My acquaintance with Hai was due to dancing. He is the kind of person who wants to run as soon as he learns to walk. Because of his good looks and figure, he actually deceived the teacher and got into our dance team. When people saw his flamboyant but hollow movements, no one believed that he hadn't even learned the basic steps. Thus, he succeeded in his scheme and immediately took on a major role, performing the duet "Three Hundred Sixty-Five Miles" with me. That's when he couldn't hide it anymore; his terrible dancing made him look like a football goalkeeper.
When he moved his arms, it looked like he was swatting mosquitoes. The teacher was so angry that she cursed him for having no artistic cells. But he was humble and never talked back. At that time, I thought he was so cute! So I secretly gave him some pointers, and he seriously followed them, making me feel quite proud. Rehearsals were usually at night. Since my house was nearby, I always went home after rehearsals. Hai knew this and offered to send me home, and I agreed. We were both freshmen, but we had different opinions on many issues. On the way, we debated endlessly. Though he wasn't good at speaking, he had a strong stance and fighting spirit. Sometimes I deliberately provoked him, stuffing him with nonsense until he was speechless. Then he would use brute force by lifting me up high and refusing to let go until I admitted defeat. No matter how much I pleaded, it didn't work, so I had to surrender.
Gradually, I started looking forward to rehearsals, then to seeing him; looking forward to hearing him tell stories about his Manchu ancestors; looking forward to him giving me a small challenge that I could solve instantly, just to hear his praise, which made me feel particularly satisfied.
One rainy day, he held an umbrella for me while sending me home. The slippery road made him unconsciously hold my hand, and a strange warmth spread through my body. I kept still, not daring to move. That night, I didn't hear what he said; all I remember is that the way home felt too short. That night, I didn't sleep at all...
Unfortunately, the holiday came, and he had to go home for the New Year. I sent him off at the train station with tears in my eyes. Before parting, he kissed my hair and said he would introduce me to his parents and bring me home next year to celebrate together. During the entire Spring Festival, I was counting the days, having no appetite or interest in celebrating the New Year. I stayed in my room writing a diary every day. Finally, the agreed-upon day arrived. That morning, I was dressed neatly, waiting for time to pass quickly so I could go to the station to pick him up. That winter afternoon, I waited at the station until the last train left, realizing that he wouldn't be coming back that day. My mind was in chaos as I hurried home on my bike. On a small road near my house, I was hit hard from behind by something heavy, causing me severe pain and losing consciousness...
When I woke up, I found myself tied to the bed, and my mother's tired face came into view. I asked her what happened? With tears streaming down her face, she said, "Child, lie still. Mom will take care of you for life." I was stunned! She continued, saying that while tidying up the room, she read my diary and told me, "Girl, don't be foolish. Don't think about anything now, rest well." But how could I not think? In my current state, heaven! What would he think?
A few days later at noon, right after mom left, a familiar shadow appeared before me. His anxious concern was written all over his face, sweat pouring down his head. He tightly grabbed my hand and repeatedly asked, "What happened? What happened to you? I've only been gone two days, how did you end up like this?" I couldn't help but cry, and he shed tears too, saying, "Why didn't you take care of yourself? These past two days, I've been waiting for you downstairs every day, and I couldn't see you anywhere. I was almost driven crazy. Later, I noticed your mom seemed very worried and followed her, only to find you in this state. It breaks my heart!" I couldn't speak for a long time, staring blankly at him. He continued, "What are you thinking? I just asked the doctor, you won't die! If you don't die, I'll come take care of you every day!" I asked, "Why didn't you come back that day?" He fell silent, then asked again, so he had to say, "Don't blame me. After going home, I talked to my parents about your situation. Unexpectedly, they became very angry, saying we're too young to date, and besides, you're from the south, they're not used to it. I spent the whole Spring Festival fighting with them... I want only you!" I didn't want to listen anymore, turned my face away, letting the tears flow freely... Hai came to take care of me every day as he promised. After school, he read books and newspapers by my bedside, fed me medicine, and told me jokes. When I was upset about dropping out of school, he patted my back and consoled me, telling me that I could study at home and that much knowledge isn't learned in school... Hai's sincerity and patience eventually won the tacit approval of my parents, and with his help, I stood up again.
Year after year, Hai would take me out for a change of scenery every Sunday. We spent one evening after another on the grass, making wish after wish under the stars. When there were holidays, Hai would symbolically go home for a visit, then rush back to me, staying by my side to listen to the New Year's bells, enduring the long silence of summer nights with me.
Hai interned at a ministerial-level unit in Beijing. Due to his excellent performance, he was retained after graduation. During this period, he refused countless well-meaning advice and various material temptations, unwaveringly obtaining our marriage certificate the day after graduation. He said it was a man's responsibility. After marriage, I followed him to Beijing. Our finances were tight, and the small room we rented in the basement near the unit consumed most of Hai's monthly salary. We had no large furniture, buying a double sofa from the second-hand market that served as our new bed when unfolded. Hai returned early every day to do household chores. Later, Hai joined a joint venture company. He worked very hard, and because of his diligence, a year later, he was promoted to assistant to the president. We finally left the basement and owned our own house.
On a quiet, peaceful evening, I smiled and asked Hai, "Do you regret marrying me?" Hai thought seriously for a moment and told me, "Remember, love is forever!"