#16: A Husband’s Worry When His Wife Travels Far

Once, I went on a business trip to Changbai Mountain. There were no direct flights from Beijing to Changbai Mountain, so I purchased a ticket with a layover in Shenyang.

The plane took off on time, but just as we were about to arrive in Shenyang, an announcement came over the intercom: “Ladies and gentlemen, we have just received notice that due to strong winds in Shenyang, landing conditions are not met. The plane will now return to Capital Airport.”

I’ve experienced flight delays and cancellations before, but this was my first time encountering a mid-flight return.

Looking out at the wings cutting through the clouds, I couldn’t help but smile wryly. Up in the sky, all we can do is “leave it to fate.”

Fortunately, after traveling so many times, I’ve encountered some unexpected situations, and my mindset has become much calmer than before. I’ve gradually come to realize that unpredictability is a normal part of life.

At around three in the afternoon, the plane returned to Capital Airport. I immediately sent a message to Lin Zhiyi: “I’m still at Capital Airport.”

He was surprised and asked, “Didn’t you board the plane at noon? Has there been such a long delay?”

“It’s not a delay; the plane returned. I flew a circle in the sky and came back.”

“As soon as you left, I started missing you. It’s the magic of love spinning you back to me.”

Upon reading his words, I couldn’t help but smile. This unplanned return, which disrupted my schedule, suddenly gained a romantic touch because of his words.

Life is bound to encounter various unexpected events—missing a flight, a plane returning—but some surprises are beautiful and romantic, like meeting Lin Zhiyi.

The time for the returned plane to take off again was uncertain, and I had important work to do early the next morning, so I bought another ticket to Changchun. I planned to go to Changchun first and then take a car to Changbai Mountain.

The plane took off almost on time and flew smoothly in the air. The announcement also mentioned that “the plane will land at Changchun Longjia Airport in thirty minutes.” But! But! But—suddenly, the latest announcement came: “Due to strong winds in Changchun, we cannot land at Changchun Longjia Airport. We will make a short stop in Shenyang and land at Taohsi Airport in about twenty minutes.”

What is life like? This is it!

One moment, the plane returns due to strong winds in Shenyang, and we don’t know when it will take off again. The next moment, after switching flights to Changchun, strong winds in Changchun force us to divert to Shenyang.

You never know where the wind will blow next!

“This is too funny!” That was my first reaction.

In the past, I would be extremely anxious in such situations, but this time, I remained calm and even closed my eyes to rest on the way from Changchun to Shenyang.

Human calculations can’t compare to nature’s plans. If you’re flying in the sky, you must leave it to heaven’s will.

The plane stayed at Shenyang Airport for more than two hours and didn’t arrive in Changchun until one o’clock in the morning.

Since I had to accompany an author for cover and illustration photos at eight o’clock the next morning, I took a taxi from Changchun to Changbai Mountain overnight, arriving at the hotel at five-thirty in the morning. Driving from night to dawn, I slept in the car all night.

That night, Lin Zhiyi was also worried, asking me to send him the license plate number and saying that he would keep his phone on 24/7 so I could reach him anytime.

Indeed, “A husband worries when his wife travels far,” but fortunately, after traveling alone multiple times, I’ve become calmer about various unexpected events.

Life has taught me not disappointment or despair, but how to face difficulties… by finding solutions!

When necessary, I’ll ask Lin Zhiyi to help think of solutions.

This time, I originally planned to take a taxi from Changchun to the hotel, but Lin Zhiyi suggested that I contact a driver who cooperates with the Changbai Mountain hotel to pick me up from Changchun and take me to Changbai Mountain. He said that although it would add the cost of the journey from Changbai Mountain to Changchun, having the hotel as a guarantee would increase safety. For a girl traveling alone, riding in a car overnight, the driver’s character is particularly important.

When I arrived at the hotel at five-thirty in the morning, the driver helping me with my luggage said, “Your husband is really nice, and he truly cares for you!”

“Ah?” I was a bit confused. I thought I fell asleep as soon as I got in the car and barely talked to the driver, let alone mention my husband.

“Oh, you probably didn’t know. After your flight diverted to Shenyang, your husband contacted the hotel and found my phone number. He spoke very politely, asking us to wait a few more hours for you. He was very courteous.”

“Your husband also added us on WeChat and sent us a thank-you red packet,” another young driver said.

Through chatting with them, I learned that Lin Zhiyi had actively requested the hotel to arrange two drivers. He said that with an eight-hour round trip, two drivers taking turns would avoid fatigue driving and be safer.

After checking in and reaching my room, I sent a message to Lin Zhiyi to let him know I was safe. He replied instantly. I was surprised and asked, “You’re awake already at six?”

“How could I sleep knowing you’re taking a taxi alone in the middle of the night?”

“Thank you, honey, for thinking so carefully for me. I was wondering when I first got in the car why these two drivers waited three extra hours for me and were still so polite. So you sent them a red packet in advance!”

“Yes, after all, they spent extra time waiting, so sending a small token of appreciation shows respect and ensures they drive safely. It also gives me peace of mind.”

“But hiring two drivers greatly exceeded this trip’s travel budget.”

“Your safety is more important than anything! Don’t worry too much about money when you’re out. If spending money ensures good service, it’s worth it. If your boss doesn’t reimburse you, come to me.”

What a bold statement: “If the boss doesn’t reimburse you, come to me!”

I was just about to praise him when his next message arrived—”After I pay, give me a hug.”