A Cooling Half-Cup of Tea: Good Intentions

Seven years ago, she was an empress admired by all, proud beyond measure, with an innocent, naive heart. Seven years later, she is an ordinary woman fallen into the dust, deftly navigating the world with polished grace, while the passage of time begins to etch its marks on her heart.

Seven years ago, he was a defiant, untamed overlord, brilliant and unconventional, always at odds with her. Seven years later, he is a mature and charming gentleman, commanding the glittering world of the bustling city, yet that warmth has quietly slipped away.

Seven years ago, he was a gentleman as gentle as jade, with a sunny smile, steadfast devotion, and warm hands. Seven years later, he is a wanderer returning home, having forgotten the past, clinging to a single thread of memory as he struggles to remain connected to who he once was. It breaks your heart.

A life has few stretches of seven years, yet here we met and came to know each other.

I treasure it, and I am grateful.

But still, I must go searching for the one who shields me from the storm, risks everything for me, suffers for me, and stands by me in my darkest moments, yet will also leave me and give me up.