Hold tight
Chapter 24: Hold on tight
The December city was shrouded in a winter chill. Bai Ke sat in the conference room of the psychological institution, his fingers unconsciously tightening. Today was the day the results of the regularization assessment would be announced.
"After a comprehensive evaluation, we've decided to officially hire Bai Ke," the supervisor announced with a smile. "Her performance during the internship was remarkable and received high praise from clients."
Warm applause rang out in the conference room. Bai Ke felt his eyes warm up slightly; his hard work had finally paid off.
As I walked out of the institution's gate, the winter sunset was just perfect. Chen Yiyu was waiting there, holding a bouquet of elegant white tulips.
"Congratulations." He handed her the flowers, his eyes full of pride.
Bai Ke couldn't help but smile. At this moment, all his tiredness disappeared.
"I've booked a ticket to Linshi tomorrow," Chen Yiyu said softly, "Let's go to Qingquan Ancient Town and stay overnight to celebrate your official promotion."
Bai Ke hesitated for a moment and said, "But Qiu Luodi..."
"Everything is arranged." Chen Yiyu held her hand, "This time, I won't let anyone or anything disturb us."
The next morning, they boarded a bus bound for the nearby city. The winter sun streamed through the window, radiating warmth on them. Bai Ke leaned on Chen Yiyu's shoulder, watching the scenery rapidly recede outside the window. It felt like a dream.
This was their first trip together.
"If you're tired, take a nap." Chen Yiyu gently adjusted his posture to make her more comfortable. "I'll call you when we get there."
Bai Ke closed her eyes, feeling the familiar scent of him, and before she knew it, she fell asleep. She had a short dream, a dream about that rainy day in her second year of high school, when she handed him an umbrella. In the dream, he took the umbrella, but instead of leaving, he smiled and said to her, "This time, I'll hold the umbrella for you."
When she woke up, the bus was pulling into the service station. Bai Ke opened her eyes and found that Chen Yiyu had been keeping the same posture, afraid of waking her up.
"Almost there," he whispered, his fingertips gently combing through her somewhat messy hair.
At this moment, Chen Yiyu's phone rang. The name flashing on the screen made both of them freeze - Qiu Luodi.
Chen Yiyu took a deep breath, pressed the answer button, and at the same time held Bai Ke's hand tightly.
"Chen Yiyu! Where are you? Why didn't you answer my call?" Qiu Luodi's voice came through the microphone, crying hysterically, "Are you with her? Don't you want me anymore?"
Bai Ke could feel Chen Yiyu's hand trembling slightly, but he did not let go, but held it tighter.
"Lodi, calm down." His voice was calm. "I'm outside, attending an academic conference with Professor Zhou."
This white lie made Bai Ke stunned for a moment.
"You're lying! I called Professor Zhou and he's not in Linshi at all!"
"It's a last-minute schedule." Chen Yiyu remained calm. "Luo Di, I remember you had a psychological consultation appointment today. Did you go on time?"
The crying on the other end of the phone subsided a little: "I went...but the doctor didn't understand me at all..."
"Then take your medicine on time and cooperate with the treatment." Chen Yiyu's tone was gentle but firm. "I'll go back to see you tomorrow, okay?"
After a few more soothing words, he finally hung up. The bus started up again, and silence fell on the carriage.
"I'm sorry." Chen Yiyu whispered, his fingers still tightly clasped with hers.
Bai Ke shook her head and looked at him: "You don't need to apologize. I understand you."
This was the first time that when he received Qiu Luodi's call, he did not avoid her or show panic, but held her hand tightly and faced it together.
"Her condition has stabilized a lot recently, but she still keeps looking for me." Chen Yiyu looked out the window. "The doctor said this is a manifestation of post-traumatic stress disorder and requires time and professional treatment."
"I understand." Bai Ke said softly, "I can understand."
Chen Yiyu turned his head and looked at her deeply: "Bai Ke, thank you. Thank you for your understanding, thank you for waiting, thank you... for never giving up on me."
The bus drove out of the tunnel, and sunlight instantly filled the car. Chen Yiyu's eyes looked particularly clear in the sunlight, and the determination and love in them made Bai Ke's heart tremble slightly.
“This trip,” he said with a smile, “is just for us.”
Two hours later, the bus arrived at Qingquan Ancient Town. With its bluestone pavement, small bridges, and flowing water, the ancient town in winter possessed a unique tranquil beauty.
The homestay they stayed in had a small courtyard with an old plum tree planted in it, its branches full of flower buds.
"It would be nice if it snowed," Bai Ke said, standing in the yard, exhaling a breath of white air. "The plum blossoms reflected in the snow must be beautiful."
Chen Yiyu hugged her gently from behind: "Then let's wait until it snows before leaving."
In the evening, they had a local specialty dinner at a small restaurant in the ancient town. On the way back, light snow really began to fall from the sky.
"It's snowing!" Bai Ke stretched out his hand in surprise and caught the falling snowflakes.
Chen Yiyu looked at her happy expression, his eyes so gentle that they seemed to melt the snow. He untied his scarf and gently wrapped it around her neck: "Don't catch a cold."
When we got back to the B&B, the owner had already lit a small stove in the yard: "It's snowing tonight, it's perfect to sit in the yard and enjoy the plum blossoms."
They sat side by side by the fire, watching the snowflakes gently fall on the plum branches. The crackling flames warmed the winter night.
"Bai Ke," Chen Yiyu suddenly said, "When spring comes, let's go see the cherry blossoms. In summer, let's go see the sea, and in autumn, let's see the maple leaves. I want to see the scenery of all four seasons with you."
Bai Ke leaned on his shoulder, feeling this rare peace and happiness.
Snowflakes fell quietly, and plum blossoms bloomed quietly in the night. Just like their love, it had gone through wind and rain and finally blossomed into its most beautiful form in winter.
This time, the tightly held hands will never be released.
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