Romantic story of chance encounters
It was just past midnight, and Zhiheng was celebrating his 35th birthday on the job.
As an aircraft technician, he was long accustomed to this irregular lifestyle. Being introverted, he was still single.
After finishing his shift, he ran into his unit leader, who was with a TV crew shooting a program. The leader patted Zhiheng on the shoulder and said, “Since you just finished, let them interview you.” With that, the leader turned and left.
The reporter asked Zhiheng, “How many tasks do you check daily?” Zhiheng answered, “Quite a lot.” “How many is that?” “Over 120.” “Is it very tiring?” “It’s okay.”
The program director, Zhuo Jing, wasn’t satisfied with Zhiheng’s responses and asked, “Can we film you while you’re working?”
Zhiheng replied, “I’ve finished work. You’ll have to come back tomorrow.”
After a long night of unproductive filming, Zhuo Jing left the airport with the crew, only for their car to break down halfway. After half an hour of futile effort, there was still no progress.
Making a TV program wasn’t easy; low ratings could get it canceled. Zhuo Jing, already a 32-year-old single woman, worked tirelessly to avoid disappointing her team.
At that moment, Zhiheng appeared with his tools and began fixing the car without a word. In no time, the engine roared back to life. Zhuo Jing hurried to thank Zhiheng, accidentally knocking the prop rod holding the hood, which trapped Zhiheng’s hand.
Zhiheng cradled his reddened hand, glanced at Zhuo Jing, smiled slightly, and then drove away. Zhuo Jing watched his departing vehicle, her thoughts increasingly occupied by this man of few words.
The next day, back at the airport, the interview was with another young man. After the interview, Zhuo Jing called Zhiheng, inquiring if he missed work due to his injured hand and wanting to thank him. They arranged to meet at a small restaurant. Throughout the meal, Zhuo Jing felt especially comfortable; Zhiheng’s demeanor bore the marks of time’s refinement.
Their contact became more frequent. One day, Zhuo Jing saw Zhiheng’s car outside her workplace. He rolled down the window and awkwardly said, “I was just passing by.” From then on, he played the role of “just passing by” every day.
Once, Zhuo Jing fell ill during a work trip to Lijiang. Zhiheng took leave and flew over. They stayed in a guesthouse suite, with Zhuo Jing in the bedroom and Zhiheng on the sofa, nursing her like they were already living together, taking leisurely walks by the lake.
One day, after a walk, it started raining. They took shelter under the eaves of a small bar and decided to have a drink. Slightly tipsy, she talked continuously while he listened quietly.
Zhuo Jing grew annoyed. Why did he stay by her side without expressing anything? Clearly, they both understood each other’s feelings, yet he didn’t break the silence. She wondered pessimistically if he was just bored.
She longed to hear the words she most wanted, but he remained tight-lipped. Amidst the pattering rain, they quietly faced each other.
Zhiheng slowly said, “I realize I like you.” After a pause, he added, “I’ve liked you for a long time.”
Zhuo Jing suddenly felt a lump in her throat. She had heard these words many times before, but didn’t know why this time felt so moving.
Their relationship quickly blossomed. Given their age, they soon discussed marriage. They advanced their honeymoon plans, visiting the grasslands of Inner Mongolia.
On the third day of their trip, they drove into a forest and got lost. Following the sound of a distant car engine, they managed to find their way out, but soon their car got stuck in a pit. The car sank until it got stuck at a certain point.
Zhiheng got out, startled by the half-submerged tire. Unsure if they were in a swamp, the most troubling part was that there was no cell signal. They called out, but received no response from the vast wilderness.
As darkness fell, Zhuo Jing grew scared, anxiously looking at Zhiheng. He straightened up, held her tight, and said, “Let’s go. Follow my footsteps closely.”
The sunset cast a glow on Zhiheng’s shoulders, lighting up the lonely wild. Zhuo Jing suddenly felt no fear. She tightly held Zhiheng’s hand, and together, they carefully waded out of the mire.
Later, Zhuo Jing said she would never forget that day. Zhiheng’s silhouette seemed to shine, guiding her out of hopeless darkness.
On their wedding day, Zhiheng looked up at Zhuo Jing in her wedding dress and said, “I’ve never been good with words. I remember what we talked about on WeChat last night. You said you were grateful to marry me at this age. I will always remember those words. Honey, I love you. Thank you.” Tears welled up in Zhuo Jing’s eyes.
They were grateful for the regrets and loneliness of those years. Having endured various hardships, they ventured their last bit of strength and met each other at the end, as the best versions of themselves.
Thank you for reading! ” Sitestorys “
