CITM - 33

Five hundred and sixty-nine days. That was how long Wenbin and Ye Yun had been apart. For someone who had left home, every day felt like an eternity, and eventually, it became a matter of life or death. This period—long in some ways, short in others—was insignificant compared to the vast river of life, perhaps just over a year. Yet, it was also enough to completely transform a person.

When Wenbin saw Ye Yun again, he almost didn’t recognize her. In his memory, she was still the girl from Qingxi Village: two braids, ill-fitting patched clothes, and eyes that avoided meeting anyone’s gaze.

As his steps drew closer, his heart raced with each step. She wasn’t the same as he had imagined. Her stylish dress accentuated her graceful figure, her hair styled into a fashionable bun, and her elegant features made her look like a city girl pampered with care. She was no longer the naive young woman she once was; her delicate face now carried the charm of a mature woman. At first glance, she took his breath away, leaving him speechless.

This scene had played out countless times in his mind. He had thought about what to say to her, even imagined holding her tightly. But now, standing before her, the unfamiliarity surrounding her made him hesitate, unable to act impulsively.

Ye Yun stood frozen, her world shaking violently within the span of those few steps, rocked by an unimaginable shock.

By the time Wenbin stopped in front of her, she could clearly see his brows, his eyes, the contours of his face. It wasn’t an illusion—his image was vividly imprinted in her pupils. She felt his rapid breathing, warm and real, and knew without a doubt that he couldn’t be a ghost.

“You…” That single word drained all of Ye Yun’s courage and breath.

“It’s me.”

“I’m back.”

Upon hearing these six words, nineteen months of memories flashed through Ye Yun’s mind like a dream, only to collapse in an intensely distorted manner.

The men craning their necks to look, the women staring wide-eyed, the elderly with shocked expressions, and the children thinking they were seeing a ghost—all these sights swirled around her. Ye Yun’s senses were heightened to the extreme; she even noticed the inscrutable expression on Lü Ping’s face.

The door opened, and Bai Wenfu stepped out. He turned his head, his gaze dark and deep.

At the sight of Bai Wenfu, Ye Yun felt her strength drain away, her very bones seeming to shatter. Her eyes swirled with helplessness, but as if burned, she quickly lowered her gaze, unable to meet his eyes.

Bai Wenfu’s lips tightened slightly, and he spoke: “Don’t stand there. Come in first; the leaders are still here.”

As he spoke, two middle-aged men emerged from inside the house. One of them Ye Yun recognized—he had come to deliver the news of Wenbin’s death last year, and she remembered serving him tea.

Ye Yun and Wenbin walked back together, side by side yet separated by a subtle distance. Wenbin’s gaze never left Ye Yun; the faint scent of her lingered intermittently, making him both nervous and captivated. Ye Yun, on the other hand, kept her head bowed, looking at the ground beneath her feet.

Bai Wenfu stood at the door, talking with the two leaders from Wenbin’s workplace. His gaze occasionally flickered toward the pair.

When they approached, the older leader gave a subtle nod to the younger one.

The younger man then turned to Wenbin and said, “Since we’ve confirmed your safe return home, let’s discuss the next steps. Then we’ll take our leave.”

After speaking, the younger leader exchanged a glance with the older one and led Wenbin a few steps toward the water room.

The older leader spoke softly: “Let’s go inside.”

One by one, they entered the house. Tong Mingfang anxiously greeted them, and Bai Wenfu came in last, closing the door behind him. His eyes met Ye Yun’s briefly before both looked away. Then, the leader began to speak.

“Sending Wenbin away is so we can inform you about his situation. This matter has dragged on for so long; it’s quite complicated. Let me get straight to the point.”

From the account provided by the unit’s leadership, they roughly understood the sequence of events.

Wenbin had a close colleague named Peng Liang. Both joined the company at the same time, were of similar age, and got along well. Coincidentally, both had their household registrations in Erwei Alley. Over time, they became inseparable friends, often commuting together and sharing meals. With their tall, slim builds, they frequently swapped clothes while working overseas. People around them often joked, telling them to ask their mothers if they were long-lost brothers.

These jokes were nothing more than playful banter among colleagues. Who would have thought that one day, this light-hearted teasing would play out in such a life-or-death scenario?

Initially, the first person on the ship to fall ill was Peng Liang. A colleague who had contact with him developed symptoms two days later, prompting immediate isolation. While the infected colleague’s condition wasn’t severe, Peng Liang’s deteriorated rapidly. No one knew what disease it was. Hearing Peng Liang’s agonized screams from the isolation room, no one dared approach.

Around the fourth day, supplies in the isolation room ran out, and Peng Liang’s voice grew weaker, sometimes silent for hours. The oppressive atmosphere filled the cabin. Without knowing the cause of their illness, the ship couldn’t dock, and no one dared risk their lives to deliver supplies or medicine.

If not for illness, starvation would claim them. Unable to bear watching his good friend suffer to death, Wenbin volunteered to help. Since he was already assisting another infected colleague, he took extra precautions, covering himself almost entirely. Despite this, a few days later, his body showed signs of distress. Like Peng Liang, his condition worsened rapidly. By the time they reached Chittagong, he had lost consciousness and ceased moving. Those around him didn’t know whether he was alive or dead.

He was rushed off the ship for emergency treatment, his heart stopping momentarily. The local doctors pronounced him beyond saving, speaking in Bengali and gesturing that it meant death.

To ensure the safety of the other crew members, Wenbin and Peng Liang were left behind for post-mortem arrangements, while the ship returned home.

During the transfer, locals discovered Wenbin still had a faint pulse. Out of humanitarian concern, instead of cremating him alive, they abandoned him halfway in a nearby mountainous area, instructing a Khasi woman to check on him periodically. If he died, she was to notify them immediately to retrieve the body.

As for how Wenbin survived, the leaders didn’t elaborate, suggesting he explain it himself.

In any case, when the locals went to collect the bodies, they found him not only alive but regaining consciousness. His awareness gradually returned.

They quickly relayed the news back home. Whether due to poor recognition of Chinese faces or some other mishap, the message that returned indicated the survivor was Peng Liang.

Upon receiving this unexpected good news, the leaders promptly visited Peng Liang’s family to share the news. This led to the encounter between Tong Mingfang and Peng Liang’s mother at the supply and marketing cooperative, where neither mother knew their sons’ identities had been mistaken abroad.

However, this wasn’t the main point the leaders wanted to convey. With a grave expression, they told the Bai family: “Before he returned, we received news. Due to procedural issues, Wenbin was detained in the area for some time. Likely eager to return, he attempted extreme measures to escape back to the country. Later, he encountered some ill-intentioned individuals and suffered greatly. Partly because of this, his current state isn’t right. After being sent to Dhaka, a doctor who studied in the U.S. diagnosed him with Depressed Reaction. However, our hospitals here lack records for such diagnoses, so it’s categorized under neurasthenia.”

After this explanation, Tong Mingfang was completely stunned. Though she understood the words, their meaning eluded her.

It was Ye Yun’s first time hearing of such a condition; her expression hardened, unsure of what to do.

After a moment of silence, Bai Wenfu asked, “Are there any effective treatments?”

“This isn’t like a fever or cold where you take medicine today and feel better in a couple of days. It requires a process related to environment and emotions. Since he just returned, we’re unclear about his condition. We should observe for a while.”

Tong Mingfang found it hard to believe: “He looks fine to me. How could he be sick? When I talk to him, he seems normal.”

The leader explained: “Generally, he appears normal. Avoid stimulating him, keep his spirits up, and he should recover gradually. It shouldn’t be too serious. We’re merely communicating the situation with you, and if there are issues, we’ll work together to find solutions.”

A noise came from outside, and the leader timely ended his speech. Opening the door, he addressed his colleague: “That’s about it. We’ll take our leave.”

Bai Wenfu and Tong Mingfang rose to see them off, with Ye Yun following behind. As they parted ways in the corridor, the older leader turned to Ye Yun and asked, “You’re Wenbin’s fiancée, Little Ye, right?”

Ye Yun’s expression paused, and Tong Mingfang’s eyes darted nervously, her face stiff as she responded, “Yes, yes.”

“Wenbin thought of you throughout his journey. Make sure to spend time with him.”

Ye Yun nodded softly, lowering her head. Bai Wenfu glanced over, his gaze landing on her, his eyes dark and unreadable.

Tong Mingfang suddenly appeared, blocking the space between Ye Yun and Bai Wenfu. Politely bidding farewell to the leaders, she hurried everyone inside for dinner.

Watching Wenbin and Ye Yun walk into the house, she quickly turned, pointing at Bai Wenfu: “Don’t be reckless.”

Bai Wenfu slowly raised his eyelids: “What recklessness?”

Tong Mingfang was in complete disarray. Knowing her second son had finally returned alive, though the situation remained unclear, she believed maintaining peace at home was paramount. Ye Yun, with her reserved nature and cautious actions, didn’t worry her much. What concerned her was her eldest son, whose boldness and decisiveness might cause trouble if he acted rashly, disrupting the household’s tranquility.

In her haste, she issued a vague directive: “Say less and leave it to me.”

With that cryptic statement, she entered the house. Bai Wenfu turned, glancing sharply, his eyes filled with a chilling menace. Many in the residential building stretched their necks to watch the spectacle, but his warning glare silenced them all.

Earlier that morning, arguments erupted in the building over his affairs. Now, no one dared to utter a word, pretending not to see and going about their own business.

Lei Zi, excited to visit Wenbin, was restrained by his wife, who refused to let him go.

“Don’t rush to see him yet. Wait a couple of days.”

Lei Zi didn’t understand: “My brother is alive! Such big news, why are you stopping me?”

His wife scowled: “You with your loose lips will cause trouble if you go and blabber nonsense. I’m warning you—it’s their family matter. Let them handle it themselves, got it?”

Lei Zi muttered, “What misery!” and retreated to his room.

...

Bai Wenfu pushed the door open. Where Ye Yun had sat earlier, Wenbin now occupied the seat. And Ye Yun, like the first day she arrived at the Bai household, sat opposite him. For a moment, everyone had returned to their rightful places.

Bai Wenfu walked over silently, Ye Yun keeping her head bowed. During the meal, the atmosphere was unusually quiet. Tong Mingfang kept urging Wenbin to eat more, while Ye Yun remained silent. Wenbin’s gaze involuntarily drifted toward Ye Yun. Though each harbored different thoughts, there was a palpable tension. Only Bai Wenfu appeared his usual composed self.

He broke the silence, asking Wenbin: “How’s your recovery?”

Wenbin replied: “Essentially, there are no major issues.”

Though he claimed no major issues, he had visibly lost weight, his cheeks sunken. Already lean, he now appeared excessively thin.

After Wenbin’s return in the afternoon, Tong Mingfang, upon seeing his suffering, cried and hugged him. Afterward, she hastily had Chun Di help prepare a chicken, boiling it into soup.

The chicken soup now sat in the center of the table. Bai Wenfu picked up the ladle, scooping a large drumstick into Wenbin’s bowl, asking, “What arrangements have your unit leaders made for you?”

Wenbin informed him: “They said to rest at home for a while. Later, they might assign me other land-based work.”

After saying this, Wenbin turned to Ye Yun and said: “I won’t be going on ships anymore.”

Ye Yun lifted her gaze and nodded: “That’s good. It’s too dangerous to go out.”

Wenbin’s heart warmed, his eyes intently fixed on Ye Yun’s delicate features. She subtly turned her head away. Bai Wenfu placed another drumstick in Ye Yun’s bowl. She looked at the hand extending toward her, its knuckles prominent, her emotions swirling uncontrollably, yet she lacked the courage to lift her head and meet its owner’s eyes.

She only heard him say to Wenbin: “Now that you’re home, focus on recovering fully. Once you’re strong, we can plan the future.”

Wenbin responded: “Yes, Brother. These past two years have been troublesome for you.”

Bai Wenfu retracted his gaze, offering no reply. Ye Yun’s eyelids twitched noticeably, while Tong Mingfang fiddled nervously with her chopsticks.

After the meal, they lingered at the table longer than usual, chatting. Tong Mingfang asked Wenbin how he recovered after being sent to the mountains.

According to him, when he was first taken there, he was unconscious. When he regained awareness, he didn’t know where he was. Weak and dehydrated, he couldn’t even crawl.

The Khasi woman hadn’t planned to check on him. One rainy day, she and her son were trapped nearby and suddenly remembered him. They came over.

Wenbin first sensed a fire outside and voices conversing. He tried listening but couldn’t understand their language. At that point, he couldn’t make any sound to call for help.

Later, the woman’s son curiously peeked toward him. Wenbin, with his last ounce of strength, raised his hand and slapped the ground.

Though he had exerted all his effort, the sound was faint. Fortunately, fate spared him, and the boy discovered him, running to tell the Khasi woman.

The Khasi people didn’t dare approach him. Before leaving, they used a bamboo pole to place some food and water near him and departed, until he was discovered by those coming to collect bodies.

Reflecting on this experience, Wenbin firmly believed Peng Liang’s spirit in heaven had repaid him with a second chance.

Fear of death, fear of life, no door to either—beyond human control. No one could explain why he clung to life despite losing consciousness.

Others considered this a miracle, but Wenbin didn’t. He knew why he refused to die and what kept him hanging on until today.

Throughout recounting this experience, Wenbin’s gaze remained fixed on Ye Yun. Bai Wenfu leaned against the wall behind him, observing her indifferently.

Ye Yun, however, couldn’t respond to anyone’s gaze, only bowing her head and staring at the wooden grain of the table.

Tong Mingfang interjected: “Enough. It’s all in the past. Our second son just returned. Rest early tonight and sleep well.”

Wenbin left the table and returned to his room. Reaching the doorway, he noticed the room filled with Ye Yun’s belongings and turned to look at her.

Ye Yun raised her eyes to meet Wenbin’s gaze, her heart tightening. Bai Wenfu set down his teacup with a soft “thud,” startling Tong Mingfang, who hastily told Wenbin: “Ye Yun will sleep in my room tonight.”

Afterward, she rushed to Wenbin, whispering: “It’s been so long since you’ve seen each other. Take some time to adjust.”

Wenbin also sensed the awkwardness. When he first brought Ye Yun home, he hadn’t felt this hesitation. On the first day, he had led her into his room without considering whether it might give her the wrong impression. Now, facing her again, he felt a new sense of caution, treating this relationship with more seriousness.

He agreed to Tong Mingfang’s arrangement and asked Ye Yun: “Do you have anything to bring?”

“Yes,” Ye Yun replied, entering the room to pack some personal items.

Bai Wenfu leaned against the corridor, smoking. As she stepped out, she glanced toward the door, and their eyes met.

Smoke drifted, mirroring their reflections.