### Chapter 82: Pipi Xiaoling
Wang Ruixue naturally knew about Wang Wenjuan’s concerns. After all, Xia Yu still had some issues. Letting her live alone was not just Wang Wenjuan’s uneasiness, but also his. What if something happened again?
So, Wang Ruixue directly responded, “Of course you can, as long as Xia Ling agrees, you can move in anytime since the other beds in the dorm are all empty.”
Upon hearing this, Wang Wenjuan nodded, understanding the situation. “Alright, I’ll talk to her tonight. Let’s call it a day. Xia Yu and I need to head home.”
“Take care,” Wang Ruixue said.
Thus, Xia Yu went back home with her mother… watching TV…
Yes, due to her concerns about Xia Yu being alone, Wang Wenjuan kept a close eye on her whenever Xia Ling wasn’t around.
Gradually, Xia Yu went from being a bit resentful to meekly complying, finding it better than being watched by so many people outside.
In the evening, Xia Ling and Xia Le came home from school. Since Xia Yu’s legs and hands were still inconvenient, all the household chores fell to them two.
Xia Le took charge of boiling water while Xia Ling cooked.
Later, Xia Ling went upstairs to hang out with Xia Yu while Wang Wenjuan showed off her culinary skills downstairs. Seeing this, Xia Yu felt somewhat guilty for slacking off.
So, whenever she felt up to it, Xia Yu tried standing up to walk and strengthen her left leg.
Although she knew pushing too hard wasn’t good, she still wanted to do it. She didn’t want to be seen as helpless, relying on everyone else.
That night, because Xia Yu had to sleep with Xia Ling, Xia Ling started tutoring her right there in the room, and Xia Yu didn’t refuse, paying close attention.
Just as things were going well, Wang Wenjuan suddenly walked into the room, “Xia Ling, may I speak to you about something?”
She then sat down on Xia Ling’s princess bed—which was comfier than any chair.
“What is it? Something about her Second Brother?” Xia Ling guessed.
Wang Wenjuan glanced at Xia Yu, who was sitting next to her daughter, before saying, “Yes, Xia Yu and I visited her new dorm today—it’s great, right in the female dormitory building’s stairwell. So, when she moves in, I hope you’ll come along and look after her. You understand, I don’t feel safe letting Xia Yu be alone right now.”
“Of course not, Mom! Now that Second Brother is sick, I should take good care of her—don’t worry!”
Xia Jing, feeling confident, puffed out her chest and promised earnestly; indeed, she wouldn’t let anything bad happen again—she was determined about it.
“Alright, I won’t bother you two then. Get ready for bed early.”
Laughing, Wang Wenjuan rubbed Xia Ling’s head lightly before doing the same to Xia Yu and then left.
After their mom left, Xia Ling couldn’t help but whisper to Xia Yu, nudging her and saying, “Brother, you’re amazing—you actually moved into a girls’ dorm. Want to try on one of my outfits? They’re pretty cool.”
“It’s not like I wanted to,” Xia Yu replied flatly.
…
If a psychologist who diagnosed Xia Yu was here, they probably wouldn’t believe how quickly she was recovering—like how willing she was to communicate.
Little did they know, Xia Yu only seemed more open due to the presence of loved ones. Away from them, she would revert to being silent.
Another week went by, and Xia Yu’s leg had recovered enough to walk normally—though not fast.
Running was entirely out of the question.
Time flew, and Wang Ruixue called Wang Wenjuan again, asking when Xia Yu could return to school. In essence, he was reminding her to get back to school sooner rather than later.
Wang Wenjuan respected Xia Yu’s decision: “Xiao Yu, have you thought about when you’d go back to school? Your teacher called, and we could delay your return if you’re still feeling unwell.”
But Xia Yu didn’t want to stay idle anymore. Feeling like a burden to her family was no fun. Maybe she wasn’t meant for that kind of life.
So Xia Yu simply said, “I can go anytime.”
“If you’re set on that, I’ll take you shopping tomorrow. Whatever you need, buy it now, or we’d leave for my work afterward.”
“Okay.”
So it was decided: They planned to go shopping the next day, a Saturday.
That night, when Xia Ling heard about the outing, she was thrilled. If Mom Wang went to work with Dad Xia, Xia Ling might not get out of the house anytime soon.
Money constraints being one reason, another was how nervous the folks were about similar incidents occurring again, especially for little kids.
As for Grandpa and Grandma? Forget it—they’d only venture out to buy groceries during holidays. Besides, they might both be in school anyway.
Hence, Xia Ling cherished these outings, never missing out on an opportunity.
Xia Le was indifferent but happy to join the fun. Besides, going out allowed for some noodle slurping, a rare treat.
That night, as Xia Ling and Xia Yu prepared for bed (or lack thereof), perhaps due to tomorrow’s plans, Xia Ling found it impossible to sleep.
Thus she turned to pestering Xia Yu, “Second Brother, anything you want to buy tomorrow?”
Xia Yu was speechless.
“Leftover pads from the sanitary napkins I sold you—how many are left? Need more?”
“Sure, but…not now.”
“How many?”
“I don’t know!”
…
Neither Xia Yu nor Xia Ling knew how they eventually fell asleep, but Xia Yu felt she slept particularly soundly.
Perhaps it was because the restrictive caste was finally gone.
The next morning, Wang Wenjuan didn’t wake up her children unnecessarily, letting them sleep in. After all, plenty of time lay ahead.
PS: The Young Lady is prepping to make an appearance.
