Chapter 19
Happy times always pass quickly, and the stolen few days of sweetness come to an end in the blink of an eye.
The ride to the airport was filled with a heavier atmosphere than every time she'd seen him off. Ling Peng held Zhao Jinglu's hand tightly, chattering along the way, as if he wanted to tell her all he needed to know for the next few months.
"Message me when you arrive in Beijing. Take a legitimate taxi when leaving the airport. Write down the license plate number and send it to me."
"Don't stay up too late alone, and don't make do with your meals."
"If you get home late from rehearsal tonight, I'll ask a classmate to take you to the dormitory..."
"If you have any questions, you can call me at any time..."
Zhao Jinglu listened quietly, nodding occasionally, her eyes fixed on the rapidly receding street outside the window, trying to suppress the soreness in her nose. His palms were warm, and he clenched them tightly, as if he could hold back time.
Arriving at the airport and completing check-in, the moment of departure finally and relentlessly arrived. Standing at the security checkpoint, surrounded by hurried travelers, it felt as if only the two of them were frozen in this atmosphere of sorrow.
Ling Peng could no longer utter any more instructions. He simply stared at her deeply, as if he wanted to carve her image into his heart. Then, he held her tightly in his arms, squeezing her so tightly that it almost hurt, but the pain made her feel incredibly real and attached.
He lowered his head, his warm breath brushing against her ear, and in a voice that only she could hear, he said three words in a low but clear voice:
"I love you."
This was not the first time he expressed his feelings, but it was on such a parting occasion, with an almost solemn promise and an unbearable pain.
Those three words were like a key, instantly unlocking the tears Zhao Jinglu had been holding back for so long. Unable to contain them any longer, the tears welled up, blurring her vision. She stood on tiptoe and pressed a gentle, tear-stained kiss to his lips. Then, as if mustering all her courage, she abruptly turned, lowered her head, and hurried toward the security checkpoint, never looking back.
She was afraid that if she turned back, she would never be able to leave again.
Ling Peng froze in place, watching her slender figure disappear around the corner of the security check passage. He felt as if the most important part of his heart had been taken away. He couldn't help but raise his hand to cover his heart. His palm touched the necklace around his neck that she had made herself, which was a little crude but extremely precious. The cold metal touched his skin, as if her warmth still remained.
That evening, Ling Peng returned to the "home" that not long ago had been filled with laughter and joy. He opened the door and was greeted by a deathly silence and emptiness. Her faint fragrance seemed to linger in the air, but no one was curled up on the sofa watching a TV series, and the kitchen was no longer filled with the sounds of curiously fiddling with utensils.
Everything returned to normal, and even because of the brief period of fullness, the desolation and emptiness at this moment were made more sharp and unbearable by contrast.
He slumped down on the sofa, surveying the house, which could still only be called a "temporary residence." All the composure and fortitude he'd maintained at the airport that day finally collapsed. A vast, cold sense of loss washed over him like a tidal wave. He raised his arm to cover his eyes, and a warm liquid soaked his sleeve.
This was the first time in his adult life that he couldn't help but shed tears in the middle of the night because he missed someone. It turns out that the feeling of having something and then losing it is a thousand times more painful than never having it at all.
He could only comfort himself over and over again: It will be soon, it will be soon, the two-year deadline will be up soon, and I will be able to go back soon.
As the days passed, it seemed as if we had returned to the previous track, but there were some differences.
Zhao Jinglu successfully graduated. With excellent academic performance and extensive practical experience, she landed a job at a well-known foreign company, a position well-suited to her major in human sports science, and began her busy career as a new employee.
Ling Peng's two-year assignment had finally come to an end. He eagerly awaited the company's transfer order, hoping to return to Beijing and end his long absence.
However, a week passed, then a month...and still no transfer order came. Unable to contain his frustration, he went to the branch's HR manager to inquire. Initially, he just gave a bureaucratic explanation, saying headquarters was still researching the matter and asking him to be patient.
Once, twice, three times... Ling Peng visited the human resources manager more and more times. Because they were both from the north and had similar personalities, they even became buddies who could have a drink together in private.
Once, after drinking, the HR manager patted Ling Peng on the shoulder and finally spoke the truth: "Brother, I'm telling you something from the bottom of my heart. Don't be impatient, but don't hold out too much hope that you can leave right away."
Ling Peng's heart sank: "What do you mean?"
"The higher-ups are saying that they think you're doing a really good job here. The new center is just getting started, so we're looking for people. If you go back, we won't be able to find a suitable replacement for you for a while." The manager lowered his voice. "And, to be honest, the salary, freedom, and development opportunities here are definitely better than going back to headquarters. I estimate... within another year at most, and then you'll have to go back. Any longer would be too unreasonable. Can you... just be patient?"
Ling Peng's heart felt like a bucket of ice water had been poured over him, instantly chilling him to the bone. So-called "cultivation" and "training" ultimately prioritized business needs. His personal life and emotions seemed so insignificant in the face of the company's overall plans.
He felt a deep sense of helplessness and exhaustion. Should he fight? He was just a newcomer, barely finding his feet. What was there to fight? Should he accept? That would mean enduring at least another year of separation, perhaps even longer.
In the end, he could only swallow the bitterness and continue to suffer. Meanwhile, Zhao Jinglu on the other end of the phone seemed completely immersed in the challenges and busyness of her new job. She began to take on new projects, learn new skills, and was busy every day. When Ling Peng hesitantly and apologetically told her that she might have to wait a while, she was stunned for a moment, then her tone sounded relatively calm:
"Oh...I see. It's okay. Your development is more important. I've been pretty busy lately, so this is a good time for me to get used to my new job."
Her reaction sounded sensible and considerate, without even asking too many questions or complaining. Ling Peng should have breathed a sigh of relief, but for some reason, a vague sense of unease welled up within him. Her attention seemed drawn to her new life, and she didn't seem as disappointed or concerned as he'd imagined about his return being postponed again.
The test of distance and time seems to be changing in a different way, and it continues. The road ahead still seems long.
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