During high school, you could always hear the school broadcast during lunch break or before evening study sessions. The broadcasting station had two hosts, a male and a female, and I inexplicably liked the male voice. Later, I learned that the owner of that voice was named Lin Xiaocheng.
Why did I like him? Was it because his voice was soft, his stories filled with youthful vibes, or his perfectly chosen songs? I thought about it many times but could never explain why.
Like a crush in adolescence, as long as you feel the affection, you quietly keep it in your heart without questioning the reason. So, when other classmates criticized Lin Xiaocheng’s chattering during his broadcasts or said his voice was unpleasant, I would inexplicably get angry, cast disdainful glances at them, or even rush forward to argue with them.
But they often used a few sentences to deflate my enthusiasm instantly. The sentence was, “Are you dissatisfied? Do you know that his flaws are as many as your freckles?”
In their triumphant laughter, I often ran back to my seat, burying my head deeply and falling silent. Yes, I had many freckles and was often teased by other classmates because of them. At that time, I was becoming more and more self-conscious and lonely.
So, I was often alone: eating alone, walking alone on campus, and reading and writing letters alone in a secluded corner, talking to myself.
During those times, I would always encounter Lin Xiaocheng. He would continue to use his magnetic voice to tell stories like waves from his heart, sharing his insights and occasionally bits of his life. In my captivated listening, I found solace for my soul and felt deeply moved.
It was those bittersweet moments filled with youth and growth that made me deeply infatuated and dependent. Over time, my desire to see Lin Xiaocheng’s true self grew stronger.
But thinking about my freckled face, I hesitated to meet him directly and instead settled for watching him broadcast from the door of the school broadcasting room.
He wore large headphones, occasionally operating equipment with his right hand, flipping through outlines or materials with his left hand, but most of his attention was focused on the microphone in front of him. He tried to make his voice deep and appealing.
Lin Xiaocheng was very focused and attractive while broadcasting. Watching him, I felt everything was so beautiful. It was in this way that he spread his voice throughout the entire campus. Suddenly hearing him say goodbye to all the teachers and students, I was startled and prepared to run away, but he quickly ran out: “Hey, wait a minute!”
It turned out he had already noticed me. I tried to hide my panic and turned back to smile at him. He smiled too, and I saw his face covered with acne like the stars in the night sky.
Walking side by side with him in the lush campus, I always deliberately lowered my head, fearing he would see my freckles, but he didn’t seem to care. He just walked with his head up, chatting and laughing with me, completely ignoring his acne-covered face.
The next day on the broadcast, Lin Xiaocheng talked about freckles and acne, which affect one’s “face.” In the end, he said something very warm: “A girl’s appearance may not be impressive, but it doesn’t prevent her from growing into a good woman; boys don’t need to be good-looking, because charm is all about impressions, and good impressions can be created.”
That sentence gave my long-standing self-esteem an outlet and made me understand where his confidence came from. I just never expected that Lin Xiaocheng would invite me to his broadcasting room.
I sat quietly watching him broadcast. His acne-covered profile was even more beautiful and moving because of his concentration. His lips moved gently, full of attraction, making people unconsciously fall into a certain emotion.
After the broadcast, Lin Xiaocheng opened a drawer and showed me letters from listeners. Various styles of handwriting expressed their admiration and affection for him. He smiled and explained, “Actually, many classmates scold me too, but these beautiful words of encouragement are enough to make me feel warm and happy.”
I also longed for the recognition of other classmates. So, could I, like Lin Xiaocheng, use my voice to bring comfort and care to those growing hearts? When I tentatively asked Lin Xiaocheng, he readily agreed!
Under Lin Xiaocheng’s careful guidance, my broadcasting career began. Gradually, I also started to be liked by a small group of classmates. Later, my love for broadcasting grew so much that when filling out the college entrance exam application, I chose the broadcasting department without much hesitation.
After graduation, my classmates told me that Lin Xiaocheng had a crush on me back then, which was why he let me join the broadcasting station, but I just smiled without saying anything. I admit, during those years, I had a crush on him. He gave me excitement and made that period of youth incredibly beautiful. He also taught me how to accept myself and bravely change the bad reality.
Even now, I haven’t forgotten Lin Xiaocheng or his familiar acne-covered face. If I could meet him again, I would like to say, “Lin Xiaocheng, thank you for appearing in my youth, allowing me the fortune to find a better version of myself.”
Thank you for reading! ” Sitestorys “
