"Nianhua, I can’t bear to leave."
Pei Yining hugged Xu Nianhua, her face full of reluctance.
Having stayed at the Xu family’s home for a week, Pei Yining truly couldn’t bear to leave.
The atmosphere at the Xu family’s was truly wonderful; Aunt Ji was gentle and kind, and cooked delicious meals. Uncle Xu, though not a man of many words, knew she liked Nianhua’s desk and specially made her a large desk set, which she could simply bring home and assemble herself. The eldest Xu brother and his wife were honest and treated the sister-in-law with particular care.
There was also the second Xu brother, who, like his elder brother, cherished his little sister equally.
"In six months, we’ll meet at Beining University," Xu Nianhua comforted her, feeling a bit awkward being hugged by Pei Yining.
Pei Yining, holding her hand firmly, declared, "I will definitely get into Beining University!"
If previously Pei Yining had thought about just getting into any university, her obsession with Beining University had been because her elder brother attended there. She thought she might as well try hard, and if it didn’t work out, switching to another university wouldn’t be bad, especially since there are many universities in Ningbei Province.
But now, Pei Yining had only one goal: Beining University. She wouldn’t consider any other universities.
"Okay, it’s a promise," Xu Nianhua said with a smile, a sense of accomplishment rising within her as she saw the determination in Pei Yining’s eyes. She felt happy too; after all, one should always strive their best!
Pei Yining hooked her little finger with Xu Nianhua’s. Having grown up in the village under the pampered care of her parents and two elder brothers, who wouldn’t let her do any heavy or tedious chores, Xu Nianhua had only ever done light tasks that didn’t harm her hands. Thus, her hands were beautiful—fair and slender, with neatly trimmed nails.
"We’re all grown up now," Xu Nianhua always thought this gesture was too childish, like something a small child would do.
But Pei Yining took it seriously, and Xu Nianhua couldn’t bring herself to reject it. Pei Yining earnestly said, "Pinky promise, hang by the neck, not allowed to change for a hundred years."
After speaking, Pei Yining whispered in her ear, "Nianhua, I really liked the scarf you gave me. When I get back to Ningbei, I’ll send you a gift, and you must not refuse it, or I’ll be really upset."
"Your address, I’ve kept it all safe, the village address, and the addresses for your school and the food factory; I remember them well. Make sure you don’t forget mine, and write to me," Pei Yining reminded her multiple times, afraid Xu Nianhua would forget as soon as she turned around.
"I remember," Xu Nianhua repeated Pei Yining’s address, impressing Pei Yining with her memory.
Xu Nianhua smiled and then added, "Oh, and when you get your period, remember to keep track of the dates, and before it starts, make sure not to touch cold water, not to eat too spicy food, get plenty of rest, and always wash your hands with warm water. Don’t touch cold water."
"Also, don’t wash your hair when you have your period, to avoid headaches later,"
Xu Nianhua kept giving her advice non-stop, and Pei Yining, glancing around and seeing it was just the two of them, still felt a bit embarrassed, yet when Xu Nianhua mentioned periods, her matter-of-fact attitude made it less embarrassing for Pei Yining. She said, "Nianhua, let’s not talk about this, you sound just like Aunt Wan. I’ll be careful."
Pei Yining had gotten her period yesterday, and she had washed her hair yesterday afternoon, a topic that Xu Nianhua had nagged about for a long time, giving Pei Yining a feeling of dealing with Aunt Wan.