Chapter 18: Boarding the Train to the Countryside

Song Yue turned around.

A sea of heads bustled around her, each person carrying a large bag on their back, clutching smaller bags or mesh bags in their hands.

No one had a free hand.

After scanning the crowd for a while, she finally spotted Yang Duo vigorously waving at her—and…

Yang Duo’s father? Carrying a large bag on his shoulder and holding two mesh bags in his hands?

A suspicion crept into Song Yue’s heart, but she couldn’t be certain.

Father and daughter rushed up to her.

Yang’s father spoke first. “Song Yue, have you registered yet?”

Song Yue shook her head. “Not yet.”

“Then register first. After that, Duoduo and I will take you to the platform.”

As he spoke, Yang’s father set down the bag he had been carrying and reached out to take the one on Song Yue’s back.

“Put your bag down. Duoduo and I are here. It won’t get lost.”

Song Yue let Yang’s father take her bag and place it on the ground.

As the bag hit the floor, she was just about to thank him when Yang’s father, seemingly anticipating her words, urged her to hurry up and register so she wouldn’t miss the train.

With no other choice, Song Yue turned to register.

Meanwhile, Yang’s father took out a small palm-sized notebook and a pen from his pocket.

“Song Yue, tell me your exact address in the countryside. I’ll write it down and mail this package to you later.”

Song Yue, in the middle of registering, paused. She looked up, about to refuse. “Uncle Yang, there’s no need—”

Yang Duo huffed and interrupted, “Are we best friends or not? Are we sisters or not?”

“If we are, then don’t refuse. This is my parents’ way of showing they care.”

Looking at Yang Duo’s determined expression—and considering they had already brought everything over—Song Yue sighed.

Forget it. She’d find a way to return the favor later.

She nodded and quickly recited her address.

Watching Yang’s father jot it down, Song Yue’s emotions became a little complicated. “Then I’ll trouble you, Uncle.”

Yang’s father shook his head. “It’s no trouble at all. No need to be polite.”

Song Yue turned back to continue registering.

After writing down the address, Yang’s father put away his notebook and pen, then smiled at the officials at the registration counter.

“Comrades, can I leave this package here for a bit?”

One of the officials glanced at him, puzzled.

Yang’s father gestured toward Song Yue, who was still registering. “Her. My goddaughter is going to the countryside—”

Goddaughter?

Song Yue’s hand, gripping the pen, trembled slightly.

Yang’s father continued, “My wife packed these things for her. Originally, we wanted her to take them with her, but she already has a big bag. I’m afraid she won’t be able to carry everything. So I’ll leave it here for now, see her onto the train, and come back to mail it later.”

The official nodded. “That’s fine.”

“Thank you, Comrade.”

Yang’s father repeatedly expressed his gratitude before moving the large bag beside the registration desk.

By then, Song Yue had just finished registering.

She turned around, ready to say she was done, only to see Yang’s father hoisting up her large bag again, holding the mesh bags and small packages in both hands.

Even Yang Duo was carrying two mesh bags.

Yang’s father turned to her. “All set?”

Song Yue nodded.

“Then let’s go.”

“You two follow closely behind me so you don’t get jostled.”

With that, Yang’s father led the way, carrying the bags.

Song Yue quickly stepped forward, taking the mesh bags and small packages from his hands.

They were helping her—she couldn’t just walk empty-handed.

And so, Yang’s father carried the large bag in front, clearing the way for Song Yue and Yang Duo as they followed behind.

From behind him, Song Yue heard his steady voice as he continuously told the crowd ahead, “Excuse me, make way, please.”

Watching his back, bearing the weight of her luggage, her nose tingled.

This… this was something a father should be doing.

But when she thought of her own lousy father, the warmth that had just risen in her heart instantly disappeared without a trace.

Her nose no longer felt sore.

Soon, they reached the ticket checkpoint.

Song Yue stepped forward, handing her ticket to the inspector.

The inspector examined the ticket, then glanced at Yang’s father and Yang Duo, noticing the heavy luggage they carried.

“Are you with her? Dropping off her things?”

Upon receiving confirmation, the inspector let them accompany Song Yue inside.

Past the ticket gate, they followed the directions on her ticket to the platform.

They had just arrived when the station’s loudspeakers blared—

The green train was pulling in.

Immediately, they rushed along the platform to find the right carriage.

As the train stopped and the carriage doors opened, Yang’s father hurried forward with Song Yue and Yang Duo.

The train attendant stood by the entrance, checking tickets.

Yang’s father and Yang Duo could go no further.

Yang’s father instructed Song Yue to board first while he handed her luggage up.

Song Yue had her ticket checked and climbed onto the train.

With her big bag slung on her back and her hands full, she quickly found her seat.

Rong City was the starting station, so the carriage was filled with passengers who had just boarded.

Her seat was by the window, conveniently facing the platform.

She set her things down, hurriedly lifted the train window, and looked out.

Yang’s father and Yang Duo were still standing on the platform, searching for her.

She called out, “Uncle! Yang Duo!”

The two turned at the sound of her voice and ran over.

Separated by the train window, they looked at each other.

Yang Duo spoke first. “Yueyue, once you settle in, write to me immediately so I know you arrived safely.”

“Mm, I will.”

Song Yue nodded, then looked at Yang’s father. “Uncle Yang, thank you for everything today. Sorry for troubling you.”

Yang’s father deliberately put on a stern face. “You silly child, didn’t I make myself clear earlier? Are you still calling me ‘Uncle’?”

Song Yue froze, hesitating slightly before softly saying, “…Godfather?”

Yang’s father’s eyes immediately crinkled into a smile. “Ah, that’s better.”

Yang Duo frowned at her father. “She just called you ‘godfather,’ where’s the red envelope?”

Yang’s father chuckled. “It’s inside.”

Yang Duo glanced around before lowering her voice. “Yueyue, did you hear that? He put the red envelope inside—keep an eye on it.”

Song Yue smiled and nodded.

Then, as if remembering something, Yang Duo added, “Oh, right! My mom—your godmother—packed some homemade pickled vegetables, dried goods… salted duck eggs.”

“She also cooked eggs, roasted meat, and chicken for you this morning.”

“It’s all in your bag.”

“She said that with this weather, it should last as long as you eat it quickly. But just in case, try to finish it soon.”

“The pickled and dried stuff won’t spoil, though.”

Song Yue’s nose stung again, warmth spreading through her heart. “Alright, I got it.”

She expressed her gratitude. “Thank you, Duoduo. Thank you, Godfather. And please thank Godmother for me.”

Yang Duo raised an eyebrow. “What’s there to thank? We’re family—we don’t need to be polite. I’m older than you, so I’m your big sister.”

“A big sister looking out for her little sister is only natural.”

Yang’s father nodded in agreement. “Yueyue, Duoduo is right. We’re family.”

As they spoke, urgent voices called out behind them, “Excuse me, make way, make way!”