Along the way, Pei Yicheng talked quite a bit about the beautiful places in Ningbei and gave a brief introduction to Beining University as well.
Xu Nianhua longed to go there—living two lifetimes, she was finally about to step through the gates of a university.
Safely exiting Ningbei Train Station, Xu Nian’an was carrying items, his other hand tightly holding Xu Nianhua, shielding her in front of him, fearing that she might get lost or something might happen to her.
Pei Yicheng led the way and Ling Dong followed at the back, the three men surrounding Xu Nianhua in the center, ensuring she wasn’t squeezed even amidst the crowded throng.
"Where are we going?"
Only after Xu Nian’an got on the vehicle did he feel relieved. When boarding the train in South City, he found it crowded, but upon alighting in Ningbei, he realized it wasn’t just crowded—it was packed!
Looking around, it was a sea of people, only dark heads in sight. He had never seen so many people before; he dared not let go of Xu Nianhua’s hand for a moment, fearful of losing his little sister and having to explain it to their parents.
Xu Nianhua handed Xu Nian’an a handkerchief, gesturing for him to wipe his hands. Though it was almost September, it was still oppressively hot and humid, especially since Xu Nian’an had been holding her hand, his palms were all sweaty.
Xu Nian’an wiped his hands and then took a big gulp of water from Xu Nianhua, which made him feel much better.
"It’s getting late today, I’ll take you to rest for the day, and we’ll go to the school tomorrow."
The arrangement by Pei Yicheng was well received by both Xu Nian’an and Xu Nianhua. It didn’t make sense to go to the school and register late at night and, even if they had registered, they couldn’t possibly tidy up and settle into the dorm at that hour.
So, whether they went to the school now or tomorrow, there was nowhere to stay today.
Considering that, they decided not to push themselves further, having been on the vehicle from early yesterday morning until this evening.
Though Xu Nianhua managed to sleep at night, Xu Nian’an, Pei Yicheng, and Ling Dong didn’t sleep at all. Firstly, they had to look after their belongings, and secondly, they were wary of pickpockets and other potential problems.
"This is a house my mother used to live in; however, she only stayed here occasionally. Over the past decade or so, Aunt Jin has been looking after it. It’s not far from Beining School," explained Pei Yicheng, asking, "If you mind... there’s a hotel nearby."
"Cheng, what is there to mind? We should be the ones who are imposing," Xu Nian’an wasn’t bothered at all—every family has its share of departed loved ones, after all.
"Xiaoning should be waiting for us there."
As soon as Pei Yicheng finished speaking and the car hadn’t even stopped, he spotted Pei Yining stretching her neck in anticipation by the roadside.
Seeing the car arrive, Pei Yining was extremely pleased and excited.
Pei Yining sprinted forward, heading straight to the back seat and hugged Xu Nianhua happily upon seeing her.
"Yining has gotten prettier."
Xu Nianhua felt Pei Yining’s warmth and smiled slightly. Having such a friend was indeed wonderful.
Pei Yining grinned broadly and then greeted Pei Yicheng and others as they got out of the car: "Brother, Ling, Xu Second Brother."
"I guessed you guys would be arriving about now. Aunt Jin has already prepared dinner, hurry and take a shower, and then you can have dinner," chirped Pei Yining, her cheerful voice alleviating their fatigue.
As they entered the courtyard, everyone saw the half wall of wisteria blossoms, which were stunningly beautiful.