The next morning came earlier than Ding Feng had expected.
For the first time in years, he had actually woken up with something resembling purpose instead of dread. Sunlight filtered faintly through the curtains of the small room, and for a brief moment, he simply lay there, staring at the ceiling.
Then he remembered about the restaurant.
More specifically, he remembered Shen Jia's offer.
Her strange, unwavering belief in him.
Ding Feng sat up slowly and rubbed a hand over his jaw. His jaw felt smooth...he had no beard. He still was not used to it.
By the time he stepped out, Shen Jia was already ready, dressed simply but neatly, her hair tied back.
The moment she looked at him, she paused.
"Did you shave?" she asked, studying him closely.
"Yes." Ding Feng awkwardly touched his cheek with his palm. "You said I would look nice."
Shen Jia hummed softly. "Hm."
"Do I look nice?"
A faint blush touched her cheeks before she quickly looked away. "…You do."
