My name is Xiaoyan. I live in a city that is neither too big nor too small. My life is as plain as water until I met Yuxuan. It was a sunny afternoon when the streets were bathed in sunlight. I was hurrying along with a stack of books in my arms and didn’t notice what was ahead. I bumped into him who was coming towards me. The books scattered all over the ground. We were frantically picking them up while apologizing. When I looked up, Meeting his clear and apologetic eyes, my heart felt as if it had been gently bumped by something.
Since then, it seemed that fate began to deliberately bring us together. In the library, in the park, and even in the coffee shop we often visited, we would always run into each other by chance. Over time, we gradually became familiar with each other and had more and more topics to talk about, from poetry and songs to life ideals. We could talk about anything. During our time together, I found that Yuxuan was a particularly gentle and ambitious person. He was full of passion for life. Those little dreams all shone brightly when he spoke of them, and I, too, shared my joys and sorrows with him without any reservation.
Our feelings gradually warmed up through these repeated exchanges. Finally, on a moonlit night as clear as water, Yuxuan, blushing by the lake in the park, confessed his love to me. He said, “Xiaoyan, from the first time we met, I felt you were special. During this period of time we spent together, I found myself increasingly unable to live without you. Would you like to be my girlfriend?” Looking at his nervous yet expectant expression, I blushed and nodded. At that moment, the moonlight fell upon us, as if the whole world had become incredibly beautiful. I thought this was the beginning of my happy story.
The days of love were sweet and warm. We would pick fresh ingredients together at the market in the early morning, and then go home to cook a meal for each other that was not professional but full of love. On weekends, I would ride a bicycle through the narrow alleys of the city, exploring those unknown beautiful scenes. In the evening, we would curl up on the sofa, sharing the funny things of the day with each other. When I was having my period, Yuxuan would clumsily boil brown sugar water and then carefully serve it to me. When he is troubled by work, I will also quietly stay by his side and listen to him pour out his heart.
Life is not always smooth sailing. Yuxuan’s work is facing a major challenge. The company is going to select outstanding employees to study abroad for a year. This is an excellent opportunity for his career development. Yuxuan hesitated. He didn’t want to leave me, but he also didn’t want to miss this rare opportunity. Seeing his troubled look, I was extremely reluctant in my heart. But I still gritted my teeth and encouraged him to go. I said, “Yuxuan, this has always been your dream. I can’t be a hindrance to you. Go without worry. I’ll be here waiting for you to come back.” Yuxuan hugged me tightly, his voice a little choked up: “Xiaoyan, don’t worry. A year will pass quickly. When I come back, we’ll never be apart again.” ”
On the day of our parting, the airport was bustling with people, but in my eyes, there was only Yu Xuan. He kept looking back every few steps, his eyes brimming with longing and reluctance. At the moment the plane took off, my tears couldn’t help but well up in my eyes. In the coming year, we will be separated by thousands of mountains and rivers, and can only maintain our relationship through video calls and phone calls.
In the early days, we would video chat every day, sharing the little things in each other’s lives. He would excitedly tell me about his new discoveries abroad and the new friends he made. I would also complain to him about the small troubles I encountered at work. That proud stray cat in the community ignored me again. Although we are far apart, it feels like our hearts are still closely connected.
However, as time went by, it seemed that some subtle changes gradually emerged between us. Yuxuan’s classes became increasingly busy. Sometimes, he would miss the video call time we had arranged due to unexpected matters. Even when the call was connected, he looked very tired and lost the enthusiasm he had before when speaking. As for me, in the daily waiting, the grievances and yearning in my heart grew more and more. Once, I was criticized by my boss for a mistake at work and was in a terrible mood. I really wanted to confide in Yu Xuan. Finally, I waited for him to have a video call, but he kept talking about a project he was participating in abroad and didn’t notice my low spirits at all. By the time he finished speaking, I had no desire to confide anymore. I just said calmly, “I’m a bit tired. I’m going to sleep now,” and hung up the video call.
Since then, it seemed that the conflicts between us were increasing. Due to the time difference, we always couldn’t get the right time to call each other. Even when we managed to talk, we would always quarrel over some trivial matters. I complained that he didn’t care about me, and he felt that I didn’t understand his busyness. Gradually, the frequency of video calls and phone calls became less and less. Communication between us also became cautious, as if an invisible barrier lay between us.
On a long rainy night, I sat alone by the window, gazing at the rain curtain outside, my heart filled with confusion. The quarrels and cold wars during this period had left me physically and mentally exhausted. I began to wonder if this wait was still meaningful and whether I should give up and start my life anew. However, whenever I recall the little things we once shared, those sweet moments make me reluctant to let go.
Just when I was extremely conflicted inside, Yuxuan suddenly appeared in front of me. He looked very haggard, but his eyes showed determination. He said Xiaoyan, I’ve figured it out. Nothing is more important than you. This year, I was abroad. Although there were many opportunities, my heart was always empty because you weren’t by my side. I didn’t want to miss you again, so I ended my further studies ahead of schedule and came back.
Looking at the man before me who was willing to do anything for me, my tears streamed down again. This time, it wasn’t because of grievance or longing, but because of being moved and joyful. All the conflicts and misunderstandings vanished at this moment. We hugged each other tightly, as if time had stopped for us.
After going through this setback, we cherish each other even more. Yuxuan has found a new job. Although it is busy, he always finds time to be with me. We plan for the future together and are preparing to save money to buy a little home of our own. Meanwhile, I am also working harder, hoping to create a wonderful life with him.
Whenever I recall those days of waiting, my heart is filled with countless emotions. The waiting of love is never an easy thing. It is full of heartache, grievance and confusion. But as long as there is love in the heart and firmness for each other, all the waiting will become worthwhile. Because in this world, there is someone who is willing to cross mountains and rivers for you to come back to your side. What could be more wonderful than this?