“Xiaobei, other people also have parents, and besides, an unwed Lady staying in a man’s house for two nights can easily lead to gossip,” Xiaobei’s mother said.
“Mother…” Xiaobei still wanted to plead, but Xiaobei’s mother was also adamant, “When I say no, it means no. Her running out like this, how could her parents not worry, and besides, you also have to study during the day, and the time to register in Capital City is approaching. If you don’t start preparing, you won’t even have a chance to go.”
Xia Dabao was stunned, and it took a good while before he reacted, “Xiaobei, are you going to Capital City?”
Tian Xiaobei seemed a bit guilty, and it took him a good while to answer, “Abao, I’ll talk to you about this later.”
Xia Dabao only felt that his mind was very chaotic.
That night, the maid took Xia Dabao to a guest room.
The guest room was small, the quilt was thin, and it was a bit damp; moreover, when she asked the maid to bring in water for a bath, the maid only said she would e in a bit, but never did.
Fortunately, Tian Xiaobei came later on.
Tian Xiaobei had pleaded with his mother for a good while before he was allowed to e over.
Xiaobei’s mother didn’t want Tian Xiaobei to get too close to Xia Dabao, so after dinner Xiaobei’s mother used checking Tian Xiaobei’s homework as an excuse to stay in his room. Tian Xiaobei also saw through his parents’ thoughts, so he earnestly reviewed his lessons until Xiaobei’s mother left, and only then did he run over to find Xia Dabao.
Xia Dabao was used to taking baths every night at home, which was probably something she picked up from Nan Feng, but tonight she hadn’t bathed. Moreover, since arriving at Xiaobei’s house, she always felt like countless eyes were watching her, making her very unfortable.
And then there was dinner: she only had one bowl of rice, picked a little of the vegetables in front of her, and on top of that, a few pieces of fish that Tian Xiaobei gave her. She didn’t eat enough. She was supposed to still be growing, and she usually ran up and down the mountains, so she normally needed two bowls.
So, Xia Dabao was hungry again.
Once Tian Xiaobei arrived, Xia Dabao’s mood started to improve slightly. There was a small round table in the room, and she asked Tian Xiaobei to sit next to it. She had many things to say but didn’t know where to start.
It was Tian Xiaobei who spoke first, “Abao, I really didn’t think you’d run to see me. You truly are… a most extraordinary Lady.”
“I’ve caused you trouble,” Xia Dabao said, feeling a resentment harbored in her heart. She hadn’t expected her visit to be met with such treatment.
She felt she shouldn’t have e; the reality of their meeting was too different from what she had imagined.
“No, not at all troubling. Abao, I’m really happy you could e. You’ve never been here before; was your trip here smooth?” Tian Xiaobei was also somewhat uneasy; he had a lot to say but also didn’t know how to start.
“It was reasonably smooth. You know what kind of person I am; I go where I wish,” Xia Dabao intentionally downplayed the troubles she had encountered on the way.
“Yes, I know.” You’ve always been a reliable Lady. “Abao, I…” Tian Xiaobei wanted to take hold of Xia Dabao’s hand. He had felt this urge the moment he saw her, not just to take her hand but to hold her in his arms and cherish her for a while.
But it was at this moment that Xia Dabao helplessly said, “Xiaobei, I feel like your parents don’t like me.”
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