"Xu Family siblings are clever; they catch on quickly and they also look good," said Lin Wei’s mother with a smile. She had been married to Teacher Lin for decades and this was the first time she had seen him praise students so highly, not to mention that Nianhua’s class had the highest number of university admits.
Each time Teacher Lin spoke about it, he was exceptionally proud.
"Really? Teacher Lin actually praised us," Xu Nianhua said somewhat amused as she chatted with Lin Wei’s mother for a while.
Although it was Lin Wei’s mother’s first time meeting Xu Nianhua, she felt that this girl was particularly nice. Her smile was especially radiant, making people feel fond of her.
"Nianhua, have some fruit," said Lin Wei, who brought out the chessboard and then went into the kitchen.
The bustling lunch was quickly prepared and was especially lively thanks to the addition of the Xu siblings.
Teacher Lin, who the Xu siblings insisted should not drink, held up his wine glass and drank steadily, his face flushed with joy, looking exceptionally happy.
In the afternoon, Teacher Lin and Xu Nian’an had a chat and enjoyed themselves tremendously.
Lin Wei’s mother was knitting a sweater, which judging by the color, seemed to be for Teacher Lin. Xu Nianhua whispered to Lin Wei, "Sis Wei, are you going out tonight?"
Lin Wei was somewhat surprised and subconsciously glanced at her mom. She pulled Xu Nianhua aside and whispered, "Nianhua, you mustn’t tell my mom, okay?"
"Your boyfriend?" Xu Nianhua whispered back inquisitively.
Lin Wei blushed slightly and said, "We just started dating, so I haven’t told my parents yet. Nianhua, you’ll keep it a secret for me, right?"
Xu Nianhua pondered for a moment, then with a playful twinkle in her eye, she said, "How about taking us with you?"
Lin Wei seemed surprised by Xu Nianhua’s suggestion.
"Sis Wei, I’m just curious about the kind of impressive guy who has won your heart." Xu Nianhua didn’t want to be an intrusive third wheel, but Lin Wei’s safety could not be taken lightly, so even if it was awkward, she’d steel herself and go.
"Okay," Lin Wei agreed instantly. Then, hesitating a bit, she said, "Nianhua, it’s enough if we go. Your older brother..." Maybe not.
Before she could finish, Xu Nianhua interrupted, "Sis Wei, my older brother won’t be comfortable with me going out late at night, so don’t worry, he won’t bother you. Just think of him as... a bodyguard?"
Lin Wei couldn’t help but laugh at Xu Nianhua’s words. "Nianhua, your brother would be upset if he heard that. Besides, our county is very safe."
"No way, he’ll be happy about it." Xu Nianhua continued, "Sis Wei, it’s settled then for tonight, don’t you back out on me."
Lin Wei affirmed, then got up to add more coal to the fire.
Xu Nianhua watched her leave and sighed inwardly: Sis Wei, our county isn’t completely safe.
Xu Nian’an was stunned by Xu Nianhua’s maneuvers; their little sister wasn’t a foolish person, so why did her actions seem so... indescribable.
"Little sister, it’s their date, we... why are we tagging along?" Xu Nian’an cleared his throat awkwardly saying, "Little sister, maybe we shouldn’t go."
He and Lin Wei were barely acquainted, and by imposing on them, he’d be a third wheel—the very thought made Xu Nian’an cringe.