Li Mo
The college entrance exam results have been released, and everything has settled down.
Li Mo was admitted to the law school of Beichuan University, which she had long admired, with excellent grades, while Liang Xinchong also performed exceptionally well and was successfully admitted to the economics program of a good first-tier university in Jinshi.
Although they couldn't be in the same city, the two cities are not far apart, just an hour away by high-speed rail, which is the best result they could hope for.
University life unfolds slowly, fresh and busy, but also accompanied by the longing unique to long-distance relationships.
On a crisp autumn weekend, Liang Xinchong finally couldn't resist and boarded the high-speed train bound for Beichuan.
More than an hour later, he was standing on the ancient yet vibrant campus of Beichuan University.
In autumn, the ginkgo leaves at Beichuan University are edged with gold.
Li Mo was carrying her books when she walked along the tree-lined path next to the law school. Suddenly, she was stopped by Chen, a senior from the same club.
"Li Mo, please wait a moment!" The boy pushed up his glasses, his cheeks slightly flushed. "There are some things I've wanted to say for a long time..."
Just as he mustered the courage to confess his feelings, a familiar figure appeared behind Li Mo.
"Momo!"
Liang Xinchong, dragging his suitcase, stood a few steps away, looking travel-worn.
The smile on his face froze the moment he saw what was happening before him—the blushing boy, the uneasy Li Mo, and the all-too-familiar atmosphere of a confession.
The air froze instantly.
Chen was so embarrassed he didn't know what to do, and Li Mo was also stunned: "Why did you arrive early?"
Liang Xinchong strode forward, naturally took the book from Li Mo's arms, put his other arm around her waist, and looked directly at the senior: "Hello, I am Li Mo's boyfriend, Liang Xinchong."
"Boy-boyfriend?" Chen stammered, taking a half-step back. "I'm sorry, I didn't know..."
"Now I understand." Liang Xinchong nodded slightly, his tone polite but carrying an undeniable air of authority. He looked down at Li Mo in his arms, his voice suddenly softening: "I'm hungry, how about you take me to the best food stall in your cafeteria?"
After the senior student hurriedly left, Liang Xinchong immediately pulled Li Mo behind a ginkgo tree. His previous composure vanished instantly; he buried his face in her neck, his voice muffled:
“I’ve only been away for a month, and someone is already trying to poach me.”
Li Mo patted his back lightly: "I was just about to reject him."
“I know,” he said, tightening his arms around him, “but I just don’t feel well.”
"Then what should we do?" Li Mo looked up at him.
Looking into her clear eyes, Liang Xinchong felt his awkwardness become palpable.
He suddenly released her hand, and under her questioning gaze, stretched out his arms and pulled her firmly into his embrace.
This hug carried an undeniable force and a declarative meaning, far more intimate and assertive than the previous hand-holding gesture.
He rested his chin on the top of her head, his gaze sweeping over any potential other eyes around them. His voice wasn't loud, but it was clear enough for those nearby to hear, carrying a touch of the naive yet earnest possessiveness unique to young people.
“That’s it, from now on when you go out,” he whispered in her ear, his tone a mix of grievance and domineering, “you’ll have to keep me on your toes.”
Li Mo was amused by his childish actions and words, but her heart melted.
She didn't struggle; instead, she found a more comfortable position in his arms and hugged his lean waist back.
"Okay," she replied, her voice tinged with laughter.
The autumn sun shone through the golden ginkgo leaves, casting a warm and bright glow on the two people embracing each other.
The evening breeze carried a coolness, dispelling the daytime hustle and bustle.
In Beichuan in autumn, the sky is a clear and expansive blue, and the leaves of the plane trees are half yellow and half green, rustling in the cool breeze.
Liang Xinchong held Li Mo's hand tightly as the two walked side by side on a bustling commercial street near Beichuan University Town.
This is Liang Xinchong's second visit to Beichuan. The first time was when he came with his family to watch the flag-raising ceremony.
Compared to the first time when he was in a rush, this time he had more time to savor the city she lived in.
“That milk tea shop,” Li Mo pointed with her free hand to a cozy little shop on the street corner, “our dorm often orders takeout from them. The taro ball bubble tea is delicious, but it’s a bit sweet.”
Liang Xinchong looked in the direction she pointed and immediately remembered it: "Then we'll go buy some later. You can drink the taro ball bubble tea, and I'll try something else."
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the branches and leaves, casting dappled, shimmering spots of light on the two of them.
They walked slowly, not as if they had a specific destination, but more as if they were enjoying the leisure of strolling side by side.
I passed by a boutique, and the window was filled with all sorts of adorable plush toys and cultural and creative products.
Liang Xinchong stopped in his tracks, his gaze drawn to a teddy bear wearing blue overalls and with a goofy expression.
“Look at that,” he tugged at Li Mo’s hand, a smile playing on his lips, “doesn’t it look like me?”
Li Mo looked at the adorable bear, then at Liang Xinchong beside her, whose eyes were shining and waiting for her approval, and couldn't help but laugh: "How is it similar?"
"Its eyes!" Liang Xinchong said matter-of-factly. "Look at the way it looks at people, isn't it adorable?"
Li Mo said, "You're clearly like a puppy, a husky!"
In the end, the teddy bear that "looked like him" was bought and placed in Li Mo's arms. Holding the soft bear, smelling the fresh scent of its new fur, her heart softened as well.
As she walked, Li Mo slowed down in front of a bookstore window.
Several of the latest legal monographs and social science books are displayed in the shop window.
“Our jurisprudence teacher recommended this book,” she leaned slightly forward, looking at the cover of one of the books, and whispered to Liang Xinchong, “I didn’t expect to find it here.”
Liang Xinchong wasn't interested in legal statutes, but he liked the focused look in her eyes when she talked about her profession.
He stood with her in front of the shop window for a long time, listening to her softly explain why the book was important. He felt as if even the wind blowing past his ears carried the sweet scent of knowledge.
There are stalls selling roasted chestnuts on the street, and the sweet aroma wafts through the air with the steaming white smoke.
Liang Xinchong ran to buy a paper bag, carefully peeled open a chestnut, and handed the golden, shiny chestnut meat to Li Mo's lips.
"Try it, be careful it's hot." Li Mo took a small bite from his hand, and the sweet, sticky taste melted on her tongue.
"Is it tasty?"
"Mmm." So he peeled them one by one, eating only a few himself and feeding most of them to her.
His fingertips would occasionally brush against her lips, carrying the warmth of chestnuts and a touch of sugary stickiness, and both of them would blush unknowingly.
Like any ordinary campus couple, they frequented various small shops.
I browsed through the phone case stalls and chose a pair of black and white cartoon cats.
They would linger in front of the fragrant food stalls, sharing a plate of grilled cold noodles or takoyaki;
They would also be dragged into claw machines by Liang Xinchong when they passed by, and they would put in dozens of coins, only to end up with nothing, but they could still laugh and complain about each other's bad luck.
When you get tired, sit down on a bench in the park.
Li Mo hugged the teddy bear, and Liang Xinchong's arm naturally wrapped around her shoulder.
The autumn sun shone warmly, and children were playing and chasing each other in the distance.
"I wish I were in Beichuan too." Liang Xinchong looked at the faintly visible rooftops of Beichuan University in the distance and suddenly said in a low voice, his tone carrying a hint of regret and longing.
That way I could accompany her shopping every day and take her back to her dorm, instead of every time we met feeling like stolen moments.
Li Mo turned her head to look at his profile, which was outlined with soft light by the sunlight. She reached out and took his other hand, which was resting on his knee. Her fingers intertwined with his, and they held hands tightly.
“Even though we’re in different places,” her voice was soft but unusually firm, drifting into his ears on the breeze, “my love for you will not diminish. Not even a little bit.”
Liang Xinchong was startled and turned to look at her.
Her eyes were clear and earnest, reflecting his image and the clear autumn sky.
He gripped her hand even tighter in return, and the slight melancholy he felt due to the distance was instantly soothed by those words.
Sunlight, a bench, tightly clasped fingers, and a bear in his arms that resembled him.
This ordinary autumn afternoon, because of the person beside me, has become a warm scene in my memory, gilded with gold.
The bitterness of a long-distance relationship was transformed into a richer, sweeter sweetness at this moment.
After the two got tired of walking around, Liang Xinchong booked a hotel near the school.
After putting his things away, Li Mo sat with him for a while. Seeing that it was getting late, she got up and prepared to go back to her dormitory.
"I'm leaving now. Don't you have to get up early to go to the station tomorrow? Get some rest." She picked up her bag.
Just as I reached the door, my wrist was gently pulled.
Li Mo turned around and saw that Liang Xinchong had followed her and was standing behind her.
He didn't use any force, just hooked his fingertips around her wrist, his head slightly lowered, his bangs falling down and partially obscuring his eyes. Under the warm yellow light of the corridor, his eyes looked moist.
He didn't speak, but gently rubbed his cheek against the back of her hand that he was holding, his movements slow and affectionate, like a large dog afraid of being left alone at home.
"Momo..." His voice was muffled, with a hint of cautious pleading, "Don't leave, okay? Stay with me for one night."
Li Mo's heart melted instantly.
The longing and yearning experienced in a long-distance relationship is not something he alone bears.
Seeing the rare vulnerability and dependence he showed, all her considerations about dormitory access restrictions and rationality became insignificant at that moment.
She put down her bag, turned around, and took the initiative to wrap her arms around his waist. She buried her face in his chest, which smelled of fresh soap, and listened to his suddenly quickened heartbeat. She whispered, "Okay."
Liang Xinchong's body stiffened slightly, seemingly not expecting her to agree so quickly. Then, a surge of joy welled up inside him, and he tightened his arms around her, holding her tightly in his embrace as if he were holding a lost treasure that had been found again.
"Really?" He was still a little incredulous and looked down to confirm.
“Mm.” Li Mo nodded in his arms. “But I need to send a message to my roommates and ask them to cover for me.”
"Okay." Liang Xinchong immediately let go of her and followed closely behind her, watching her take out her phone to send a message, unable to suppress the smile on his lips.
After Li Mo finished sending the message, she turned around and met his incredibly bright eyes.
He picked her up and spun her around, as happy as a child who had won the whole world.
"Put me down!" Li Mo pounded his shoulder, but a smile couldn't help but spread across her face.
The lights in the hotel room were dimmed, leaving only a single, dim wall lamp.
The two lay side by side on the soft bed, covered by the same blanket, yet maintaining a polite distance between them.
Liang Xinchong turned to face her, staring at her intently in the dim light.
He reached out and carefully touched her eyelashes, then gently traced her eyebrows, his fingertips burning hot and trembling almost imperceptibly.
"Li Mo," he whispered her name.
"Um?"
"Li Mo".
"I am here."
"I just... wanted to call out to you." He chuckled, leaned closer, and gently pressed his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling. "It feels like a dream."
Li Mo could clearly sense his tension and how much he cherished it.
She leaned forward, closing that last bit of distance, and snuggled into his arms, finding a comfortable position.
“It’s not a dream,” she whispered, able to hear the strong, rapid heartbeat in his chest. “I’m right here.”
Liang Xinchong's body stiffened at first, then completely relaxed.
He carefully adjusted his position, letting her rest her head on his arm, and gently placed his other hand on her waist, embracing her completely. It was a position full of protectiveness and possessiveness.
"Go to sleep." Li Mo closed her eyes, feeling the reassuring aura emanating from him.
"Goodnight, Momo." He placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head and closed his eyes contentedly.
The chill of the autumn night was kept out of the window; the only sounds in the room were the warmth of each other's bodies and the even breathing of each other.
The hardships of a long-distance relationship were completely dispelled by this real hug.
Although there will be many more nights to come when they sleep alone, at least tonight, they have each other.
Back in Tianjin, Liang Xinchong, who had re-entered university life, took the word "clingy" to the extreme.
The cool, nonchalant boy who used to be at Yuehai Middle School has now become a heavy user of his mobile phone.
During breaks in his Economics Principles class, while queuing for food in the cafeteria, and even on his way back to his dorm from the library at night, he could always hear the sounds from Beichuan through his headphones.
"Momo, what did you eat for lunch?"
"The case my jurisprudence professor discussed today is just so outrageous..."
"There's a cat downstairs in our dorm that looks like a puppy named Jasmine. I'll take a video of it for you..."
"What little jasmine? Didn't I tell you it's called Little Chongchong!"
"Okay." Liang Xinchong suppressed a laugh.
Li Mo asked him again, "How's the weather where you are? I saw in the forecast that it's going to get colder tomorrow, so remember to wear the scarf I bought you."
At first, it was a barrage of WeChat voice messages, but later it escalated into a nightly, unwavering phone call.
Li Mo's roommates started by teasing her—
"Li Mo, is your 'puppy' checking up on you again?"
Eventually, it became commonplace.
Every night around the same time, when they see Li Mo put on her headphones and walk to the balcony or climb into bed and draw the curtains, everyone tacitly lowers the volume.
On the other end of the phone, Liang Xinchong's voice came through the static, with a slightly lazy nasal tone, as he shared details of his day.
Sometimes it's complaining about teammates who aren't doing a good job on group projects, sometimes it's excitedly talking about winning a basketball game, and most of the time it's just idle chatter with nothing substantial, or even just listening to each other's soft breathing and the rustling of pages turning.
"Are you still reading?" He heard the faint sound of her pen nib scratching the paper.
"Okay, let me organize my notes. You can continue, I'm listening." Li Mo's voice was soft, with a reassuring tone.
He didn't actually have anything special to say, but he just couldn't bear to hang up.
It seemed that as long as the phone was connected, the one-hour high-speed train journey was infinitely shortened, and he could feel her warmth and presence just like that night in Beichuan.
Once, Li Mo had an unexpected club meeting and didn't get back to her dorm until very late, forgetting her phone. When she returned to her dorm and saw dozens of missed calls and a bunch of anxious WeChat messages on her phone, she was both amused and exasperated.
She quickly called back, and the call was answered almost instantly.
"Li Mo," Liang Xinchong's voice was filled with obvious panic and relief, "Why didn't you answer the phone? I was almost going to buy a ticket to Beichuan!"
"I'm sorry, I was in a meeting and forgot my phone." Li Mo felt a little guilty, but also found his reaction ridiculously exaggerated. There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the line before his muffled voice came through: "...Don't do that again. I'll worry."
"Okay, I understand," Li Mo replied softly.
She didn't actually find it annoying.
On the contrary, amidst his almost clumsy and intense "harassment," she clearly felt that she was needed and deeply loved.
He gradually filled the void and uncertainty of the long-distance relationship with countless voice messages, video calls, and long phone conversations, making it concrete and reassuring.
Of course, she would occasionally "fight back".
For example, when he had an early class the next day, he would deliberately raise his voice and say, "Liang Xinchong, it's eleven o'clock, you should go to sleep. Hang up the phone."
"Just five more minutes, just five more minutes..."
"No, now, immediately, right now." Her tone left no room for argument.
“…Oh, okay. Then give me a kiss.” He started to whine.
Li Mo gently made a "mua" sound into the microphone, then decisively hung up the phone.
Hearing the busy tone and imagining him rolling around in frustration on his dorm bed, she couldn't help but smile.
Distance can be agonizing, but love can make even the most agonizing moments sweet.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
