Chapter 16: Friendship Across Ages
Zhao Meimei was trembling, and Shi Yang’s mother, holding back her laughter, helped the little girl change into dry clothes and personally took her home with Shi Yang.
When Liu Xiue saw Zhao Meimei wearing a thick cotton hat and having changed her clothes from head to toe, she was startled. She quickly pulled Meimei over for a careful inspection, and only after confirming that everything was intact did she breathe a sigh of relief and greeted Shi Yang’s mother with a smile, "Oh, what happened here? Did Meimei get into trouble again?"
Shi Yang hurried forward and recounted the events.
Liu Xiue was momentarily caught between tears and laughter but wasn’t angry. Seeing that Shi Yang’s mother had brought Zhao Meimei back all wrapped up tightly, any slight displeasure she might have felt vanished into thin air.
Liu Xiue laughed and said, "Meimei went to call Shi Yang for dinner. We didn’t know you were back; we thought no one was home."
Shi Yang’s mother was touched inside, knowing Meimei’s mother cared about her son, and remembered that kindness. She courteously said, "Shi Yang already told me. On New Year’s Eve, you brought dumplings and pig trotters. He also had breakfast at your place today and even took some when he left. You’re really doing us a favor."
Liu Xiue waved her hand, "It’s nothing, just another pair of chopsticks. I quite like Yangyang, he’s smart and sensible. My Meimei also likes him."
Shi Yang’s mother heard her son praised and felt delighted inside, feeling even closer to Liu Xiue. She asked, "How is Mrs. Zhao Senior’s health?"
Liu Xiue sighed and didn’t want to say much in front of Zhao Meimei, so she simply replied, "Planning to bring her back in a couple of days and let her stay with us."
Shi Yang’s mother saw her expression and guessed that Mrs. Zhao Senior was probably not recovering well, feeling a bit sentimental too. She comforted, "You’ve really done your best."