"Now, even jumping into the Yellow River wouldn’t clear my name."
Xu Nianhua listened to the thumping sounds from the hallway, and the thought that tomorrow Yining definitely... wouldn’t listen to her explanation gave her a headache.
"Then don’t try to clear it."
Pei Yicheng lowered his head and sealed those incessantly babbling lips.
"Nianhua, I really didn’t see anything yesterday."
When Pei Yining got up and saw Xu Nianhua, her first reaction was to explain.
But, the more she explained, the more suspicious it sounded, like there’s nowhere to hide three hundred taels of silver, it couldn’t be more accurate.
Xu Nianhua cleared her throat and explained: "Yesterday, I made some noodles for your brother, and I slipped on water after washing the dishes."
"I understand, I understand." Pei Yining nodded knowingly, covering her mouth, indicating she would keep it a secret.
This really was an accident!
"Nianhua, has my brother already left for work?" Pei Yining changed the subject, very thoughtfully making Xu Nianhua feel less embarrassed.
"Yes." Xu Nianhua knew she couldn’t explain clearly, so she simply stopped explaining and went on to her French class.
"Oh, I cooked some porridge for breakfast, your brother bought some steamed buns and fried dough sticks, they’re all on the dining table." Xu Nianhua reminded her, then went into the living room to continue reading her book.
"Got it, Nianhua, you’re really kind." Pei Yining said happily, speaking to her retreating figure, "I’m really benefiting from your kindness; my brother never used to care what I had for breakfast."
On the sofa, Xu Nianhua’s hand paused as she was about to flip a page, her lips lifted slightly and her heart felt as if it had grown wings and flown up into the clouds.
Suddenly, a voice came from outside the yard.
Pei Yining excitedly lifted her head and walked toward the yard, spotting the little carrot-topped boy standing outside, she happily went up to him and rubbed his head, saying, "Yijian, how come you’re here? Who did you come with?"
Xu Nianhua listened to the voices and looked out the window, a boy around nine or ten years old was talking with Pei Yining.
"I came with mom. I heard brother was injured, is he here?" Pei Yijian’s eyes darted around the yard, he would have come earlier if not for his exams.
"Where’s Auntie Wan?" Pei Yining looked behind her, and sure enough, she saw Wan Hongxing walking up.
Pei Yining greeted her, saying, "You and Yijian come in quickly, it’s too sunny outside."
It’s summer now, even the morning sun was somewhat fierce.
"I heard Yicheng was injured, and I specifically came to ask about it." Wan Hongxing spoke softly, handing over some snacks she brought, saying, "Here’s your favorite donkey rolls from that shop by the east gate."
"Thank you, Auntie Wan. My brother’s injury has completely healed, and you had already asked Jin Auntie to cook some nutritious food for my brother last time, he has really recovered well!" Pei Yining said enthusiastically, inviting them in, though Yijian wanted to enter, Auntie Wan mentioned she had other errands.
"My brother isn’t at home," Pei Yining knew what Auntie Wan was worried about, sure enough, once she said this, Auntie Wan entered the yard.
"If you siblings need anything at home, just let me know, your dad is busy with work and might not have the time," Wan Hongxing explained, trying not to worry her further, she added, "Even at home, your dad barely has time for Yijian."
"I know, in my dad’s eyes, it’s all work and more work," Pei Yining understood, knowing what her father was like all these years, she asked, "By the way, Auntie Wan, how did you know my brother was injured?"