It was the beginning of 1970, when the movement of educated youths to the countryside was in full swing. Zhou Yujiao, a well-educated educated youth born in the city, was assigned to a remote mountain village.
As soon as she stepped into this small mountain village, Zhou Yujiao was shocked by the scene in front of her. The winding and narrow dirt lanes, the dilapidated tiled houses, and the ragged peasants with vicissitudes on their faces were all very different from the city life she was familiar with. Despite some sighs and uneasiness in her heart, Zhou Yujiao gritted her teeth and decided to take root here and contribute her own strength to this poor and backward village.
Zhou Yujiao gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, and hesitantly explained that I don't want to marry Zhang Yu either, but the people in the village said that this is a rare and good opportunity and cannot be missed. As you know, we educated youths have a hard time living in rural areas, and many of us have problems with food and clothing. I just want to settle down as soon as possible and make a decent living.
Li Jian held Zhou Yujiao's hand tightly and said firmly Yujiao, I know that you are in a difficult situation now, but the love between us is sincere. I am willing to accompany you through this difficult period, as long as you are willing to work with me, we will be able to create a better tomorrow.
Zhou Yujiao stared into Li Jian's eyes, and her inner struggle was visible. Of course, she understands Li Jian's deep affection, but the pressure of reality also makes her unable to completely let go of her worries about the future. In the end, under Li Jian's sincere persuasion, Zhou Yujiao still chose to follow her heart and decided to reject the marriage proposal of Zhang Yu, the son of the village chief.
However, when Zhou Yujiao was about to escape from this small mountain village with Li Jian, Zhang Yu got the news and found Zhou Yujiao aggressively. You dead girl, you dare to refuse me, do you know who I am, but Zhang Yu, the only son of the village chief, looked angry, raised his hand and was about to hit Zhou Yujiao.
From that day on, Li Jian was like a fallen leaf that had lost its direction, wandering in this remote mountain village. He often stands in the courtyard of Zhou Yujiao's house and looks into the distance, hoping to see her again. But every time he looked through the closed wooden door, his heart would be filled with endless sorrow.
As the days passed, Li Jian never accepted the fact that Zhou Yujiao married Zhang Yu. He wanted to find Zhou Yujiao many times, but he was always stopped by the majestic bodyguards around Zhang Yu. Gradually, he also gave up the idea of meeting Zhou Yujiao, and just waited alone in the corner of this small village.
The two greeted each other cautiously, as if they were afraid that one would accidentally shatter the fragile encounter in front of them. After a long time, Zhou Yujiao said softly Jian, why are you here, I thought you had already left this broken place.
Li Jian froze in place, not knowing how to react for a while. He always thought that his love could overcome everything, but the reality was so cruel. They had vowed to be together forever and overcome all difficulties together. But now, that oath has become a dead letter. Yujiao, do you know that I've been waiting for you here for ten whole years. Li Jian whispered that I have never given up on you, and I have never stopped looking for you. I've been here, waiting for you to come back.
Zhou Yujiao nodded slightly, tears slowly sliding down her cheeks. She reached out and gently stroked Li Jian's face. I'm sorry, Ken. I know how painful it is for you. But please forgive me. I don't really have any other options.
After a moment of silence, Zhou Yujiao whispered again, I have never forgotten our oath. I've been waiting for you for the past ten years. It's just that we can't go back to the way things were.
Zhou Yujiao sighed and said slowly, I didn't expect it to be like this. However, in all the years of living here, I have seen with my own eyes the brutal nature of Zhang Yu. I can't just watch you get hurt by him. So, I can only choose to marry him and trade my own freedom for your life.
Li Jian shook his head painfully, but I would rather face all difficulties with you. We could have worked together to create a better future together. I'm sorry, Ken. But it's too late now. I have married Zhang Yu and become the owner of this village. I can't get away from here anymore. Zhou Yujiao lowered her head and said softly.
Zhou Yujiao trembled when she heard this, and hurriedly looked back. I saw Zhang Yu walking towards this side violently, followed by a few big men.
Zhou Yujiao hurriedly said to Li Jian, you can go quickly. I'm afraid that Zhang Yu will hurt you.
Li Jian held Zhou Yujiao's hand tightly and said earnestly Yujiao, no matter what happens, I will always be here waiting for you. I'm always there whenever you need it.
After speaking, Li Jian reluctantly let go of his hand, turned around and walked away quickly.
Many years later, on a spring day, a strange figure wandered in this remote mountain village. His name is Li Jian, and he used to be Zhou Yujiao's childhood sweetheart, and he is also her only true love.
Time flies, time flies, and the sunny boy of the year has long since disappeared. Instead, there was a middle-aged man with a face full of vicissitudes and heavy steps. Although the years have left deep marks on his face, there is still a trace of undying persistence and hope in those eyes.
Li Jian walked slowly through this strange village, carefully examining every familiar scene. He seems to be able to reproduce in his mind the bits and pieces of the time when he was in love with Zhou Yujiao. Those years, those vows, as if they happened yesterday, are vivid.
Suddenly, Li Jian's gaze fell in front of a grand mansion. That mansion was the village chief's mansion back then, and it was also the place where Zhou Yujiao married Zhang Yu. Li Jian stood there steadily, looking at the familiar wooden door, with mixed feelings in his heart.
In the past ten years, Li Jian has never given up looking for information about Zhou Yujiao. He traveled far and wide to inquire about her whereabouts, but there was no news. Until one day, he heard from a street vendor that Zhang Yu had been dead for many years, and Zhou Yujiao was still waiting alone in that house.
Li Jian hesitated again and again, but finally mustered up the courage and walked to the closed wooden door. He knocked softly on the door, praying silently in his heart that he would see the face that had once been so deep in his heart again.
After a long time, the door finally opened slowly. An old woman with silver hair appeared in front of her. She looked at Li Jian in a daze, as if she was trying to remember something.
Sir, who are you That voice was hoarse and soft, as if a long time had passed.
Hearing the name, the old woman's eyes lit up. She stepped forward excitedly and grabbed Li Jian's hand, trembling and said, Oh, it turned out to be you! I knew you were going to come someday.
The old woman grabbed Li Jian's hand and led him into the mansion quickly. Walking through the dark corridor, Li Jian finally saw a familiar figure, sitting on a rocking chair under the porch, quietly staring into the distance.
Yujiao! Li Jian called softly.
The figure turned its head sharply, its eyes full of disbelief. She looked at Li Jian in front of her blankly, and her whole person seemed to freeze in place.
Li Jian nodded, slowly walked to Zhou Yujiao's side, and held her hand tightly. Yujiao, I've finally found you.
Li Jian stretched out his hand and stroked Zhou Yujiao's face, with a thick apology in his tone, Yujiao, I'm sorry. I failed to protect you and let you bear so much pain alone. However, I never gave up looking for you. I've been waiting for your news for the past ten years.
Li Jian held Zhou Yujiao's hand, stared at her eyes that were still shining, and whispered Yujiao, I'm back. From this day forward, we will never be apart again.
At that moment, the two hugged each other and cried, as if they had gone back in time and regained their former youth and love. In this remote mountain village, they finally came together and rekindled the flame that had long been hidden in the dust.