On the third day, Bai Ju and He Weng indeed embarked on their journey southward, leaving their three children behind. Bai Yue was still here to take care of them, a decision that the couple had resolved to undertake with great determination.
Bai Xiao accompanied them to the train station. Bai Ju and her younger sister, Yiyi, found it hard to part, and Bai Xiao estimated that by the time they returned, she would have already gone back to her military post.
Departure seemed imminent.
Bai Xiao’s wedding photos were ultimately taken, compelled by Bai Yue. To be precise, the photography studios back then lacked technical depth. It was mainly about a few outfits. Being rather picky, Bai Xiao and her partner settled for taking a set of photos in a suit and dress, and another set in traditional Chinese cheongsam and men’s attire, forgoing other options. Their understanding and outstanding looks as they stood together drew endless praise from the photographer.
The photographs they took were of the old-fashioned black-and-white variety. Bai Xiao didn’t like color photos because, in her opinion, they lacked the aesthetic quality of black-and-white.
When the photographer saw the couple’s finished photos, he suggested using them as the large poster advertisement for the photo studio’s entrance. The couple declined.
After all, they were public servants; this was something they absolutely could not do.
The couple had one more week of holiday left, but they chose to leave for their return journey anyway. In Yun Province, there was much to attend to. They needed to establish their home there, and with only one week’s time, it already seemed pressing.
Not to mention, the trip itself would take two days and two nights.
Bai Song, though he was also bound for Yun Province, had specialized transportation and thus couldn’t travel with them.
An Zhiyuan left his and Bai Yue’s address with them; they were about to depart.
Bai Yue had prepared a multitude of items for them; if not for An Zhiyuan, Bai Xiao wouldn’t have been able to carry them alone.
Wood ear mushrooms, millet, dates, walnuts, and the most famous red sausage from the provincial capital—they had brought along a great deal. Bai Xiao couldn’t help but chuckle every time; it was always like this. Bai Yue, the eldest sister, was like an old nanny, tearfully bidding her farewell amid earnest instructions.
This time, she was to embark on a new journey. Under the premise of not transferring her job, they would live in Yun Province for a long time. Goodbye, dear family.
Li Chunhua, as ever, wore a face full of disdain. However, when it came time to depart, she pulled An Zhiyuan aside and spoke with him at length. Bai Xiao didn’t know what was said, but she figured An Zhiyuan would eventually tell her. It probably wasn’t anything good!
Wang Yan helped An Zhiyuan load the luggage into the train compartment. Due to the rush of people heading home for the Spring Festival, the compartment was more crowded than usual. Watching Bai Yue, with tears brimming in her eyes, pulling at Bai Xiao, An Zhiyuan felt he was indeed being cruel. With the power to change their work postings, he still made his wife suffer just because he didn’t want to bear the title of An Cheng’s son!
Conditions in Yun Province were much harder than where they were now. While the climate was great there, warm as spring all year round, transportation and other aspects were less developed. Moreover, being near the border meant they could at any time be called to trek to the frontline.
Was he being too selfish? Bai Xiao hadn’t done anything wrong. Why should she suffer just for his so-called principles?
Bai Xiao dried Bai Yue’s tears before boarding the train. As the train slowly started moving, Bai Xiao stood at the window waving to Bai Yue, marking yet another separation as they each went their separate ways.
An Zhiyuan stood behind her, silently offering his support.