In Suzhou in 1957, there was still a hint of chill in the late spring wind. The sycamore trees in Yong'an Lane have newly sprouted buds, and occasionally a few pedestrians hurried past on the bluestone road. Xu Ning sat in front of the window, the tea cup in her hand was already cold, but her eyes kept looking towards the alley, as if expecting something.
"Aning, it's time for dinner." Mother's voice came from downstairs.
"Coming." Xu Ning responded softly, but did not move.
Twelve years. She waited for him for twelve full years.
Her fingers unconsciously caressed the edge of the faded envelope, which was the last letter sent by Chen Jinnian in 1949. The letter paper has turned yellow and the ink is a little blurry, but the opening sentence "My dear sister Ning" is still clearly legible.
"The current situation is turbulent, and our army has been ordered to withdraw south. When the situation stabilizes, I will return to my hometown to marry you. Don't think about it, don't wait. If you meet a good man, you can trust me for life."
She just didn't listen to the words "don't wait".
