Twilight Love

Zhang Mingda, a 48-year-old former manual laborer, has a daughter named Zhang Ying who is married and works as a manager at a joint venture. With no burdens, Zhang Mingda retired early and now works as a security guard at a facility, living a comfortable life.

One day, after work, Zhang Mingda saw a woman faint on the street and quickly took her to the hospital in a taxi. After receiving treatment, the woman woke up but remained silent, pulling out her IV and walking out in a daze.

Zhang Mingda, feeling strange and concerned, followed her and asked questions. After a while, the woman spoke up. Her name was Li Ling, a 40-year-old woman whose husband had an affair and had just divorced her. With no source of income, her only son was awarded to her husband.

Feeling faint after leaving the courthouse, she collapsed and would have been in trouble without Zhang Mingda's help. After hearing her story, Zhang Mingda alternated between anger and sympathy. After some time, he offered her his small one-bedroom apartment at a low rent, providing her with a place to stay and introducing her to some sewing work for a livelihood.

Over time, as they frequently interacted, a subtle affection developed between them. Although Zhang Mingda had little education, he was kind and caring, always looking after Li Ling. She was touched, as her ex-husband had never cared for her like this.

One day, Zhang Mingda brought a bag of fruit to visit Li Ling. They hadn't spoken much when there was a knock on the door. Li Ling, smiling, said it must be her son. A tall boy stood at the door, looking surprised at Zhang Mingda and Li Ling. He put 200 yuan on the table, saying it was his pocket money from his father that he didn't need. Li Ling, full of love, refused the money, but the boy insisted, saying he could save it by eating less at Pizza Hut. Then, staring at Zhang Mingda, he asked to talk outside. Zhang Mingda agreed.

Li Ling worriedly watched them leave, fearing something might happen. After about half an hour, Zhang Mingda returned. Li Ling hurriedly asked what her son had said. Zhang Mingda smiled and said the boy was sensible, asking him to take good care of Li Ling, who had suffered a lot, and to cherish her. He also mentioned that the boy was doing well in school and that his stepmother was kind and took good care of him. Li Ling felt relieved.

Soon, it was Mid-Autumn Festival. Zhang Mingda and Li Ling were enjoying the moon and mooncakes when Zhang Mingda hesitantly suggested they move in together. Li Ling blushed, looked down, and after a while, agreed with a smile. Zhang Mingda was overjoyed and mentioned that his daughter Zhang Ying wanted to meet her and have dinner together.

On Sunday, Zhang Mingda brought Li Ling to Zhang Ying's home. Zhang Ying welcomed them warmly but then scrutinized Li Ling, making her uncomfortable. She asked her father to water the garden downstairs so she could talk to Li Ling alone. Once Zhang Mingda left, Zhang Ying's demeanor changed. She coldly told Li Ling that she didn't want her to marry her father, accusing her of being a burden due to her lack of a stable job and implying that Li Ling must have been intolerable for her husband to cheat.

Li Ling, hurt by Zhang Ying's words, left without a word. She met Zhang Mingda on her way out, who asked if she wanted to water the garden. Li Ling, holding back tears, shook her head. Zhang Mingda suggested she sit and wait for dinner.

On the way back, Zhang Mingda asked about Li Ling's impression of his daughter. Li Ling said she was very capable. Zhang Mingda smiled happily.

Sitting on a bench in the sunset, they held hands in silence. Zhang Mingda then said he had heard what his daughter said but was determined to marry Li Ling. He had saved enough to open a clothing store for her, believing she would do well. Li Ling, tears of happiness and gratitude in her eyes, agreed.

Zhang Mingda sighed and said he didn't know how to get past Li Ling's son. Li Ling asked what he had said. Zhang Mingda admitted he had lied about the boy's advice, revealing that the boy had warned him to stay away from Li Ling, saying he was too old and didn't match her.

Li Ling, tears streaming down her face, embraced Zhang Mingda, saying he was the greatest fortune in her life and she would marry him, no matter how poor or difficult it might be.