold you like that. Right?"

Lin Ting couldn't hide his emotions, so he attempted to cover Yan Zhou's mouth with his hand, but he couldn't quite reach. Feeling frustrated and unable to express himself, he turned away, sulking.

Yan Zhou smiled and gently poked Lin Ting's cheek with his finger. "I won't tease you anymore," he said reassuringly. "I've been watching from afar for a while now, and I must say, the guy your sister introduced this time is really handsome!"

Lin Ting turned around upon hearing this and asked eagerly, "What does he look like?"

"He's tall, slender, and has very fair skin. I thought he was a celebrity when I first saw him," Yan Zhou explained. "What were you two talking about? I just saw you looking lonely like you didn't want to leave."

Lin Ting pinched Yan Zhou's arm and gave it a twist, prompting Yan Zhou to let out a yelp of pain. Amidst Yan Zhou's protests, Lin Ting continued, "We weren't really talking about anything significant. Actually, as he was leaving, he asked me if I wanted to marry him."

"Ah - ah???" Yan Zhou's voice suddenly spiked in surprise. "Did he actually say that?" he asked incredulously, his eyes wide with astonishment.

Lin Ting nodded.

Yan Zhou rubbed his chin thoughtfully and then said, "In my experience, this person is either lying to you, or..."

He lowered his head and made eye contact with Lin Ting.

"He fell in love with you at first sight."

As Yan Zhou's words sunk into Lin Ting's ears, they left him in a state of shock, unable to regain his composure for a long time. Lin Ting's mouth quivered slightly as he struggled to process. "No, it's impossible," he finally managed to utter, his disbelief evident in his voice.

Love at first sight? With him? What a joke, Lin Ting thought to himself, feeling incredulous at the idea.

He didn't even know what the other person looked like.

Who would fall for someone who is blind?

Lin Ting was so confused that he felt like his head was going to explode. He kept rubbing his cheek with his scarf, trying to come up with some reasonable guesses for the sudden proposal.

Suddenly, a voice announcement came from Lin Ting's pocket: "Your friend Shen Chuhan sent a new message."

Lin Ting's heart, which was already racing, suddenly began to beat even faster, almost pounding in his chest. With hands trembling slightly, he reached for his phone and opened the app, and accurately opened Shen Chuhan's message.

The moment he entered the chat page, Lin Ting's phone's assistive function automatically played a voice message sent by Shen Chuhan.

A familiar voice emanated from the phone's speaker. Lin Ting raised the device and held it close to his ear to listen intently.

"I almost forgot to tell Mr. Lin," Shen Chuhan's voice came through.

"Actually, the first time I saw Mr. Lin," Shen Chuhan's voice continued, "...I was moved."

•••.