Because his girlfriend was born in 1987, Wang Min specifically took a photo at the 1987-kilometer mark of National Highway 107. All photos provided by Wang Min.
The cycling trip coincided with the rainy season in southern China, so Wang Min had to ride in the rain.
Seven tough days, over 700 kilometers through wind and rain, half a year of getting to know each other, and a lifetime of happiness together...
“Liu Yeyun: Marry me!” 2013, when spring blossoms, heading all the way south.” A banner like this was attached to the bicycle. On March 31, Wang Min, a young man from Hunan, set off from Changsha, cycling all the way regardless of wind or rain. “It wasn’t until I stood under my girlfriend’s office building and called her name that she realized it was all a surprise for her.” Yesterday, reporters met Wang Min, who successfully proposed in Guangzhou. He said the challenging cycling journey gave him even more precious insights. “No matter what difficulties arise in the world of love, they must be overcome with courage and love. This is also a fearless commitment for love.”
Departure
Starting the journey at his girlfriend’s alma mater
Although they were both from Xinning, Shaoyang, Wang Min and Liu Yeyun were originally in Beijing and Guangzhou, respectively. “We met six months ago through her cousin’s introduction,” Wang Min explained. Due to the distance, the two could only express their longing through phone calls and online messages during that time. “We only met once or twice, but we hit it off right away. I knew she was the one I wanted to spend my life with.”
Wang Min, who worked at a company in Beijing, was planning to return to his hometown of Changsha while quietly organizing his proposal trip. “Hunan Women’s University is my girlfriend’s alma mater, so I chose it as the starting point.” On the morning of March 31, Wang Min set off amid the blessings of many fellow cyclists.
Unexpectedly, he ran into continuous spring rain, which made Wang Min a bit anxious. “Riding in the rain, combined with uphill climbs, really drains your energy.” His clothes were either soaked by the rain or drenched in sweat. To avoid delaying the journey, he would wash his clothes every night, dry them with a hairdryer, and then go to sleep.
The Journey
Recording the experience along the way with a mobile phone video
Wang Min said he would set off at 8 a.m. every day and cycle for 10 hours, covering over 100 kilometers. “Cycling over 700 kilometers in seven consecutive days was something I had never tried before—it was a challenge to both my physical strength and willpower.” The first two days were okay, but afterward, he felt particularly exhausted. However, thinking about the surprised expression on his girlfriend’s face when he suddenly appeared gave him a surge of energy. Along the way, he also met many short-distance cyclists who offered him blessings and encouragement.
Speaking of the difficulties and dangers along the way, the biggest was a sudden tire blowout. Once, while going downhill at high speed, he suddenly turned, and broken glass on the ground punctured the rear tire. “Thankfully, I braked in time and avoided any danger.” After changing the tire, Wang Min continued on his way.
“Along the way, I kept an eye out for the boundary markers of National Highway 107. I wanted to find the one at the 1987-kilometer mark because she was born in 1987, and I wanted to take a photo there.” Wang Min bought a new phone as a gift for his girlfriend. Every two or three hours of riding, he would use the break time to record his feelings along the way with the phone. “All the videos put together form the trajectory of my love confession.”
The Proposal
A romantic scene moved the happy girlfriend
“After arriving in Guangzhou on the evening of April 5, I was worried about being spotted by her, so I specifically found a hotel far from her company.” Early the next morning, Wang Min got up. “The first time I held her hand was on Baiyun Mountain in Guangzhou, so I specifically rode for over an hour to the foot of the mountain to buy 99 roses.” Wang Min had previously communicated with his girlfriend’s company leadership, “The secrecy was well maintained. It wasn’t until I stood under her company building and called her name that she knew I had come.”
“When Liu Yeyun stood at the stairway and saw the scene before her, she was completely stunned.” Wang Min recalled the moment with a face full of happiness. “She just stood there dumbfounded, and I said a lot of things asking her to marry me. But now, when I ask her, she says she doesn’t remember a single word, because having such a romantic scene was the greatest surprise and promise.”
Wang Min, who successfully proposed, began planning their future. “We’ll hold the wedding within the year, and I’ll come to work in Changsha first. Once things stabilize, she’ll come too.” Because Liu Yeyun loves hiking, Wang Min also carefully created a website with information about all the famous mountains in China. “I’ll mark each place I’ve been. In the future, the two of us will visit all these places.”
Wang Min’s proposal experience was also made into a TV program, which will air at 7:30 p.m. on April 24 on Hunan Entertainment Channel’s “Marry Me.” He reflected, “The path of love is never smooth sailing, but as long as two people stick together and walk hand in hand, no matter how great the difficulties, they will be overcome, and true happiness will eventually come.”