My heart raced intensely.
When discussing with Lu Qin, he remained silent for a long time.
I knew a year was a long time.
I also found it hard to part with him.
But love isn't everything in life.
Nor is it the entirety of my existence.
I wanted to become the best version of myself.
Whether in love or career, I strived for excellence.
'Do what you want. I'll wait for you at home.'
This was Lu Qin's final answer.
He told me although reluctant,
and worried long-distance might change us,
he wouldn't let selfishness stop my growth.
Later while studying abroad,
my mother revealed during a video call:
'Your father was hospitalized recently - stomach perforation.'
I was shocked, having known nothing.
She reassured me he'd recovered,
'Thanks to Xiao Lu.'
'When your father collapsed, I trembled calling 120.
Lu Qin regularly checked on us - he carried your dad to hospital.'
Tears welled up as I whispered:
'Meeting him was my greatest blessing.'
7.
Excelling academically, I completed exchange studies 2 months early.
My British mentor offered a job, which I declined.
'My husband waits in China,' I explained.
That night, I secretly flew back.
At Lu Qin's lecture in A University,
I sneaked in with flowers.
There he stood - black suit, as handsome as ever,
making dry legal codes come alive.
When a student confessed to him,
I rose wearing sunglasses (for drama),
declaring: 'He's mine!'
Lu Qin's eyes shone with surprise and joy.
'When did you return?'
'Just landed. Surprise!' I grinned.
Ignoring curious students, he whispered hoarsely:
'Welcome home, my love.'
8.
That night, Lu Qin 'tormented' me thoroughly.
As he carried me to bathe, I lay dazed.
'Apologies, lost control,' he said.
Considering I'd left him for a year, I forgave him.
But next day - again!
His broken whispers of 'Momo'
nearly sent me to heaven.
After a week's 'feast', I protested.
Even when he promised restraint,
I moved to guest room.
Midnight found me sweating -
he'd sneaked in, clinging tight.
'Momo, I missed you this year,' he murmured.
I corrected: '4 months 9 days - we met七夕节!'
His sweet words melted me.
As we kissed, things escalated...
Before exhaustion claimed me,
I saw his triumphant smile - tricked again!
Next morning, evading his kisses,
I croaked: 'Professor Lu, this is harassment.'
He laughed, caressing my face:
'Time to rise, wife.'
Sunlight silhouetted his white sweater-clad figure.
I hugged him, kissing his cheek:
'Good morning, Professor~'
In his embrace, time stood still.
Our story never ends.
(The End)
