The next day, when I opened my eyes, I was still wrapped in his arms. I smiled softly and pinched his cheeks, but he just kept sleeping like a baby. After a few seconds, he stirred awake. I gently rubbed his nose and whispered, "Get up." I tried to move, but he pulled me back into his arms again and murmured, "Wait… it's still early. Let me hold you a little longer."
I nodded and let the moment linger.
After freshening up, I made breakfast for him. We ate together quietly. Lu then went to get his luggage from my room. He walked into the hall, his eyes fixed on me. I was tearing up, unable to hold it in any longer. I opened my arms, and like a child, he walked into them. We hugged tightly and began to cry together.
He gently patted my back, and I leaned back to show him a wide smile through my tears. He wiped them away and said, "Drop me off with a smile, okay? If you cry like this, I'll cancel everything and stay back."
I slapped his chest playfully and said, "Don't be dramatic. Move!"
We reached the airport early and sat in the waiting area. He leaned his head on my shoulder and closed his eyes. I softly pampered him, whispering, "Lu, call me when you reach Germany. Eat on time, don't skip meals. If you're free, try to call me. If not, at least message me. I'll wait."
He nodded while resting on my shoulder.
"Send me pictures. And if anything ever feels too much, tell me. I'll take the next flight to you."
He only said, "Mm…"
I held his hand and said, "Say something, Lu."
He opened his eyes and looked at me. "I love you. I'll miss you, Qin."
I was on the verge of tears, but I controlled myself and smiled. "My boyfriend, I love you. Go chase your dreams. These two years will pass quickly. If you're free, I'll video call you."
He sat up straight and nodded. "Then... Qin, it's time. Can I go now?"
I nodded silently.
We stood up. I hugged him again and handed him a small gift.
"What is this?" he asked.
"Open it on the plane," I replied.
He smiled and walked slowly toward the departure gate. Just before going in, he turned around. I gave him the brightest smile I could and made a heart with my hands. He waved and did the same.
As the airport doors swallowed him whole, I smiled through my tears—not because it didn't hurt, but because love like this is worth waiting for.
I turned away, my tears falling freely. Not all lovers get to live happily ever after. Some are separated by misunderstandings. Some meet the right person at the wrong time. And some... like Lu and me... are separated by miles and dreams.
I wished these two years would pass quickly.
I went to Liang's house, and the moment she saw me, she gave me a warm hug, patting my head. "Qin, don't worry. I'm here. I'll take care of you while he's away."
I smiled at her and nodded. That night, we ate dinner together.
The next day, Liang dragged me to Zhichen's flower shop to cheer me up.
She walked up to him and said, "Give me some seeds."
He blinked. "What kind of seeds?"
"What else?" she smirked. "Give me seeds that take two years to grow and bloom into a beautiful flower."
Zhichen chuckled and brought out a small packet. "Here."
"What's this?" Liang asked.
He smiled. "It's China Aster. It symbolizes long-distance love, hope, and a bright future."
I gently took the packet from his hands and smiled. "Can I plant it?"
Liang grabbed it back playfully. "You can take anything you want. It's all free for you."
I paid him anyway and brought the seeds home.
---
Two Years Later…
During those two years, we stayed connected in small but meaningful ways. On his birthday, I messaged him. I sent him pictures of the meals I ate, the flower growing in the pot I had planted for him. He called when he had time, and sometimes, we'd talk for hours. On New Year's Eve, we exchanged wishes. I'd send photos of dumplings I made; he'd tell me stories about work.
Sometimes, he'd video call and fall asleep while talking. I wouldn't hang up—I'd just watch him sleep.
We became more mature, more independent. But after a year, Lu got so busy that even sending a message became difficult. For two whole months, he didn't text. I was worried—almost booked a flight to Germany. But I knew that showing up might make him feel pressured, and I didn't want that.
It felt like we were two people hanging onto a fragile thread, pulling it tight with love.
Finally, the two years came to an end.
He didn't even tell me when he'd return.
Then one morning—around 6 AM—I was asleep when I heard a knock on the door. I ignored it at first, but it came again. Half-asleep, I dragged myself up, thinking, It must be Liang. It's a day off today, what's the rush?
I opened the door, grumbling, "Why so early, Liang?"
There was no reply.
I turned—and there he was.
Lu.
I blinked. My heart raced. Was I dreaming?
He smiled and said softly, "My wife... how are you? We meet again after two years."
My entire body trembled. I panicked. Tears blurred my vision. I pinched myself—hard.
It hurt. It was real.
Lu opened his arms.
And this time, I ran into them and cried my heart out.
The arms I had opened for him when he left were now opened by him for me—when he returned.