Chapter 33 - 032: Go Home
The next day, seeing the two triangular bags filled to the brim, Ye Ling guessed that the old clothes must have been stuffed inside, and the smile disappeared from her face. She already seemed silent to outsiders, and now not speaking made her whole demeanor appear even more gloomy.
Old Mrs. Ye was leaving, and naturally, the whole family had to see her off at the station. Ye He Ping walked ahead carrying the two large triangular bags, Bai Xue held the youngest daughter’s hand on Old Mrs. Ye’s left side, while Ye Ling was on the right. Along the way, Bai Xue first reminded her mother-in-law to take care of her health, fulfilling her duty as a daughter-in-law, before turning to advise her eldest daughter.
"When you get home, help your grandma with some work. Your grandma is getting old and you can’t let her toil for you anymore."
"Study hard, don’t fall behind in your lessons while playing. Our family’s situation is clear; if you pass this time, we can’t afford to let you repeat."
"If anything happens, write home. We haven’t received a letter from you all year, and your dad and I are worried about you and your grandma."
In short, Bai Xue said a lot, but Ye Ling didn’t respond at all. Bai Xue maintained the appearance of a benevolent mother and naturally didn’t show any displeasure, only shook her head with a face full of regret, which in turn made Ye Ling’s impression on others even worse.
Ye Ling could easily see her mother’s intentions, but she was utterly indifferent, keeping her head down and silent, walking beside her grandma. Old Mrs. Ye observed it all; she didn’t perceive her daughter-in-law’s intentions but did feel her eldest granddaughter was too stubborn. Such a disposition, when returning to her parents’ side, would not fit in well, and the relationship might not be close.
The family took the bus to the train station, and on the fifth day of the New Year, it was the peak of the return journey. Fortunately, Ye He Ping had connections to buy hard seats. When it was time to get on the train, only Ye He Ping accompanied them. The aisle was crowded, and after getting them seated, Ye He Ping was drenched in sweat, not because of exhaustion but due to the crowd.
Old Mrs. Ye sat down, took a breath, and urged her son to leave, "He Ping, you should go down. The train seems about to depart, and since it’s just the two of us, going back with seats is even less concerning. Don’t worry."
"Mom, have Lingzi send a telegram to inform me they’re safe when you reach home." Ye He Ping didn’t plan to stay any longer, and he turned to his eldest daughter, "Lingzi, see your dad off."