The Sixties: My Childhood Sweetheart Is a Top Student, and He Says He'll Marry Me

In 1962, in Qingxi Town, Jiangnan, Shen Jinnian is famous for being a little troublemaker, while the boy next door, Gu Yanzhou, is recognized by the whole town as a top student. Everyone says they’re from different worlds, but Gu Yanzhou insists on looking after her. When she skips school, he tutors her; when she gets into trouble, he cleans up after her. He even secretly keeps every tooth she loses in a little tin box.

From holding hands on the way to school at six, to making a promise at sixteen: “When I get into university, I’ll come back and marry you.” She puts on a tough act. “Get in first, then we’ll talk.”

That summer, he gets into Peking University with the highest score in the county. On the day his acceptance letter arrives, he walks through a courtyard full of well-wishers and stops in front of her. “I got in. I’m here to keep my promise.”

Then comes a wait of four years. He’s in Beijing, she’s in their little town, and their letters never stop. Four years later, he gives up the chance to stay in Beijing and returns to her side, pulling a silver ring from his pocket. “I’ve waited ten years for you. In this life, I want to marry only you.”

Her eyes turn red, but she still says, “You’re really such a pain.”

He smiles and pulls her into his arms. “You’ll just have to put up with me, pain and all, for the rest of your life.”

Love in those days moved slowly, so slowly that a lifetime was just enough to love one person. And with ten years of childhood-sweetheart devotion and waiting, they earned a lifetime together.