Chapter 5: Shop, Shop, Shop

Since she had decided to go back, she no longer felt reluctant to leave. Recently, she had been drinking spring water every day. She felt that the side effects of years of staying up late were completely gone.

The most obvious change was the dark circles under her eyes. She had tried countless eye creams before without success, but in just a few days, the spring water had cleared them away.

Her skin had also become several shades lighter—smooth and tender like a freshly peeled egg.

After admiring herself for a while, she remembered she had to buy gifts for her family—grandpa and grandma, uncle and aunt, dad and mom, her older brothers—and she also wanted to bring back some local specialties from Beijing.

She stored away everything that she hadn’t mailed home into her space. Inside, things automatically sorted themselves neatly without her doing anything. It was just too convenient.

After putting away all the big items she had bought, she gave the apartment one last thorough cleaning, grabbed her luggage and keys, and headed out.

She handed the key back to her landlady, thanked her for taking care of her these past years, and bid her farewell.

When Wang Yi arrived at the mall, she happily strolled from store to store. She was especially careful when picking out clothes.

For her grandparents, she chose comfortable and warm Tang suits embroidered with exquisite patterns.

For her parents, she picked out stylish coats, with colors and designs suitable for their age.

For her uncle and aunt, she chose lightweight casual wear.

In the men’s section, Wang Yi picked up a black trench coat and imagined how handsome her eldest brother would look in it, then paired it with a cool set of sunglasses.

She carefully selected trench coats and sunglasses for her second and third brothers too, each according to their personal style.

She thought to herself: when her brothers hit the streets dressed like that, they’d definitely be the sharpest guys around.

As for Beijing specialties, she bought several boxes of Daoxiangcun pastries, along with some signature marinated snacks and a roast duck from Quanjude.

One set of pastries, some snacks, and one roast duck for each household.

After shopping, Wang Yi realized she had bought too much to carry.

Thinking quickly, she slipped into a quiet corner and stored everything away in her space.

Then she took a cab to the station, ready to begin her journey home.

On the way, her heart swelled with joy as she imagined her family’s faces when they received her gifts. A happy smile spread across her face, as if she could already see them gathered together in warmth and laughter.

At the station, there was still some time before departure, so she decided to grab a bite.

There’s an old Northeastern saying: dumplings before boarding, noodles after getting off. Dumplings were a must.

She thought, I’ll eat mom’s homemade ones after I get back.

She ordered a plate of sauerkraut and pork dumplings. Maybe it was because she was going home, but although she never found these dumplings particularly bad before, now they just didn’t taste as good as her mother’s.

Look at that—heading home is already spoiling me, she thought.

After finishing her meal and waiting a bit, it was time to board.

In her carriage, everyone spoke with a Northeastern accent, which felt so warm and familiar. She thought she’d take a short nap and wake up already home.

Half-asleep, Wang Yi caught a whiff of a mouthwatering aroma.

Her stomach growled, and she swallowed hard.

Since the dumplings hadn’t filled her up, the tempting smell was unbearable.

She stood up and walked over to a middle-aged auntie sitting nearby.

“Auntie, your dried tofu rolls with green onion smell amazing—I’m practically drooling over here.”

The woman laughed heartily. “Oh, girl, look at you craving it. I’ve got plenty—come, have some!”

Embarrassed, Wang Yi accepted and took a bite. The familiar flavor instantly filled her mouth.

“Auntie, the taste here in the Northeast is really authentic. I’ve missed it so much while I was away,” Wang Yi said as she ate.

The two of them chatted while snacking. Auntie asked curiously about her life outside, and Wang Yi shared her experiences and stories from Beijing.

After finishing, Wang Yi thanked her and went back to her seat.

She pulled out a bag of Daohuaxiang pastries from her bag and gave it to Auntie, who tried to refuse, saying she didn’t need it.

But Wang Yi didn’t take no for an answer—she simply set it down and left.

Auntie chuckled: “This girl is too polite.”

Just then, the announcement came that the train was approaching the station. Wang Yi’s heart leapt with excitement.

Her mind was filled with the thought of seeing her family again. The fatigue from traveling melted away—she couldn’t wait to rush into their arms.

As the train slowly pulled into the platform, Wang Yi eagerly grabbed her luggage and got off.

The crisp, refreshing Northeastern air immediately hit her face, carrying with it the sweet scent of ripened harvest.

She quickly dragged her suitcase toward the exit, scanning the crowd for her family.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out: “Yiyi, over here!”

She turned and saw her smiling parents waving at her.

She rushed over and hugged them tightly. Her father took her luggage and smiled: “We spotted you from afar—you’ve lost weight.”

Her mother held her arm tightly and said: “My girl, I made all your favorite dishes. You have to eat well tonight.”

Leaving the station, they drove home.

On the way, Wang Yi looked out at the familiar scenery, feeling emotional.

This morning I was still in Beijing… and by afternoon, I’m already back in the Northeast.

Her home was in a town under Song City, about 30 kilometers away.

Her dad drove them on the highway—half an hour and they’d be home.

Fields of corn and rice stretched out on both sides of the road, ready for harvest by mid-October.

When they arrived, Wang Yi stepped into her house, a long-lost sense of belonging washing over her.

The dining table was already filled with delicious dishes—her hometown flavors.

She sat down, took a bite of meat, and sighed in satisfaction: “Home really is the best.”

“Mom’s cooking is still the most authentic.”

As she said this, her father walked over holding a bowl of noodles.

“Here, eat these—after getting off a train, noodles are a must.”

Wang Yi rubbed her stomach.

“Dad, are you trying to stuff me to death so you can have another daughter?”

Her dad gave her a light tap.

“Foolish girl, don’t talk nonsense. Just take a bite—it’s tradition. Why’d you eat it all at once? You really are too straightforward.”

The room filled with laughter as the family ate together joyfully.

After the meal, Wang Yi helped clear the table while telling her parents about her trip, even mentioning the friendly auntie on the train.

Her parents sighed, saying: “Northeasterners really are warm and hospitable.”

That night, Wang Yi lay on her familiar bed, snuggled under a thick quilt. Listening to the wind howling outside, she felt a deep sense of peace and quickly drifted into sweet dreams.

She still couldn’t believe it—she was really back in the Northeast.