"Uncle Xu, no need for formalities, we’re all family here, and I’m heading to South City anyway; it’s fate," Ling Dong said with a chuckle.
Xu Qinghe said, "You haven’t had breakfast yet, have you? I’ll prepare a bowl of egg noodles for you; they’re still packing up."
"No need, Uncle Xu, let me help instead," Ling Dong felt the warmth of the Xu family and wondered if they would still be so enthusiastic if they knew about Yicheng’s feelings for Ji Ying.
Of course, they would, Yicheng is so outstanding.
"No, just sit and have a bowl of noodles. Once they’re done packing, we can just load the car," Xu Qinghe said, asking Xu Nianji to keep him company on the side.
"Ling Dong, just relax and eat," Xu Nianji urged as he came out with a bowl of egg noodles, joining Ling Dong for the meal. "No matter what, we still have to thank you and Yicheng."
"Don’t mention it, Yicheng loves to help people," Ling Dong said as he savored the fragrant egg noodles, feeling utterly content.
Xu Qinghe and Xu Nian’an, father and son, were moving things to the car, and Ling Dong, after finishing his meal, also helped.
A few large bags were a bit troublesome for two people to handle, but with more hands, the burden was quickly shared.
"Nian’an, when you get to Ningbei, make sure you first drop Ji Ying at the school and sort out her accommodation before you go register," Xu Qinghe instructed.
"Remember to call home."
"And, see your sister once a week, no, once every two weeks."
"Whether on the road or at school, keep this money safe, and call us if it’s not enough," Ji Ying instructed ceaselessly, feeling truly sad as the two kids were going so far away for school for the first time.
"Mom, don’t worry, I will definitely take good care of my sister," Xu Nian’an responded, almost as if he was pledging with his hand on his chest. After all, who else would look after his own sister if not him?
"Ji Ying, you..." Ji Ying grasped Ji Ying’s hand, but barely started speaking before her eyes welled up with tears.
Ji Ying didn’t say anything but just hugged Ji Ying and playfully said, "Mom, when I come home for the New Year, I want to eat your smoked pork and sausages."
The sorrow of parting was instantly lessened by her words.
"Dad, Mom, don’t worry about us. My brother and I will take care of ourselves in Ningbei. And Dad, don’t overwork yourself; money isn’t everything," Ji Ying said worriedly. "And Mom, sometimes you have back pain, and there are enough people hired at the factory now, so don’t overexert yourself."
Xu Qinghe responded but couldn’t bear to look at Ji Ying.
Ji Ying held Ji Ying’s hand, reluctant to let go.
"Little sister, we’ll be back for the New Year," Xu Nian’an said, unable to comprehend the depth of his parents’ and sister’s emotions, as he was merely looking forward to university life.
Though it was hard to part with his parents, Xu Nian’an knew he would be back in half a year.
Ji Ying looked out the window at the swiftly receding scenery, feeling a bit downhearted.
It wasn’t until they picked up Pei Yicheng that Ji Ying felt something off and asked, "Yicheng, Ling Dong, aren’t you guys delivering goods this time?"
Pei Yicheng answered, his lips curving slightly as he said, "This trip to South City is for official business."
Ji Ying nodded, not probing further, and continued to see them off to the train. Ling Dong and Pei Yicheng showed no signs of leaving, and while Xu Nian’an went to buy tickets, Ling Dong had already purchased them.