Every morning, Lin Wei walks into the Summer Night Breeze Cafe and orders his usual iced Americano, until he meets the owner, Shen Zhixia. Whenever he comes in, she warms the cup in advance and even draws a little sun on the sleeve: “Iced drinks are too cold. Hold it somewhere warm.”
Shen Zhixia remembers that Lin Wei doesn't like sugar, but makes him a hot latte when the weather turns cold. She knows he works late, so she leaves a light on and freshly brewed coffee ready for him. There are no contrived attempts to strike up a conversation, only the quiet understanding between them as the grinder turns, and the gentle warmth when their fingertips touch as she hands him his coffee.
Then, one stormy night, Lin Wei waits outside the cafe with an umbrella and a hand warmer in his grasp. “You're afraid of the dark. I'll walk you home.”
The story of Lin Wei and Shen Zhixia is the gentlest kind of romance in the city. It turns out the best love is hidden in the thoughtfulness of “I remember how you like it,” and in every cup of coffee served at just the right temperature.
