‘SEE YOU MORNING’ 034 Cold Rainy Night

Returning from the mission at the Nevada Desert Base, just as Li Haojun had expected, they followed the usual procedure and headed to Spokane to exchange data. It had been a long time since he last saw John, and both were enthusiastic upon meeting. They found a place to eat while catching up. John was still the same as ever—unkempt but seemingly living a carefree and comfortable life. Li Haojun remarked with nostalgia that it had been over half a year since their last mission together in that water city, and how time had flown by.
"Haha, it’s best to visit that place less often. My missions are usually in remote or lawless areas, so you’re better off staying away," John joked, then asked,
"Has everything been going smoothly with you lately?"
"Yes," Li Haojun replied.
"In fact, his workload has been quite heavy lately," Qin Wenjing chimed in, glancing at Li Haojun with a satisfied smile. Today, she wore her hair in big waves draped over one shoulder. The noon sunlight streamed through the window, filtering through her strands, making her look especially charming.
After stealing an appreciative glance at her, Li Haojun quickly turned back to chatting with John, not wanting to flaunt their affection in front of others.
"Ah, actually, when I went to Sacramento, the situation was quite complicated. I was even followed, which made me pretty tense."
"Oh, who did you go there with?" John asked curiously.
"Lily Brent. Do you know her?"
"Oh, it was her. We worked together before, starting when she was very young. But later, I heard she took a long break. I’m glad she’s back now." John’s tone was meaningful, as if reminiscing about his own child.
"When I met her, she looked great. She was driving a classic four-door Jaguar—very elegant. She just didn’t talk much, seemed like a straightforward person," seeing John mention Lily, Li Haojun took the initiative to share his impression.
"You mentioned her driving skills were impressive," Qin Wenjing added from the side.
"Yeah, she’s really good at handling machinery. Seems like she enjoys the thrill of driving," Li Haojun shared his thoughts.
"Back then, she was quite a mischievous kid—loved speed and all kinds of machines," John said with a laugh, as if drifting back into old memories. After a pause, he shifted the topic and asked,
"Ethan, have you recalled any past experiences?"
"No, at least nothing specific comes to mind," Li Haojun replied with a slight pout.
John glanced at Qin Wenjing, then turned his gaze back to Li Haojun and said with a smile,
"That’s fine too. You two look very happy now."
"Yeah," Li Haojun answered with a smile, turning to look at Qin Wenjing. She was looking at him, her face glowing with happiness, which made Li Haojun feel a certain weight of responsibility and burden in his heart...
After the data exchange, while Qin Wenjing went to the restroom, Li Haojun asked John seriously outside the restaurant,
"Mr. Weyant, I’ve lost my memory from before. This middle-aged version of me is like a tree without roots, doing things without knowing where I came from or where I’m going. Can you give me some advice?"
John stared into Li Haojun’s eyes for a moment, then said firmly,
"Keep things as they are."
Li Haojun hesitated, surprised by such a simple answer lacking actionable guidance.
Just then, Qin Wenjing caught up, and they said their goodbyes. The weather had turned cold, and instead of riding his Harley, John drove off in an old pickup truck.
"What do we do now?" Qin Wenjing asked softly, standing before Li Haojun.
Familiar people, familiar streets—it all felt like yesterday, the starting point of all his current memories, making Li Haojun cherish it deeply. He placed his hands on Qin Wenjing’s arms and said with certainty,
"Let’s go watch an opera."
Hearing this, Qin Wenjing smiled with relief. She knew her man was nostalgic—old memories and familiar faces always held his heart, and she would be the one he cherished more with time.
It was still the same street. The golden sunlight spilled onto the pavement, no longer scorching but unable to hide the warmth in the lovers’ hearts. Hand in hand, they climbed the steps, their hearts fluttering, their shadows following, exchanging gazes now and then.
Through the dark gold theater doors and across the foyer, it felt like traveling through time back to their first encounter. The melodious singing from the performance hall could be faintly heard.
They entered the hall, still sparsely populated, but Li Haojun and Qin Wenjing chose seats in the back row.
Under the stage lights, the joys and sorrows, partings and reunions of life played out—an unchanging song unaffected by the times. Li Haojun and Qin Wenjing seemed merely spectators of others’ stories, savoring their own moments.
After the show, night had already fallen. This time, Li Haojun had learned his lesson—he had prepared extra warm clothing for Qin Wenjing: a traditional wool coat with a large-color suit collar. It was a bit heavy but thick and flattering to her figure.
After helping her put it on and seeing her happy expression, Li Haojun couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt toward Malaya. Sigh, he’d make it up to her someday.
On the quiet street, under the lonely corner streetlight, Qin Wenjing tugged at Li Haojun.
"And where do we go next?"
"I don’t know. Are you coming with me?" Li Haojun asked with a smile.
"Sure," Qin Wenjing gave a sweet, obedient affirmation.
Turning the corner led back to the road they came from. The shops along both sides were still lit, though the staff had gone home, leaving only self-service options. Spotting a restaurant by the roadside, they seized the chance to fill their stomachs. Though only simple set meals remained, the benefit was being undisturbed. Sitting by the window, they didn’t need to worry about the time.
The indoor lighting was bright, casting the interior decor and their silhouettes onto the floor-to-ceiling windows—simple and serene.
Qin Wenjing tasted a dessert and looked at Li Haojun across the table with a smile.
"What are you smiling at?" Li Haojun asked curiously.
"I’m happy," Qin Wenjing said playfully.
Li Haojun looked at the glass window against the night and the unified surface of the table, feeling a slight pang of emotion.
"This setting reminds me of the No. 6 Motel."
Qin Wenjing ate quietly, watching Li Haojun with a smile.
"Are you this easily satisfied? Well, that makes it easier to be happy," Li Haojun said, feeling both delighted and somewhat sentimental.
"Is that bad? Fewer demands mean easier satisfaction. When you’re with me, isn’t it enough that I’m just responsible for being happy? For now, you’re right here beside me. Looking further back, you’ve returned to my side."
"Yeah," Li Haojun thought curiously about what had happened even further in the past, but he didn’t want to dampen Qin Wenjing’s mood, so he didn’t press further.
"Ah, it’s raining," Li Haojun noticed raindrops on the glass.
"Oh," Qin Wenjing glanced outside, momentarily distracted, then asked,
"Will we take a walk in the rain later?" She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear with her left hand.
"Sure, as long as you’re happy."
Before Li Haojun could finish, Qin Wenjing reached under the table with her left hand and gave his thigh a playful grab. Leaning forward, she looked up and asked,
"Aren’t you cold?"
"No, I’m wearing warm clothes."...
On the quiet street, the light rain had long since soaked the pavement, reflecting the cold glow of sparse streetlights. Their long shadows stretched within the light. At some point, the drizzle had turned into floating snowflakes.
Li Haojun pulled Qin Wenjing closer, wrapped her scarf around her head, shook the water off his coat collar, and turned it up to shield her neck.
She looked lovely like this. Li Haojun held her hand, tucking it into his pocket as they continued walking. Her smile lingered beside him, echoing deep in his heart.
"If you get tired, we can call a taxi."
"I’m not tired. Let’s just walk slowly. No rush," Qin Wenjing replied.
Indeed, when two people who care about each other are together, what is there to hurry for?
Walking further, they left the bustling city behind. The dark fields were swallowed by the falling snow, boundless. Within the light cones cast by dim lamps amidst the snow, two figures walked side by side.