University students were a rare and precious commodity at that time, so the school staff expressed their surprise before quickly saying, "I’ll check it for you."
After a short while, the staff member came back to inform her, "Xia Chuyi, upon verification, you have indeed been admitted."
"However, we also need proof that you are the real Xia Chuyi."
Xia Chuyi nodded, handing over her household registration book, the certificate from the Police Station, and a proof letter from her school.
Because she was well-prepared, the other party quickly confirmed her identity.
"Alright, Xia Chuyi, we understand your situation, and I’ll register you now," the clerk said, noticing her travel-weary appearance, before adding, "But right now, the school semester hasn’t started properly, and you can’t move into the dormitory."
"I’ll issue you a certificate, and you can go and sort things out at the guesthouse for now."
After receiving the certificate, Xia Chuyi then said, "Comrade, hello, may I use the phone here to call home and report that I’m safe?"
Probably feeling sympathetic toward a girl who had almost lost her place to someone else and had traveled a long distance to Capital City, ahead of time,
the clerk did not refuse and told her, "Normally, the school phones cannot be used casually, but given your special circumstances, I will permit you to use it."
In those days, making and receiving calls cost money, and if students were allowed to use the phones at will, many would take undue advantage of it.
Xia Chuyi nodded understandingly and said, "I understand. Thank you very much!"
"Hello? Who are you looking for?" came Uncle Xia’s voice from the other end of the line.
She said, "Uncle, it’s me, Chuyi."
There was a pause for a second on the other end.
Then she could hear Uncle Xia shouting loudly, "Xiao Gui’s mom, it’s Chuyi, it’s Chuyi! This call is from Chuyi!"
Through the various telephone wires, she could clearly sense Uncle Xia’s excitement.
"Chuyi, have you reached Beijing? Are you finding anything uncomfortable? How’s the food and lodging? If you need money, just tell your uncle, Uncle Xia..."
"Chuyi, so you’ve arrived in Beijing, huh? How does it feel? Did you go to the school yet? Remember to go to the school first and clear up the matter of the admission notice..." It was clear that Aunt Xia had snatched away the phone.
"Hey, let me talk some more, let me talk some more!" Uncle Xia, unwilling to be left out, was trying to grab the phone back.
"Hello, Chuyi, can you hear Uncle Xia’s voice? Uncle Xia..."
"Could you stop being annoying, wait until I’ve finished speaking!"
Listening to Uncle and Aunt Xia fight over the phone made the corners of Xia Chuyi’s mouth lift into a smile, yet it also brought a hint of sourness to her heart.
"Uncle, Auntie, don’t fight. I’m at the school now, using the school’s phone, so I’ll be brief: the weather in Capital City is quite nice, and I’m adapting well."
"As for the admission notice, a comrade at the school has already helped me record the situation."
"I’ll be staying at the guesthouse for the next few days, and once I’m settled, I’ll call you again."
"You should take care of yourselves at home, don’t work too hard, and don’t worry too much about me."
On hearing her speak, Uncle Xia and Aunt Xia immediately stopped fighting over the phone, responding with a series of "Okays."
After hanging up, Xia Chuyi’s mood gradually calmed down.
"Thank you, comrade!" After thanking the clerk, she took her certificate and left the admissions office, heading straight for the school guesthouse.
Having completed the check-in procedure, Xia Chuyi entered her room and the first thing she did was dive into her space for some well-deserved relaxation.