After the admission notification was fully taken care of, the moment for Xia Chuyi to depart finally arrived.
At the train station, Uncle Xia, Aunt Xia, and a group of people all came to see her off.
"Chuyi, it’s your first time traveling far from home, so you must remember, if a stranger strikes up a conversation with you, you need to be constantly vigilant, never trust what they say."
Aunt Xia kept nagging Xia Chuyi continuously.
"Don’t be tempted by small benefits; don’t take or consume others’ belongings!"
"Look, Auntie packed you a big bag of food that’s sure to last you all the way to the Capital City and beyond!"
As she spoke, Aunt Xia pointed to the bundle currently on Zhao Xiaogui’s shoulder.
Inside, there were steamed buns, rolls, stuffed buns, preserved meats, pickles, and fermented tofu, anything that could be stored for a while was stuffed inside.
Carrying this bundle, Zhao Xiaogui didn’t know how many times he swallowed his saliva.
He secretly vowed to himself that he too would study hard, strive to get into a university, and have a travel pack of his own!
Aunt Xia didn’t know that the issue she had nagged her son about countless times to no avail was now resolved with just one bundle.
"And remember, if you run into trouble, look for soldiers or police!" Aunt Xia continued, "Think of anything else we might need to consider?"
Having said her part, Aunt Xia then turned to Uncle Xia.
"Cough, cough!" Named by his wife, Uncle Xia straightened up and said, "Xiao Gui’s mother, actually, you shouldn’t think the outside world is so terrifying..."
"What do you mean I think it’s terrifying?" As soon as Aunt Xia heard what Uncle Xia said, she was not pleased, "You know better than anyone how many kidnappers there are out there targeting girls like Chuyi!"
"Your own niece, aren’t you afraid for her, aren’t you heartbroken?"
"That’s true... how about I escort Chuyi to the Capital City myself?" Uncle Xia rubbed his hands together, his eyes gleaming as he spoke.
Xia Chuyi quickly said, "That’s enough, Uncle, Auntie, I’m grown up now, can’t I take care of myself?"
"Besides, Director Chang is familiar with people in the railway department; he has already sent word. The officials will look after me."
"You guys just wait for my call once I arrive in Capital City safely!"
"Well, okay then." Uncle Xia said, somewhat disheartened.
It was unclear who started it, but someone sighed, and the sad atmosphere of farewells began to spread.
Aunt Xia’s eyes finally could not hold back the tears, she tightly clutched her hand and said, "You must remember to call often! Don’t worry about the cost of calls, your uncle and I can afford it!"
Once it was basically certain that Xia Chuyi had scored above the line for university admission, Uncle Xia ran several connections and had a phone installed in his shop.
Firstly, it would increase the store’s foot traffic, as many people wanted to make calls and could pay to do so there; secondly, it would be more convenient for Xia Chuyi to keep in contact with her family while studying away.
Aunt Xia continued, "Also, the living allowance the school provides definitely won’t be enough; don’t be afraid to tell us if you’re having difficulties at home."
"If the store doesn’t make enough money, we can also help you out."
As she spoke, she could no longer continue.
After all was said and done, the reluctance to part ways was inevitable.
Xia Chuyi boarded the train and looked back; even the usually silent Xia Chengzong raised his hand to wipe his eyes.
Her own eyes, too, could not help but fill with tears.