First Snow and the Second Hand
The ice that had separated them completely melted away after the warmth of their palms touching that night. In its place was a deeper, more solid understanding. Their relationship was not strained by that incident; instead, it was like metal that had been tempered, becoming even more resilient and its luster even more gentle.
Lu Shixu no longer deliberately avoided discussing his illness. He would inform Lin Zhiyi in advance of the times when he might feel sleepy, and when he felt tired, he would not force himself to stay awake, but instead choose to lean back in his chair and take a short nap. Lin Zhiyi also truly began to practice her "time zone coexistence." When he suddenly fell asleep, she would cover him with a light blanket, and then quietly read a book or work on a manuscript beside him, waiting for him to wake up naturally, as if it were just an ordinary ticking of the clock.
Autumn in Anping Lane is short; after a few cold rains, winter quietly arrives. The air becomes dry and crisp, and your breath produces a misty white vapor.
It was a weekend, and Lin Zhiyi arrived at "Shixu" carrying an insulated bag. Inside the bag were dumplings she had tried making herself. They didn't look perfect, but the filling was prepared with great care.
"Today is the Beginning of Winter, let's eat some dumplings, otherwise our ears will freeze." She smiled as she poured the still-warm dumplings onto the porcelain plate she had brought, and then took out a small dish and poured in vinegar and sesame oil.
Lu Shixu watched her busy figure, a faint but genuine smile appearing in his eyes. He put down his tools, went to the back to wash his hands, and the two of them sat by the workbench, sharing a plate of not-so-perfect but steaming dumplings under the warm light of a desk lamp.
"It tastes very good." He finished eating and looked at her earnestly.
"Really?" Lin Zhiyi's eyes lit up, with a hint of pride. "Then I'll try other fillings next time."
Outside the window, tiny, shimmering white particles began to drift down in the air.
"It's snowing!" Lin Zhiyi exclaimed in surprise as she walked to the window and looked out through the fogged glass. This was the first snowfall of the winter.
The snowfall was light; fine snowflakes danced in the dim glow of the streetlights, silently covering the gray roof tiles and the stone slabs of the alleyways, draping the old street in a thin, dreamlike silver veil.
Lu Shixu walked over to her side, and they looked out at the tranquil snow scene. The warm atmosphere inside the shop contrasted gently with the crisp chill of the first snow outside.
"I've heard that people who receive gifts on the first snow day will have good luck," Lin Zhiyi said softly, turning her head to look at his profile softened by the light.
Lu Shixu glanced at her sideways and asked, "What gift do you want?"
Lin Zhiyi shook her head, a sly smile on her face: "It's not that I want it. It's that I want to give you a gift."
She walked back to her bag, took out a small box about the size of her palm, wrapped in dark blue velvet, and handed it to him.
Lu Shixu was somewhat surprised as he took the box. The velvet felt delicate and cool to the touch. He glanced at Lin Zhiyi, and under her smiling, expectant gaze, gently opened the lid.
Inside the box, a wristwatch lay quietly on a black velvet lining.
The dial is a simple, off-white color, without any complicated markings, only slender black hands and minimalist Roman numerals. But upon closer inspection, you'll find that the dial material is not ordinary lacquer, but rather has a subtle, handcrafted texture, like the first snowflakes. The case is a retro-style round shape with smoothly polished edges, paired with a dark brown leather strap. The overall style is understated and elegant, yet exudes a refined taste.
However, what's most special isn't the front of the dial.
Lu Shixu's gaze was drawn to the back of the watch. He carefully took the watch out of the box and turned it over.
The watch's case back is neither the typical sealed nor openwork design; instead, it features a miniature yet intricately etched pattern using a special technique—the outline of the "Time Sequence" watch shop's facade, with even the crouching cat on the rooftop faintly discernible. Below the lines, a line of extremely small yet crystal-clear English lettering is engraved:
**"The only urate second hand, to my heart."**
(In my heart, you are the only accurate second hand.)
Lu Shixu's breath hitched slightly the moment he saw the words.
He looked up at Lin Zhiyi, his eyes filled with disbelief, shock, and overwhelming emotion. This watch, from its design to its smallest detail, revealed the utmost care and attention. It not only suited his profession and his world, but also imprinted her feelings on this small piece of paper in such a romantic and unwavering way.
Second hand.
For a clock, the second hand is the most basic, busiest, yet most easily overlooked component. But it never slackens, never stops, and is the most indispensable cornerstone of accurate timekeeping.
She said she was his second hand.
It is neither a dazzling minute hand that needs to be admired, nor a steady hour hand that lays the foundation for the future.
Rather, it is that which, in the time zone where he might "slack off" or "go on strike," still maintains a stable rhythm, supporting the smallest yet most core existence of his entire time system.
The weight of this gift far exceeds its material value.
"I...drew a sketch and asked an independent watchmaker friend to help me make it." Lin Zhiyi was a little embarrassed by his gaze and explained softly, "The dial...I tried to mix it myself with mineral powder, trying to create a bit of...snowy feel. It might not be perfect..."
She didn't finish her words.
Lu Shixu stepped forward, stretched out his arms, and gently, yet with absolute certainty, embraced her.
This was a belated, formal hug. Unlike the support during my last collapse, and unlike the tentative touch of fingertips before, this hug was filled with acceptance, gratitude, and a heavy, silent promise.
His chin rested gently on the top of her head, and she could smell the familiar, cool scent of pine and metal on him, mixed with a reassuring warmth.
“It’s perfect,” he whispered in her ear, his voice slightly hoarse with emotion. “It’s the best gift I’ve ever received…”
Outside the window, the first snow continued to fall silently, covering the ancient city.
Inside the window, they embraced amidst the echoes of time filling the room.
The second hand of the watch in his hand was moving quietly, precisely and steadily, toward the next moment, and toward their shared future, a future full of unknowns but no longer frightening.
At this moment, no more words are needed.
In his heart, she was the only accurate second hand.
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