Shanghai's bustle wrapped Oliver and Li Mao in a dance of love and adventure. As an official couple, they spent their days exploring the city, immersing themselves in culture and enjoying the company of the other. However, time seemed to conspire against him, since Oliver's visa and scholarship were about to expire, forcing him to return to his country in a month.
One afternoon, while walking through the Yuyan gardens, Oliver took Li Mao's hand and looked at her with determination.
"Mao, I can't imagine my life without you." Is there any way that we can be together, even after I returned to my country?
Li Mao looked at him tenderly, squeezing his hand firmly. "Oliver, I feel the same." I do not want to lose you. He waded a moment of silence before continuing. What if you are looking for work here in Shanghai? We could explore that option together.
Oliver nodded, impressed by the idea. "It's perfect!" I will start looking for job opportunities here. No matter what happens, we will find a way of being together.
The days passed quickly while Oliver embarked on the job search, and Li Mao continued his responsibilities as a tourist guide and student. On weekends they became even more precious, since they knew that their time together was limited.
The story of Oliver and Li Mao takes an unexpected and painfully realistic turn with the revelation that Oliver does not meet the strict government requirements to obtain a work visa in Shanghai. This new barrier not only represents a practical obstacle in its romance but also a hard reminder of how laws and regulations can deeply impact personal lives.
A rainy afternoon in Shanghai, after weeks of unsuccessful search, Oliver was sitting in front of Li Mao in a small cafeteria, the face marked by disappointment and anguish.
"Lo Mao," Oliver began, struggling to find the words, "I have done my best, I have searched everywhere, but ... but I don't fulfill the requirements for the work visa." I need to have a university career and at least two years of experience in my field to even consider the application.
Li Mao took his hand, understanding and regret reflected in his eyes. "Oliver, I knew it would be difficult, but this ... this is bleak." What are we going to do now?
"I've thought about it a lot," Oliver continued, squeezing Li Mao's hand, "and although this seems an end, I don't want it to be." I am going to look for ways to improve my profile, maybestudying and gaining experience in my country and then ... then try again.
Oliver's determination was evident, but both knew that the road ahead would be full of difficulties and temporary farewells.
"It doesn't matter how much time I take, I don't want to lose this, I don't want to lose you," said Oliver with a mixture of firmness and vulnerability.
Li Mao nodded, tears shining in his eyes. "And I will be here, waiting for you." We will work on this, together, regardless of the distance.
Oliver's last day in Shanghai came faster than they expected. At the airport, they hugged themselves, promising eternal love and a future together. With tears in the eyes, they said goodbye with the certainty that their love would overcome any obstacle.
Back in his country, Oliver continued to look for work opportunities in Shanghai, while LiMao supported him from a distance. Through video calls and Messages, kept the flame of their love alive, hoping to meet again soon. For Oliver and Li Mao, his love was more than a story of distance and challenges, it was a story of perseverance, true love and the belief that, in the end, love always finds a path.