The couple, filled with resentment toward their hometown, walked back home. Meanwhile, Xing'er, who had never been to a big city before, looked around curiously from her mother's shoulder. She had never even been to the town, let alone a city. This was her first time leaving the village, and it was also the bravest thing she had ever done. Though she had been scared the whole way, now that she was with her family, she felt safe enough to look around.
She asked, "Mom, where are we going?"
"To Grandma's house."
"Will I see my brother there?"
"Yes, he was taking a nap when we left."
Xing'er smiled slightly, feeling a little happy.
Even though no one played with Erlin, no one played with Xing'er either because their family was poor, and people were afraid of getting too close in case they'd be taken advantage of. So the little girl had always been alone. She said, "Then I can play with my brother."
