Li Meiyu's POV – The Fragrance of Fate
A Dream That Feels Too Real
A warm hand intertwined with mine. I couldn't see his face, but the feeling of safety and belonging surrounded me.
A gentle breeze carried the scent of jasmine and sandalwood, calming yet stirring something deep in my heart.
Then—suddenly—the dream shattered.
The harsh ringing of my alarm pulled me back to reality. My eyes snapped open, my heart pounding against my ribs.
I sat up, gasping, wiping the sweat from my brow. Why? Why does this dream keep haunting me?
No matter how many times I had it, the feeling lingered. The warmth. The familiarity.
Who is he?
I sighed, shaking my head. Enough of this. I have real problems to handle.
I got out of bed, moving through my morning routine on autopilot. Today was important.
As I stepped out of my room, the scent of breakfast filled the air. Rona, my best friend and roommate, was standing by the stove.
"You overslept again, sleepyhead," she teased, placing a plate on the table.
I smiled. "You're saving my life again, Rona."
"Eat fast and go rock your day," she said, grinning.
I ate quickly, thanked her, and rushed to the bus stop.
A Day of Searching and an Unexpected Encounter
College went by in a blur, lectures and notes blending together. But my mind was elsewhere.
I needed a job.
Yesterday, I had quit all my part-time jobs to focus on my medical studies, but my dream—to build a hospital with my own money—meant I had to work harder than ever.
My phone buzzed. Rona.
"I found a job for you! A perfume store is hiring," she said excitedly.
A perfume store? It sounded perfect. Less pressure than my previous jobs and a chance to work in a peaceful environment.
"You're the best!" I grinned. "If I get the job, I'm buying you a treat."
"You better!" she laughed.
By evening, I found myself outside the store. But fate had other plans.
"We're having some issues today," the owner sighed. "Can you come tomorrow?"
Disappointed, I nodded. Another delay.
On my way home, I spotted a small crowd. In the middle of the chaos, a man lay unconscious.
I rushed over. No time to hesitate.
His pulse was weak. His breathing, shallow. CPR. Now.
I pressed down on his chest, counting under my breath. A few moments later, he gasped, his eyes fluttering open.
Relief flooded me. He's alive.
He looked at me, his expression filled with gratitude. "Thank you…"
I smiled. "I'm a medical student. It's my job to help."
As I walked home, exhaustion settled over me, but something strange lingered in my heart.
The Unshakable Feeling
"You gave CPR to someone?" Rona gasped as soon as I told her.
"Yeah. But…" I hesitated. "Something weird happened."
"What do you mean?"
"My heart… started beating fast. And not because of fear. It was like—I don't know. A connection?"
Rona frowned. "Are you sure you're okay?"
I forced a smile. "I'm fine. Just tired."
She reached out, squeezing my hand. "You always take care of everyone else. Let me take care of you too, okay?"
I nodded, warmth filling my chest. Rona was my family. The only real family I had.
That night, as I lay in bed, the dream came again.
The faceless man. The warmth. The comfort.
I woke up feeling more lost than ever.
The Interview and the Man I Didn't See
Morning came too fast. After a quick breakfast, I said goodbye to Rona and headed to college.
By afternoon, I arrived at the perfume store, determined to make a good impression.
"Please wait here," the owner said, motioning to a small table.
I sat down, pulling out a book. I never wasted time.
But suddenly—it happened again.
My heart raced. For no reason at all.
I pressed a hand to my chest, frowning. Why?
I felt… watched.
Slowly, I turned around.
Nothing. Just a black luxury car driving away.
I shook my head. I must be imagining things.
The owner returned, smiling. "Let's begin your interview."
The interview went perfectly. By the end, she smiled warmly.
"Welcome to the team, Meiyu."
I got the job.
Excited, I called Rona.
"I GOT THE JOB!"
She screamed on the other end. "We need to celebrate!"
That night, we went out, laughing, eating, feeling free for once.
But as we walked home, it happened again.
That feeling.
Like someone was watching.
My heart beating too fast.
I glanced around, but the streets were empty.
Three times now.
Something was happening.
And somehow, I knew—
This was just the beginning.