Growing in two worlds

As summer began to paint the streets of Jiading, Oliver felt how his life was increasingly intertwined with Lio's. The heat of the sun was a constant reminder of the heat that he felt in his heart every time he thought of her. With the summer holidays just around the corner and Li Mao enjoying a deserved rest of her duties as a teacher, Oliver saw the perfect opportunity to carry out her most ambitious plan to date.

One afternoon, while enjoying a walk through one of the city parks, Oliver touched the subject carefully, aware of the importance of the moment.

Oliver smiled while watching the children play near a source. "Li Mao, I've been thinking ... since we both have some free time, what would you think if we visit your family? I would love to return to your hometown."

Li Mao, with a mixture of surprise and joy, replied: "That would be wonderful! My parents would be happy to meet you better. And I think it would also give them a lot of peace of mind to see you in our family environment."

Oliver nodded, relieved for his positive reaction. However, in his mind, the gears were already in motion, planning every detail of how he would ask for the hand of LiMao in marriage.

In the following days, Oliver devoted himself meticulously to prepare every aspect of his trip. He contacted Li Mao's childhood friends through Weibo, explaining their plan andrequesting their complicity to surprise. Everything was meticulously organized: they would visit the restaurant where Li Mao used to eat as a child, and there, in that place full of memoirs and meaning, he would make his proposal.

Meanwhile, Li Mao watched with love how Oliver prepared to visit his family without suspecting the magnitude of planning he had in mind for the

proposal. She dedicated himself to tell her about her family, her traditions and even the dishes favorites that I should try. Everything, under the quiet sun of a summer that promised to beunforgettable.

The day towards Lio's parents' house was a collage of landscapes that slid behind the train windows, from skyscrapers that torn the sky to rice fields that gently rocked with the breeze.

Upon arrival, they were warmly received by Lio's parents, although with a caution that did not go unnoticed by Oliver. After the presentations and a lunch where the dishes happened one after another, the time of the most important conversations.

Oliver sent a message to Li Mao's friends to call her and have a time alone with her parents.

Mr. Li looked at Oliver with a mixture of curiosity and reserve. "So, Oliver, Li Mao has told us a lot about you. How are you this second time in China? Have you adapted well to ourcountry?"

Oliver, with respect and sincerity, replied: "Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Li. I feel incredibly fortunate to be here. China has received me with open arms, and every day feel more at home. Thanks to Li Mao.

Mrs. Wan, observing the interaction gently, said: "It's good to listen to that. Li Mao is very happy with you."

As the conversation was developed, Oliver felt how the moment approached. With each word, he tried to build a bridge, not only to present himself as a potential son-in -law, but as someone who genuinely loved his daughter and wanted to be part of his world.

Oliver, taking a deep breath, felt determined and took advantage of the fact that LiMao went out to answer a phone call. "In fact, there is something important that wanted to argue with you ..."

The table was silent, all eyes were now fixed on Oliver, who knew that what he followed could change his life forever. With the heart beating strong and hope shining in his eyes, he was ready to talk about his future and that of Li Mao, knowing that this summer could be the beginning of a new stage for both.