From that time on, Helene and Wei-min would manage to meet almost daily, and their friendship deepened. Helene began to understand the dilemma Wei-min found himself in. Up to 1948 Chiang Kai Shek had been fighting Mao Tse-Tung and his revolutionary army, but Chiang Kai Shek was finally defeated and fled to the island of Formosa. The insurgents had no navy or else they would have followed them there. In 1948 the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed, with Mao as Chairman.
Wei-min often spoke to her of his problems. One day in particular stood out in her mind. It was when he said: “I feel, Helene, obligated to go back to my homeland. I have been receiving letters from members of the Communist Party. They want me to finish my studies and go back to China, for the good of the people and the country. They are appealing to so-called intellectuals like myself to return and assist the rebuilding process that is going on. China tugs away at my heart, and it appears as if our society is headed towards an amazing break-through, where opportunities will abound, and everyone will be equal.”
The year was now 1952, and they were both in their final year at Oxford. She knew that she was in love with Wei-min, and instinctively felt her feelings were reciprocated. Neither had, however, ever spoken about their innermost feelings. They had never kissed, or even held hands.
Her heart ached at the possibility of his departure. She was torn in her feelings. She knew he had to follow his dreams, as she had herself to this point in time. She said to him, a worried look on her face: “Wei-min, you know that I support you, no matter your decision. But I must say my heart is heavy at the very thought of you leaving. I honestly don’t know what I shall do. I look forward so much to seeing you, talking with you, having our College lunches together on the banks of the river, walking along the streets of Oxford with you past the ancient Colleges.”
“I feel the same way, Helene. I can remember my grandmother, Lin Shi-an, telling me that her father would often say that his days at Oxford, at Balliol College where I am, were the happiest in his life. She can remember lithographs of Oxford on the walls of her house, and how her father would sigh when he looked at them. These have likewise been my happiest days, Helene, more so because of you and our remarkable association. I know what I should do, however, and that is rally to the cause of my country, but what I would personally like to do is stay here, at Oxford, just like we are now. I wish that time would simply stand still.”
“So do I. Maybe, Wei-min, there is a middle position. When you graduate, you could go back to China. If it does not meet your expectations, you could leave, come back to Oxford, or the United States.”
“Yes, Helene, that would seem to be possible. It was not difficult getting permission to leave China to come here, and I would not expect that to change.”
“I am going to stay on to do a Ph.D. in archaeology, so I will simply immerse myself in my work.”
So it was, then. After graduating Wei-min made arrangements to go back to China. The first step was to catch a train at Oxford to London. It was a sad occasion when they farewelled him, Helene’s parents coming to the station as well. As Wei-min opened the door of his compartment to say his final good-byes, tears were in his eyes, as well as Helene’s. His hand reached forward to grasp hers, and then without thinking she kissed him. “Look after yourself, Wei-min”, she said tearfully.
“And you, Helene, and you.”
The train pulled away from the station. Tears were streaming down her face as she stood there waving. Wei-min leaned out to catch a last glimpse of her. Soon, too soon, he was gone from sight.
Helene turned to her parents and took them in her arms. Her jaw jutted out. It reminded them when she was a child, when she had informed them she would be an Olympic swimmer.
“That is the man I intend to marry, Mum and Dad. It may surprise you, but that is the first time we have ever touched hands, or for that matter kissed.”
Joanne said: “We are not surprised, Helene. We know you very well. Your feelings run deep and true, just like your parents.”
They hugged, and walked arm in arm to their car, Helene’s heart heavy.