Between Humor and Solitude

Chapter 7: Departure and Return

Chapter 7: Departure and Return

Lin Xiao’s departure left Qiu Ze with a deep sense of emptiness and anxiety. Though they had reached a kind of understanding after their conversation in the storm, Qiu Ze couldn’t completely put his worries aside. Her leaving not only meant that their relationship was temporarily interrupted but also made him start to question whether he was truly ready to accept everything about her—her past, her pain, and the possibility of her leaving for good.

During the time Lin Xiao was abroad, Qiu Ze focused on his work, trying to recover from the emotional turmoil. But no matter how busy he was, there was always a void inside him, a constant reminder that Lin Xiao had left and his world had turned silent.

Late at night, Qiu Ze would find himself checking her social media, scrolling through the photos and posts she occasionally updated. He knew he shouldn’t do this, but every time he saw her updates, a surge of emotions filled him—both comfort and an underlying anxiety. He knew that Lin Xiao’s life abroad was fulfilling and free, but he couldn’t help fearing whether she had truly let go of the past, and if she had the courage to return to him.

Months passed, and Qiu Ze slowly began to accept this loneliness. He told himself that only by respecting Lin Xiao’s choice could he truly let go of his unease. However, he never stopped missing her. Every time he saw couples enjoying warm moments together, he couldn’t help but think of Lin Xiao’s smile, the one that had once been so stubborn yet gentle in the rain.

Finally, on a cold winter morning, Qiu Ze received a phone call from Lin Xiao. Her voice on the other end was still cool but carried a trace of long-missed warmth.

“Qiu Ze, I’m back.” Her voice was soft, but it stirred up a storm inside Qiu Ze’s heart.

“You… you’re back?” Qiu Ze’s voice was hoarse, clearly not expecting this call at such a moment.

“Mm, I just got back from abroad. I want to see you.” Lin Xiao’s tone was calm, but it made Qiu Ze’s heart race.

After hanging up the phone, Qiu Ze’s excitement and unease intertwined. He quickly gathered his thoughts, put on his coat, and hurried to the café where they had once visited together.

The café still looked the same—quiet and warm. Qiu Ze pushed the door open and walked in, scanning the room but not immediately seeing Lin Xiao. It wasn’t until he walked to a corner by the window that he saw her sitting there, quietly looking out at the view.

Her back was still familiar, the same black trench coat, as if time had stood still for her. Qiu Ze took a deep breath, walked up to her, and softly said, “You’re back.”

Lin Xiao slowly looked up, her eyes carrying a hint of warmth, though she also seemed a little weary. “Yes, I’m back. It’s good to see you.”

Qiu Ze sat down, gazing at her as if he couldn’t believe that the person before him was the Lin Xiao he had missed so much. He asked softly, “Now that you’re back, do you plan to stay?”

Lin Xiao was silent for a while, her gaze drifting slightly, before she finally replied softly, “I’ve thought a lot and made many choices. I’ve decided to come back, not just for myself, but for our relationship as well.”

Qiu Ze’s heart jolted, a long-lost warmth spreading within him. “You mean…” he asked cautiously, afraid of disturbing the delicate peace between them.

Lin Xiao nodded and slowly said, “I know I’ve avoided a lot of things, even our relationship. During that time, I kept thinking about whether I truly had the right to pursue a relationship, whether I had the courage to face my past. But when I looked at those unfamiliar cities, at unfamiliar lives, I realized I didn’t want to run anymore. I want to face myself, and face you.”

Tears welled up in Qiu Ze’s eyes, and though he tried to hold them back, the weight of her words hit him deeply, piercing the softest part of his heart. “Lin Xiao, you… you really decided? Can we start over?”

Lin Xiao gently held his hand, her eyes filled with determination. “We won’t run anymore. We won’t avoid anymore. If you’re willing, I hope we can start fresh. Without the burden of the past, only the possibilities of the future.”

Qiu Ze felt the warmth of her hand, and that long-awaited sense of reassurance filled his heart. He took a deep breath, his eyes shining with a determination he had never had before. “I’m willing, Lin Xiao. I’m willing to face the future with you, to walk through all the storms together.”

At that moment, time seemed to stand still. The snow outside fell silently, and the hustle and bustle of the streets faded into the background. Lin Xiao’s return brought new hope and made Qiu Ze realize that the power of love was not just about the beauty of the moments but also the choices and persistence in the storms.

They had finally decided to courageously move toward the future, hand in hand, no matter how rough the road ahead might be.