"Come, come..." Xu Wenxiu came to the door and asked through the door: "Who is it?"
"Excuse me, is this Xu Wenxiu's house?" A young woman's voice came from outside the door.
This person spoke with an obvious Xianju accent. Xu Wenxiu hurriedly opened the door. Standing outside the door was a man and a woman, about twenty years old, both wearing Peiyang University uniforms.
"Wenxiu, is it really you?" The female student grabbed Xu Wenxiu's hand and shook it excitedly.
Xu Wenxiu was also surprised and happy, and said: "Peishan, why are you here? I'm not dreaming, am I?"
The female student's name is Yuan Peishan. They are from the same hometown and were middle school classmates in Xianju. As early as last year, they heard that they went to the north to study at university.
Yuan Peishan smiled and said: "It's a clear day, what are you dreaming about... Why don't you invite me in and sit for a while?"
"Quickly, please come in." Xu Wenxiu enthusiastically let Yuan Peishan into the room.
Entering the living room, Xu Wenxiu glanced at the male student and said, "Peishan, who is this?"
"Oh, his name is Zhang Ping, and he is my senior." Yuan Peishan introduced both parties.
Zhang Ping stretched out his hand and said, "Hello, Miss Xu."
"Hello." Xu Wenxiu shook hands with him.
After sitting down and chatting for a while about the situation after parting, Xu Wenxiu said: "Peishan, tell me, how do you know I live here?"
Yuan Peishan said: "Last month I received a letter from home. My mother mentioned in the letter that you had also come to Yanjin. I inquired for more than a month before I found you."
"Are you studying at Beiyang University?"
"Yes."
"Peishan, to be honest, I really envy you."
"Why do you envy me?"
"I envy you the opportunity to study in such a good university."
"Aren't you quite nice... Hey, I heard that your husband works in the main house?"
"Um."
"Nowadays, working in the government is the most prestigious, and the salary is good. Wenxiu, your husband is an official, right?"
"I'm not so sure either."
"You are husband and wife, and you don't even ask what your husband does?"
"We are an unmarried couple, not officially married..."
"It's not all the same, it's just one day earlier and one day later. By the way, where are the others?"
"Oh, he went to Nanjing on a business trip and won't be back for half a month."
"Then you're at home alone?"
"And Aunt Mei will accompany me."
"Who is Aunt Mei?"
"I'm also from Xianju. I was an old neighbor from the countryside. This time I came to Yanjin to find a job and help out at home temporarily."
"Oh...do I know him?"
"I remember, you seem to have met her once, right? Oh, Aunt Mei is not at home, she went to the vegetable market."
"Wenxiu, do you still remember? When we were studying in Xianju, we often participated in school club activities together. After returning home, we would write down our experiences seriously. I felt that my heart was very fulfilling at that time." Yuan Peishan looked at Xu eagerly.
Wenxiu.
Xu Wenxiu pushed the fruit plate over, changed the subject, and said, "Peishan, Zhang Ping, you guys eat fruit, fresh tangerines, very sweet."
Yuan Peishan said doubtfully: "Wenxiu, what's wrong with you?"
Xu Wenxiu picked up an apple, peeled it slowly with a fruit knife, and said: "It's nothing. I just felt that I was too naive at that time and believed whatever others said. Now that I think about it, that kind of life is too unreal."
Yuan Peishan had a slightly disappointed look on her face and sighed: "Wenxiu, you have changed."
Xu Wenxiu lowered her eyelids and whispered: "My mother is right. For us women, a good marriage is worse than a good marriage. I am... very contented now."
Zhang Ping said from the side: "Peishan, everyone has their own ambitions, so you can't force it. You haven't seen each other for so long, so let's talk about something happy."
Yuan Peishan said: "Wenxiu, I also joined a club at Beiyang University. There are like-minded students in it. We organize an event every once in a while. When I have the opportunity, I will take you to learn more."
Xu Wenxiu smiled and said: "Let's talk... Oh, don't leave, you two. Let's have dinner at home tonight. The food cooked by Aunt Mei is delicious."
Zhang Ping stood up and said, "No, we have to rush back to class. We'll invite you another day."
Xu Wenxiu said: "Peishan, are you leaving now?"
Yuan Peishan sighed exaggeratedly: "I can't help it. I have classes in the afternoon. Do you think everyone is just like you, eating and drinking every day and being someone else's wife?"
Xu Wenxiu pretended to be angry: "I told you that we are an unmarried couple..."
Yuan Peishan smiled and said: "I know, I know, we are unmarried couples. I won't tease you anymore. I will come see you when I have time."
Xu Wenxiu took Yuan Peishan to the corner of the street and then said goodbye reluctantly.
After a while, Aunt Mei came back from shopping for groceries. When she entered the door, she saw two water glasses on the coffee table and said, "Wenxiu, are there guests at home?"
Meeting an old friend in a foreign country is one of the four great joys in life. Xu Wenxiu was still immersed in joy. When Aunt Mei asked, she said, "Aunt Mei, guess who is here?"
"I know?"
"Peishan!"
"Which Peishan?"
"That's Yuan Peishan. When I was studying, she and I went to the countryside. The lunch we had at your house was mixed noodle soup with a poached egg at the bottom of the bowl!"
"Oh, it's her, I remembered...why did she come to Yanjin?"
"Peishan was studying at Beiyang University. She heard that I had come to Yanjin, so she came to see me."
Aunt Mei put the vegetable basket on the table, glanced at the high and low cabinets, and said, "Wenxiu, I remember that little girl opened her mouth and shut up to revolution. You have to stay away from her."
"I know...what do you want to eat tonight?"
"How about sweet and sour fish?"
"Well, I like to eat it the most."
…………
Two days later.
noon.
"Tuk-"
The doorbell rings.
"Who is it?"
"I, Peishan."
Xu Wenxiu opened the door and said happily: "Peishan, come in quickly. If you don't come, I will go to school to find you."
"Is there anyone at home?" Yuan Peishan asked.
"No."
"Where's Aunt Mei?"
"Going to the vegetable market. She goes to the vegetable market every day after lunch."
"That's just right, I'll take you to meet some friends!"
"What friend?"
"Hey, they are all my classmates, let's go!"
"Wait a minute, I'll change clothes."
"What clothes are you going to change into? I think this one looks good..."
"Wait a moment, it'll be ready soon."
A few minutes later, Xu Wenxiu put on her old student clothes and followed Yuan Peishan out. As she walked, she said: "Since I am your classmate, I dress like a lady. That's not good. Why should I be similar to you?"
That’s all.”
Yuan Peishan curled her lips and said, "You are quite thoughtful."
"That's right." Xu Wenxiu raised his head and looked arrogant.
She feels very relaxed now, as if she has returned to her unfettered student days.