The Farewell That Does Not End

Wu Dawang and Liu Lian’s parting becomes a lasting memory that brings him back to her gate fifteen years later, without restoring their intimacy.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Departure Arranged

A Parting Prepared Liu Lian makes the arrangements She finds Wu Dawang travel documents and a ticket, gives him money for his family, and ensures that he can leave before the Commander returns. Care under pressure Practical arrangements become her way of caring for him. Their intimacy is already shaped by the secrecy and rank that require her to send him away.

The Smile Under the Vines

A Last Image An unaccompanied farewell Liu Lian does not walk Wu Dawang to the vehicle, but emerges under the vine trellis as it drives away and waves. Her smile is both brave and sad. Memory fixed Wu Dawang does not yet know how long the image will remain with him. The farewell becomes a private source of comfort during his lonely leave.

Weeks Without News

Longing Without Contact Silence from the division Wu Dawang does not know what Liu Lian has told the Commander or what his comrades say about his absence. He waits without reliable information. The memory persists The farewell smile becomes his main consolation. In the village, he has no way to test whether Liu Lian remembers their relationship as he does.

The Red-Wrapped Sign

A Shared Object Liu Lian’s gift On the last night in the division, she gives Wu Dawang the sign wrapped in red silk after recognizing what he wants. He blushes as he briefly unwraps it. Feeling made tangible The object carries their coded history without requiring a confession. It becomes a portable remainder of a relationship that must otherwise be hidden.

A Visit at the Gate

Reunion Without Welcome Wu Dawang returns He watches the provincial compound before entering and finally asks to see Liu Lian. She sends a note saying she is occupied and offers help if he needs money or assistance. The old tie remains uncertain Wu Dawang leaves the wrapped sign with the sentry. The story ends their reunion at a distance, without showing whether Liu Lian recognizes or answers the gift.

The last night of the affair

As the jeep leaves the compound

During the six-week leave

At the final barracks departure

Fifteen years later