795 Arriving in the Capital
When they first came to the countryside from the city, the children in the village all looked up to them. However, now that they were going to return to the city from the countryside, and heading towards the most prosperous city this time round, they were worried if they would be bullied and looked down upon.
Qiao Mei also noticed the children’s abnormal behavior. She patted Zhang Wei’s shoulder and said, “Zhang Wei, why are you unhappy now that we’re almost there?”
“Elder sister… I’m scared… In the county city, there were already many people who bullied me and my younger brother. Do you think they will also look down on us? Can we not go to school…” Zhang Wei lowered his head, feeling dejected.
Zhang Qin and Zhang Miao had never experienced being bullied in school in the county city. They were only filled with anticipation about coming to the capital and did not think too much about it.
“When you went to the village school back then, do you still remember how elder sister taught you to interact with others?” Qiao Mei said patiently.
Zhang Wei thought for a moment and said, “We must do our best to get along well with others. If they’re not friendly, give them some seeds to eat. But if they bully us, then we should fight back.”
“That’s right. If anyone bullies you, you can bully them back. We won’t take the initiative to cause trouble, but we’re not afraid of trouble either. Do you understand?” Qiao Mei said as she patted Zhang Wei’s head.
Zhang Wei understood what she meant, but he was still afraid. In the village, the situation would never get too bad as all the uncles and aunties in the village liked him. However, it was different in the city. The children in the city school came from all over the country. If he caused any trouble, then he would need Qiao Mei to help him clean up the mess.
He had overheard a part of Li Gui’s conversation with Qiao Mei in the past. Qiao Mei also had no relatives in the capital and could only rely on his brother-in-law, Xia Zhe. Therefore, if he got into any trouble, he would only cause trouble for Qiao Mei.
“What else are you afraid of? Tell me,” Qiao Mei said gently.
“I’m afraid of causing trouble for elder sister. If that happens, brother-in-law won’t like us anymore and will quarrel with elder sister. I’m worried,” Zhang Wei told her all his real thoughts.
Qiao Mei then realized that he had overheard what the adults said. She sighed and said slowly, “The few of you are elder sister’s treasures. No matter who says anything about you, I will protect you. The house you’re going to live in doesn’t belong to your brother-in-law either. It’s mine. Don’t be afraid of your brother-in-law and his family. As long as we don’t take the initiative to cause trouble, what are we afraid of?”
Qiao Mei added, “It’s fine even if you get into trouble. You have an elder sister around. Don’t tell me you’ll leave me alone after you grow up? What if I cause trouble when I’m old? Will you still care about me?”
“Yes! I will definitely take care of elder sister!” Zhang Wei said firmly.
“So think about how important I am to you, and that is how important you all are to me. Do you understand? Don’t worry and be bold. Don’t be afraid. You’re their older brother. If you’re afraid, won’t they be even more afraid?” Qiao Mei said.
Zhang Wei no longer felt lost. He decided to do as Qiao Mei said and be a good person. As long as he remained kind and did not do anything bad, he should not have many enemies.
The train stopped and everyone disembarked slowly with their luggage. Zhang Wei carried Zhang Miao on his back and walked slowly while Zhang Chao held on to Zhang Qin and followed behind them.
When they reached the train station exit, Qiao Mei saw Xia He and Xia Fang from afar. They were with someone else that she did not expect to see. Xu Lan had also come to pick her up.
Xia He quietly observed Xu Lan’s expression. There did not seem to be any changes, so she knew that Xia Wen had already told Xu Lan the truth. Xu Lan was no longer sad and instead actively went about renovating the house.
“Why are you all here to pick me up? I’m still thinking of going back on my own,” Qiao Mei said with a smile.
Xu Lan held Qiao Mei’s hand enthusiastically with tears in her eyes and said excitedly, “What nonsense are you talking about! It’s bad enough that you didn’t tell me you’re coming back! But you still want to go home by yourself! If not for your aunt bringing us to pick you up! We would still be in the dark!”
Li Gui originally thought that Xu Lan was the kind of mother-in-law who was difficult to get along with. Seeing how concerned Xu Lan was about Qiao Mei, Li Gui felt relieved.
“Uncle Qiao, it’s been a long time. Do you still remember me?” Xu Lan said politely.
Qiao Qiang nodded. Xu Lan was indeed different from the person in his memories. Her temper had become much better and she was no longer as cold as before. A person who was about to become a grandmother was indeed different.
