Part 1, Chapter 5 Summary

Lin is becoming aware of Manna's admiration, but feels conflicted. He notices that she looks older and less appealing since her break up with Mai Dong and wonders if he's really attracted to her. He dwells on his marital situation, envious of other couples who seem happy together. He does not blame Shuyu, who took care of his mother until her death and is now doing the same for his father. He does, however, try to be kind to Manna, especially after he learns she was raised in an orphanage and has no close relatives.

One day Manna leaves an opera ticket and a note telling him to go and enjoy the performance. He arrives to find her in the next seat. During the performance, she takes his hand and begins to stroke his palm. To his own surprise, he reciprocates...