Chapter 22: Let’s Celebrate the New Year!
After leaving Xia Shuming’s house, Xia Ling immediately handed Xia Shuming’s red pouch of medicine to Xia Yu. “Here you go. Just take one if you start feeling any pain.”
Xia Yu nodded, not daring to doubt her sister. After all, Xia Ling did know quite a lot in these matters. Yesterday, things might have been much worse without her help…
Thus, Xia Yu and Xia Ling walked home in silence.
For some reason, even though Xia Ling now considered Xia Yu somewhat of a… well, you know… she still wanted to help her. Maybe it was just the family bond speaking.
As the term suggests, the painkillers worked. After Xia Yu popped one, the cramps in her lower abdomen did ease up a bit.
However, Xia Ling warned her that it was only temporary. Unless absolutely necessary, don’t keep taking them. They’re not exactly healthy to overuse.
So Xia Yu spent a happy afternoon. She finally realized just how blissful those days without period cramps had been.
On New Year’s Eve, as expected, the family enjoyed the spring festival evening gala and watched fireworks.
But fireworks were expensive, so Xia Hong didn’t buy anything extravagant and impractical. Better to save up for a small car instead.
Although he skipped the costly fireworks, Xia Hong bought some cheap toys like spinning tops and sparklers for the kids. He brought back several boxes for them.
So Xia Le lit a stick of incense, and Xia Ling grabbed a lighter. Together they played with the sparklers and spinning tops in the yard.
Xia Yu simply stood on the side, watching. She didn’t join in; she didn’t want to. Ever since that incident, Xia Yu had grown up a lot. She knew Xia Le didn’t care for her anymore, so now she kept herself distant.
Xia Le’s little sidekick and shadow were now history. That part of their life ended six months ago.
Regarding Xia Ling, Xia Yu still maintained the same perspective. Smart girl that she was, she sensed Xia Ling’s disgust and distanced herself accordingly, to avoid bothering or making Xia Ling uncomfortable.
Of course, this noon, Xia Ling approached Xia Yu about buying the medication. But this encounter didn’t mend their relationship entirely.
Watching Xia Yu lost in thought, Xia Ling wanted to help but also feared contact, thanks to the “man-troll” thoughts swirling in her head. She hesitated, wondering whether she should invite Xia Yu to play.
Yet, before she could make up her mind, Xia Yu had already left…
Indeed, after seeing her brother and sister having fun, Xia Yu quietly returned home, retreating to her room. She found solace in being alone.
Lying on her bed, Xia Yu felt her stomach acting up again, but now was not the time. Since she had nothing pressing to do, no need to pop another pill.
So Xia Yu dozed off, falling deep asleep…
But her good dream didn’t last. Suddenly, Xia Yu felt a series of fireworks booms jolt her awake. She squinted at her bedside clock… it was only 12 AM…
