The Lunar New Year had passed in the blink of an eye, and the day to depart for Yan Cheng was drawing near.
The Old Zhao family had made a spectacle of themselves. Zhao Yunlin and Cheng Tao had left a letter and slipped away without Wang Hongxia and her husband.
Wang Hongxia was furious, cursing loudly at home, sparing no insult for his ancestors.
These words flew past Cheng You's ears, dismissed as a joke.
She had meticulously prepared a list, checking and rechecking the items she needed to bring. Most things were packed and would be mailed later. She would only carry some cash and a few changes of light clothing.
The train was crowded, filled with people from all walks of life. She wouldn't have dared to travel alone if not for Qi Chengan accompanying her. This was her first time taking a train for such a long journey, and she felt both a little nervous and excited.
Before leaving, she kept looking in the mirror. "Do you think this is okay to wear?" she asked. Girls cared about their appearance, and she didn't want to be labeled a bumpkin the moment she arrived.
Qi Chengan curved his lips. "Youyou, you're beautiful, and anything you wear looks good."
Cheng You gently touched her cheek, thinking, *That's true.* It wasn't vanity; her face was indeed hard to beat. After all, she washed it daily with the essence, leaving no pores or blemishes.
Having settled matters in Wujing Village, Cheng You and Qi Chengan shouldered their bags and set off for Yan Cheng. Sun Xiaowan and the others had returned a few days prior and would pick them up at the train station. Those who came to see them off could only go so far.
Cheng You straightened Cheng Wenyu's collar, realizing that her brother had somehow grown taller than her. "Listen to Grandpa, study hard. Your sister will be waiting for you in Yan Cheng."
Cheng Wenyu nodded. "Don't worry."
After bidding farewell to her family, Cheng You followed Qi Chengan inside. She had been to a train station before, but this was her first time boarding a train, and she was a little excited. "So many people."
Qi Chengan carried their luggage, holding her hand tightly. "It's crowded, don't let go."
The journey would take about four to five hours, so they only bought sitting tickets. Getting a sleeper berth required connections, which Cheng You found troublesome.
The two found their seats, and Cheng You took the window seat. Qi Chengan began storing their luggage. Though he appeared stern, he was actually very warm-hearted. He even helped an old lady sitting opposite them.
The old lady had brought her grandson and had only bought one ticket, intending to hold him for the entire journey. However, the seat next to her was empty; the person hadn't boarded yet.
Cheng You watched the people coming and going. The enclosed train carriage was a bit stuffy. Fortunately, it was winter; she shuddered to think how it would smell in the summer.
As soon as Qi Chengan sat down, she leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder. Though he was tall, Cheng You was petite, and they fit comfortably in the double seat.
As the scheduled time arrived, the train began to move. Cheng You rested her forehead against the window, finally feeling the reality of leaving her homeland. *Mom, I will live a good life,* she thought to herself.
The old lady opposite them interrupted her thoughts. "Young lady, you're going to Yan Cheng, aren't you? You two make such a good-looking couple. I've never seen such a well-matched pair before."
Cheng You smiled politely. "We're going to university."
"Oh, university students! How impressive!"
Cheng You smiled, not particularly keen on continuing the conversation. As the train chugged forward, watching the scenery recede, Cheng You's eyelids grew heavy, and she drifted off to sleep.
She woke up when the train reached the next station. She opened her eyes and saw that the passenger for the seat next to the old lady had boarded.
"Auntie, is this child yours? He's taking up my seat."
The old lady moved her grandson closer, but he still occupied nearly half of the adjacent seat. The new passenger was a tall, large man, who would barely fit in one seat, let alone half of one. He didn't want to argue with the old lady. After placing his luggage, he sat down directly.
The child was squeezed uncomfortably, almost like a filling in a sandwich, and started crying loudly with a frown. The old lady, holding her grandson, protested. "What kind of person are you? You're crowding my grandson!"
The man, not one to be easily provoked, gave her a sideways glance. "What's wrong with me sitting in my own seat? Old lady, if you want comfort, buy two tickets. You can't expect the treatment of two tickets with just one. I'm not your father; I don't have to indulge you."
The old lady's face turned red with embarrassment. She hugged her grandson, falling silent. She had hoped to find a kind person who would give up their seat for her grandson. Instead, she had run into a stingy tough character right from the start.
However, her grandson was not one to sit still. After a moment in her arms, he started squirming restlessly, whining to get down. The old lady was also tired. The boy was not light, and her old bones couldn't hold him for long. She had no choice but to put him down.
Once down, he started running around, quickly drawing a chorus of scolding. The old lady had to bring him back. She glanced at the man beside her, who had already closed his eyes and was fast asleep. The old lady was displeased, thinking, *So stingy, not understanding respect for elders and love for the young at all.*
Since she couldn't deal with this man, she turned her attention to Cheng You. "Dear girl, your seat is quite wide. Would you let my grandson squeeze in with you?"
Cheng You glanced at her seat. How was it wide? She and Qi Chengan were occupying it, and it was barely comfortable. It wasn't that she was unwilling to help, but she disliked the child's fussiness. "Old lady, I have a way to help you solve your grandson's seating problem."
The old lady asked, "What way?"
"Go find the staff and buy an extra ticket. They will arrange a suitable seat for your grandson, so he won't have to squeeze in with anyone."
The old lady immediately became reluctant. "That will cost so much money! A ticket is very expensive!" She had only bought one ticket to save money.
Cheng You chuckled. "Old lady, you know a ticket is expensive, right? Then give me the money for half a ticket, and I'll share half my seat with your grandson."
The old lady was even more unwilling. "You girl, why are you always talking about money? People shouldn't value money so much; have more compassion."
Cheng You smiled. "If you don't care about money, why are you reluctant to buy a train ticket for your grandson?"
"You!" The old lady was speechless. She had approached Cheng You, seeing her delicate appearance and assuming she had a gentle nature. She hadn't expected such a pretty girl to be like a little chili pepper, speaking such sharp words.
As she fell silent, Cheng You didn't press the matter further. Seeing a staff member pushing a cart pass by, Qi Chengan bought her some tea eggs and steamed buns. Though warm, the buns had little filling and didn't taste great. The tea eggs, however, were tastier. These few tea eggs and buns cost over two yuan. Things on the train were expensive, and most people were reluctant to buy them. Seeing them make the purchase, the old lady clicked her tongue, thinking, *Still a spendthrift girl.*