Chapter 31.1
Here we are.
After twists and turns, Xu Lin finally heard Bai Xiaoxiaos words, and he slowly came to a stop.
Bai Xiaoxiao got out of the back seat to open the door. Xu Lin quickly followed, straightening his collar and feeling a sudden nervousness for some reason.
After opening a door, a small yellow-grey dog emerged from the yard, circling around Bai Xiaoxiao, its tail wagging rapidly.
Come in; Little Keko wont bite.
Okay.
Xu Lin pushed the bicycle inside; Bai Xiaoxiao took over, parked the bicycle by the entrance, and then closed the door.
Entering the yard, Xu Lin found it not very large, similar in size to the one he visited before. It had bare earth instead of paved tiles, yet it was meticulously cleaned, just as Bai Xiaoxiao had described.
No other trees or flower decorations; only a small vegetable plot with some farming tools and an electric tricycle.
Come, lets go inside.
Sure, I hope Im not disturbing your moms rest.
No worries; it seems she already finished cleaning the yard.
Who is it?
Mom, Im back.
Xiaoxiao is back.
With a clicking sound, the door of the east room opened. A middle-aged woman wearing a bright red sweater, a woollen hat, and a black cane walked out.
Oh, I told you to rest. I could have handled the cleaning when I got back.
These days youre having exams; just focus on your studies.
She smiled, but her face looked weary. However, upon closer inspection, Xu Lin noticed she still had hair, indicating that she wasnt suffering from the severe illness he feared.
By the way, Mom, this is my classmate Xu Lin. He came to our house today as a guest.
Bai Xiaoxiao wasnt sure how to introduce him, simply stating, and mother Bai then noticed his presence and took a couple of steps forward.
Hello, Im Xu Lin. Xu Lin took a few steps forward, introducing himself.
Sorry, my eyes are a bit I didnt notice you earlier. Come in and have a seat.
Mother Bai indeed seemed to have some eye issues, blinking slowly with a yellowish tint in her eyes and bloodshot veins.
Sure, sorry for the intrusion.
Upon entering the room, Xu Lin noticed that the north and east rooms were connected. In the east room, there was a small dining table, and next to it was the kitchen.
Though referred to as a kitchen, it only had a gas stove, a small fridge, and a cabinet with no other appliances and no range hood either.
Passing through the connecting door between the east and north rooms, Xu Lin entered the bedroom, or rather, a combined living room and bedroom.
This room, the easternmost in the north, contained a double bed, a single bed, a small sofa, and a coffee table. Across from them was a large TV.
Simple white walls and cement flooring, but still consistently clean and tidy.
Take a seat first. Xiaoxiao, make some tea.
No need to bother; plain water is fine.
Although Xu Lin said so, Bai Xiaoxiao went outside to prepare it for him. However, as Bai Xiaoxiao briskly walked out, her figure swayed slightly. She steadied herself on the door frame before continuing.
We dont have any beverages at home. Ill cook later; luckily, theres some meat left. Mother Bai apologised, rubbing her hands awkwardly.
Auntie, no need to trouble yourself. I just happened to pass by for a short visit; my mom is waiting for me at home for dinner.
Alright, Xu Lin, youre a classmate with Xiaoxiao, right?
No, Im in the second year.
How did you two meet then? I remember your school having separate buildings for the second and third years.
I got to know senior Bai from the school bulletin board. Recently, I bumped into her at the cafeteria and asked her some questions. Thats how we got acquainted.
As Xu Lin spoke, Bai Xiaoxiao, who was making tea nearby, sighed in relief. Her mother was unaware of her buying food, a fact she likely wouldnt approve of.
Despite the modest conditions at home, Bai Xiaoxiao insisted on not taking advantage of others, a value she held for her father and herself.
Oh, I see. How are your grades?
Theyre okay. This time, I should be close to the top 50 in the second year.
Thats good. Xiaoxiao studies at home too. If you want to study, you can come over and study together.
Hearing about his good grades, Mother Bai also sighed in relief. After all, she was a bit worried about the nature of their relationship. Xiaoxiao is about to take the college entrance exam, and she cant afford any distractions
But on closer inspection, this boy looks quite handsome, clean-cut, and well-spoken. He doesnt seem like a troublemaker. Otherwise, Xiaoxiao wouldnt have brought him home.
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