Night shrouded the dim bedroom of an old Wu family residence. A single lamp cast a faint glow, filling the room with a quiet, mysterious air.
“Jinlian, do you love me?”
Dalong’s voice trembled with doubt. He gazed at his wife with unfocused eyes, as if searching for a sincerity he could never quite grasp.
“Dalong, stop drinking. I love you!”
Jinlian’s voice was gentle yet firm, her eyes shining with genuine emotion. She stroked Dalong’s cheek, trying to stir a response deep within him.
“No, I don’t believe you. How could you possibly love me?”
Pain and self-mockery colored Dalong’s voice. His eyes were clouded with confusion and distrust. He couldn’t accept that the woman he loved, who had been cold to him every day, would suddenly return his feelings.
“It’s true. Stop drinking, you’ll die! I really do love you, Dalong. I swear!”
Jinlian’s tears fell like rain, her voice full of sorrow and conviction. She was now willing to give her life to show Dalong just how deeply she loved him.
