Between two options

The days that followed the discovery of the newspaper of the mother of Li Mao were full of reflections for the couple. Although love between Oliver and Li Mao seemed stronger than ever, a shadow of uncertainty began to form when Oliver.

He received an unexpected email. It was a job offer of a prestigious hospital in his native country, which offered him a leadership post in the medical researcher. It was an opportunity that had dreamed all his life.

Sitting at the dining room table, Oliver reviewed the mail repeatedly, trying to process the implications of this offer. Li Mao entered the room with a cup of tea, noticing the serious expression of his fiancé.

-Everything's fine? He asked, leaving the cup in front of him and taking a seat beside him.

Oliver sighed deeply and turned his laptop screen towards Li Mao.

I received this job offer this morning. It is a prominent positionin one of the best hospitals in my country. They offer resources for research, Avant -grade team ... It is something I have always wanted.

Li Mao read in silence, his neutral expression. When he finished, he looked up towards him, trying to hide the fear that began to grow inside.

"It's ... impressive." Have you thought about accepting it?

"That's what worries me." It would mean leaving China, leaving our home here. But it would also be a fantastic opportunity to advance in my career.

Li Mao nodded slowly, his thoughts running a thousand per hour. Although he wanted to support Oliver, the idea of abandoning his country, his culture and his work as a teacherfilled her with uncertainty.

"It's an important decision, Oliver." But ... it also implies a momentous change for us. How do you really feel about it?

Oliver took his hands; his eyes reflecting the mixture of emotion and concern he felt.

"I'm divided, Li Mao." I do not want to lose what we have here, but I cannot ignore what this opportunity could mean for our future. I could work to ensure a better standard of living, to build a home where we are both comfortable.

The silence filled the room while both processed their emotions. Finally, Li Mao broke the silence.

"Maybe I could look for a job as a teacher in your country." We could try together.

Li Mao's proposal was brave, but Oliver noticed insecurity in his voice. He knew how much their culture, her family and roots meant. Moving could mean a sacrifice too great for her. 

"I don't want you to feel forced to leave everything behind, Li Mao." This is a decision that we must make together, not something that must be imposed.

The following days were marked by deeply painful conversations. They talked about their dreams, their fears and how they imagined their life in the future. Although both werecommitted to staying together, cultural differences and individual expectations began to weigh on them.

One night, while walking through the Bund with the city's lights reflecting on the Huangpu River, Li Mao finally expressed their fears.

—Oliver, I am afraid of not fitting in your country. I do not speak the language fluently and I do not know if I can find a job that makes me feel done. But I am also afraid that, if you decide to stay here for me, you could resent me later.

Oliver stopped and took the hands of Li Mao, looking at her with a sincerity that left her speechless.

"Mao, any decision we make, we will take it together." If that means staying here and looking for a way of growing professionally in China, I will. And if we decide to move, I promise to be with you in every step of the way to make sure you feel at home. This is not just my dream; It is our future.

Finally, they decided to postpone the decision until after the wedding, giving the necessary space to reflect and evaluate all the options. Both knew that their love was strong enough to overcome any obstacle, but they also understood that communication and commitment would be essential to face what awaited them.

That night, when they returned home, they hugged strongly, finding comfort in the closeness of the other. Although the answers were not yet clear, they had something that gave them strength: the certainty that they would face the future together, regardless of where they were.