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墨書 Inktalez
Chen Yifan (Evan) and Lin Meichi (Michelle) chose a high-end restaurant located in the center of Taipei.
Elegant chandeliers cast a golden glow over specially designed marble dining tables, surrounded by chairs made of rosewood and leather. In this setting, the two finally had the opportunity to delve into their respective views on independence.
"Independence is a choice for me, but it's also a necessity," Michelle said slowly, while enjoying the French duck breast in front of her.
"Evan, do you know? When you don't have reliable people around you, independence is not just a choice, but a necessity for survival," she continued.
Michelle has sharp eyes, reflecting deep life experience. Growing up in a single-parent family, her mother struggled between work and family all year round, and she learned how to take care of herself from a young age.
"Evan not only agrees with Michelle's point of view, but also provides another perspective."
"Yes, we are all very independent, but independence also has different levels and aspects. Independence is not isolation; we also need social and interpersonal relationships," Evan said as he tasted his seafood platter. The dish was made with fresh ingredients and beautifully presented.
Evan, coming from a broken family, saw his parents go their separate ways after their divorce. Independence for him is a way to avoid experiencing another family breakdown.
"However, with too much independence, will we also miss out on certain things? For example, a partner to rely on, a real family." Michelle's voice carried a slight tremble, clearly indicating that she had thought about this question for a long time.
Evan remained silent for a moment, gazing out the window at the splendid night view, with towering buildings and bright lights.
He finally said, "Independence and reliance is an endless debate. But I think the most important thing is to find the right balance for oneself."
As dessert was served, the atmosphere of tonight gradually came to an end. In front of them were delicate French mousse cakes, with a delicate texture that mirrored their complex emotions.
Michelle slowly inserted the spoon into the mousse, took a taste, and continued, "Perhaps we are all too accustomed to independence, to the point that we forget that reliance is also a form of strength. Not everything has to be carried on our own, right?"
Evan looked at Michelle, and in that moment, it was as if time stood still. Their gazes met, and in this breathless city, it seemed like they had found a space where they could truly breathe.
"You're right. Dependence is not a weakness, but a choice. Choosing to depend means you are willing to expose a part of yourself, to let people see your imperfections. But it's also the starting point for building deep relationships," Evan's words are full of philosophy, obviously well thought out.
"That's right. A person can't solve everything on their own. Sometimes you have to look at the people around you, see if they are willing to become that force in your life," Michelle lightly laughs, elegantly putting a piece of cake into her mouth.
Evan reminisced about Michelle's words, feeling a sudden stir in his heart. He glanced at the other patrons in the restaurant, all in pairs, holding hands or face to face, but some of them had a profound connection that didn't require any extra gestures to feel.
In that moment, he realized that his relationship with Michelle had long surpassed their criticisms and rebuttals of the institution of marriage, entering a more subtle and authentic realm.
"Thank you, Michelle. This date has shown me a lot, not just about marriage, but about us," Evan said, his voice filled with gratitude.
"Me too, Evan. And most importantly, we understand each other more, respect each other more, and trust each other more," Michelle responded, her eyes filled with sincerity.
The restaurant's lights became softer and softer, as if drawing a perfect conclusion to this moment of beauty. At the moment their hands touched, it was as if they could feel the rhythm of each other's heartbeat, a melody only they could understand.
"Oh, by the way, I have two tickets to the art gallery. Are you free tomorrow to go together?" Michelle said, taking out the tickets.
"An art gallery, huh? Sounds good, let's go check it out together tomorrow," Evan responded, his tone revealing a kind of unknown excitement this time.
Location: A well-known art gallery in Taipei City
Chen Yifan (Evan) and Lin Meichi (Michelle) stand at the entrance of the gallery, their emotions mirroring the colorful yet indescribable paintings hanging on the walls.
The interior design of the gallery is very modern, with simple white walls displaying various contemporary art pieces.
Custom-made lights hang from the high ceiling, casting soft light onto each painting, making it impossible not to stop and appreciate them.
Evan has sharp eyes and immediately spotted a painting representing "independence." The painting depicts a bird gracefully flying in the boundless sky.
He thought, perhaps this could be a good starting point for today's discussion on independence.
Michelle noticed another painting, in which the figures leaned on each other while still maintaining their own space. This perfectly echoed her views on independence and reliance.
"What do you think of that painting?" Evan asked slowly, his gaze still fixed on the painting symbolizing "independence."
Michelle followed his gaze and replied, "Very profound. Just like we discussed yesterday, independence is something everyone should strive for, but it doesn't mean rejecting reliance completely."
"Yes, I agree. Independence doesn't mean isolation; it means having the ability to make your own choices without being swayed by external influences."
Evan turned to her and continued, "I always feel that, especially in love, excessive reliance can make people lose themselves."
"But excessive independence can also create barriers, making it difficult for people to truly understand each other. I have had this experience before, being too independent made me and my partner feel like we were living in two different worlds," Michelle said, her tone deep, as if she had returned to the past.
The conversation between the two echoed in the gallery, much like these paintings, with different layers of meaning.
They smiled knowingly at each other and then turned to look at other paintings.
After this exchange, both Evan and Michelle have a clearer understanding that what they pursue is not just independence or dependence, but a kind of interdependence within independence, or independence within interdependence.
Just like the painting Michelle saw before, people rely on each other while still maintaining their own space.
"I am glad that we could have such a deep discussion. It makes me more certain that we share a common goal on this unconventional path of love," Evan said with emotion.
The light reflected in Michelle's pupils as she smiled slightly. "Yes, but I also believe that sometimes dependence is not necessarily a bad thing. It can be a form of strength."
"Strength?" Evan was somewhat surprised by the word.
Michelle walked to another painting, which depicted a pair of birds soaring in the sky, close to each other but still maintaining a certain distance.
"Look, this is what I call interdependence in independence. These birds rely on each other's presence, but they still have their own space and direction."
Evan was suddenly struck by Michelle's words, feeling a sense of enlightenment. "So, what you're saying is, even if we choose a non-traditional path, it doesn't mean we can't have reliance and commitment."
Michelle turned around, and when her eyes met Evan's, both of them felt an indescribable surge of emotion. "Yes, just as we can find our own place in this city, we can also find our own world in each other."
At that moment, a delicate violin melody gently filled the gallery, setting the scene for this beautiful and heartfelt moment.
Evan stared unwaveringly at an abstract painting woven with deep blue and purple, and suddenly said, "You know, this painting reminds me of us. It seems intricate, but it's actually orderly. Each independent, yet somehow interdependent on some level."
Michelle looked at Evan and smiled, "That's exactly what I want to express, Evan. We can rely on each other, but at the same time, we shouldn't lose ourselves."
"So, how do we find this balance?" Evan came to his senses and locked eyes with Michelle.
Michelle took a step closer, a determined glint in her eyes. "We can try to find that balance together. Whether it's work, family, or love, we all need space to breathe and spread our wings. But that doesn't mean we can't be each other's support when needed."
Evan took a deep breath. "I completely agree. In fact, I've been thinking about how to find that balance in this relationship. We both have our beliefs and values, as well as our own goals and pursuits."
"So, this is a new beginning, right?" A glimmer of hope flashed in Michelle's eyes.
"Yes, a new beginning that we shape together," Evan smiled as he walked to Michelle's side and tightly held her hand.
Two people stood there, their eyes meeting, like every painting in the gallery having its own story and emotion, they too have their own love and future.
However, life is like these works of art, always filled with uncertainty and variables.
But as Michelle and Evan understand, only after going through twists and turns and tempering can they find the true balance that belongs to them.
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