She was the black-haired girl from the city, and he was the baggage-carrying farmer from the countryside. After graduation, their youthful trajectories diverged completely. Yet, they still persisted in their relationship despite the challenges.
During the day, she sipped expensive coffee at her company, and after work, she ate the cheap breadsticks he bought for her. At night, she enjoyed the delicate meals from restaurants near her office, while he took her to roadside eateries for a bowl of not-so-delicious Lanzhou noodles.
Every day, he came to pick her up and sent her to the elevator of her apartment building, saying goodnight before leaving. One day, she suddenly wanted to be spoiled. "Carry me down!" she said. He glanced at the elevator, which was running smoothly, then turned back and said, "Alright." He carried her, starting from the first floor, climbing step by step. Halfway through, he got tired and asked if they could rest for a moment. She playfully refused, so he didn't stop, continuing all the way to the 13th floor where her apartment was located. She asked him if he was tired, and he replied, "Yes, even more tired than carrying bags." She knew he wasn't lying and felt a pang of emotion.
Yet, they eventually parted ways. Sometimes, emotion alone isn't enough to sustain a relationship.
In the countryside, there were plenty of other baggage-carrying farmers, so he returned to the city. Occasionally, he would call her, telling her about his small stall and how he had earned some money. Listening to him, she felt a mix of emotions. By then, she already had a new boyfriend, one from a well-matched family background.
One day, he called again, saying he had saved up five thousand yuan, enough to start a small business in the city. She realized that, unexpectedly, her eyes became slightly moist.
Her new boyfriend also picked her up after work every day and sent her to the elevator, politely saying goodnight before leaving. One day, she said, "Carry me down!" Her boyfriend agreed. The elevator stopped at the first floor, and he quickly carried her into it. As she sat on his back, rising with the elevator, her heart raced rapidly. Her boyfriend chuckled, proud of his big move.
She called him, asking if he had spent those five thousand yuan. As she asked, she found herself already in tears. He said yes. She hung up the phone, feeling as though she had lost her entire world.
A few days later, she saw him at the elevator entrance. In his hand was a ring. He held it up and said, "Five thousand yuan." She froze. Then she began to cry uncontrollably.
She said, "Carry me down!" He agreed. He carried her, climbing the stairs step by step. Along the way, when he got tired, he asked if they could rest. She said no, and he continued silently until they reached the 13th floor.
She thought, if a woman is willing to carry someone up the longest staircase without needing a reason, then what excuse does that person have to refuse her?
She gave him a long, passionate kiss...