Knowing about the past
As the authors would say, when the brain is blank, there will be too many words that one wishes to say but not able to say it.
Every day, Wei Zhi Xian will be in the office at least 20 minutes earlier. Turn on her computer, changed her clothes and then tidy up Zheng Xie’s office. Then she will go back to her own seat to sort out her work for the day. Zheng Xie will walked into the office about 10 minutes before the start of the working hour all dressed up neatly. At most, the differences would be only 1 minute.
But today, surprisingly Zheng Xie arrived in the office at least 3 minutes earlier than usual. So when he walks in, Wei Zhi Xian is still not out of his office yet.
This anomaly is very abnormal. Wei Zhi Xian careful observed and saw Zheng Xie’s right arm has a very significant new scars. It is very close to his joints hence it is presumably would affect his driving.
She tried to hide her curiosity, so that she do not appear to be nosy. Although modest expression of concern is accepted in the line of a secretary duty, unfortunately, their age gap is too close. This kind of concern is not worth mentioning in order to avoid unnecessary issues.
“Zhi Xian, help me to book two-round trip tickets back to the provincial capital, and returning on Sunday. The specific time, please ask He He.”
“Director Zheng, the journey to the airport and waiting time is about 5 hours. With the recent flight delaying so often, driving would be better as it is only 5 ½ hours.”
“The last time we go back, He He had car sickness and did not recover even after 2 days.”
“Train?”
“I have train sickness.”
Wei Zhi Xian does accordingly to what has been instructed. However, this is her first time hearing of such a secret. He He is the kind of person who sit on the Ferris Wheel can also articulate clearly back “Moonlit Night”. Zheng Xie frequently drives on the road at the speed up to 220 kilometers per hour. Both activities scares her. And now suddenly she learned that both of them turn out to have motion sickness, one when sitting in the car while the other while taking the train. Now she feels like fainting as well.
春江花月夜 – Moon Lit Night is one of Du Fu’s most frequently translated short lyrics. Because in Chinese poetry, love poems are relatively rare, hence “Moonlit Night” is a rather previous gem. Read more about the poem at : Moonlit Night – English Translation / 春江花月夜
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She went to work in the morning, but from time to time her eyes are looking at Zheng Xie’s wound. Can’t blame her as she is very curious about the injury on Zheng Xie. This is because he is usually very cautious. Occasionally, the band aid on his hand or his twisted feed, it is probably from the trouble caused by Xiao He He where he was made the scapegoat.
Zheng Xie probably sense Wei Zhi Xian paying attention to his arm, suddenly reminded him of something. He took a silk scarf out of his file bag: “I remember that this brand should not be cheap. Can I find a new one?”
Wei Zhi Xian took the scarf and looked at it for a moment: “This one is not cheap. This is a limited edition. Only 900 pieces in the world. Not to mention new one, second-hand also hard to find.”
Zheng Xie paused: “The buy another scarf from the same brand. Send it back together with this one.” He handed over a business card to Wei Zhi Xian.
Wei Zhi Xian turned the name card and whisperd: “Ah… the staff there is so rich?”
“What?”
“The owner of the silk scarf. You didn’t notice that she is a lawyer at Qing Zheng Ping Law Firm.”
“Oh, I did not noticed.”
“Do you know that Qing Zheng Ping is the legendary law firm that loves to take case with no money nor influence vulnerable groups? Often take cases that will safeguard social fairness and justice, just like the origin of the name. Last month, they just helped a few workers fought a good lawsuit. The most exciting news over the first half of the year as they also sued the government.
“I’ve heard.”
“I only heard that they do not love money and hate the rich, but did not think that they had an ordinary lawyer that has a rich background?” Wei Zhi Xian gossip heart has just been aroused.
“Perhaps they make lots of money.” Zheng Xie mind floated back to the red car that he saw last night. Definitely not the kind of car that a young female lawyer would drive.
“Although they are resounding fame, but in fact they do not make a lot of money. After all, the lawsuit that they fight always favor the weaker party. That could only earn minimal. I have seen their boss, indeed have a very good personality.”
“Yes ah. Employees also have the same personality.” Zheng Xie bowed his head to work, ending the discussion. As Wei Zhi Xian turns to go out, he added: “Yes, you send by express is good enough, no need to mention my name, do not need to leave contact.”
Sat.u.r.day morning, Zheng Xie and Xiao He He sat on the plane. He He face and eyes were swollen, presumably drank too much water before going to bed.
“Your eyes, if not swollen, it is black ring. It is harder to see you lately.”
“I am already 25 years old. It is said that this is the beginning of the declining of the age of flowers. Physical fitness has also begun to decline.” He He said while yawning.
“This little girl, can also say declining of flowers. When did you bloom?” Zheng Xie said to her. “Have you been staying up late?”
“I did not. Yesterday, I finally completed the work, so went to bed early. Ah, not that early as well, it is after 7pm. As a result, the face is swollen.”
“Work and rest is not the law.”
Over the years, Zheng Xie and He He had already formed the “left ear in, right ear out” strategy hence never quarrel. When Zheng Xie restored the silence, He He smiled and pulled his sleeve: “I recently made a little extra money, I treat you to a big meal. Where do you want to go?”
Zheng Xie asked: “How much did you earn?”
“Seven thousand. It is a lot, right?” He He said while showing off.
“So much? Then we go and eat the set meal at Jing Lu.”
“Jing Lu? Sounds like a nunnery. It is not all vegetarian? You will think of me being too cheap.”
“Its ok. One person only three thousand, so you will only have one thousand left.” Zheng Xie said casually.
“When did you change your name to 世仁啦 ah?” He He lowered her voice and cried.
世仁啦 – I am not able to find the meaning of these 3 words but am able to find out from Chinese-English dictionary online (Chinese-English Dictionary) that the meaning of 世仁 can be represented as clashes that comes from economic globalization
“You work so hard for the last two weeks in overtime but only to earn seven thousand and yet is so proud and stuck up. These money is enough for you to buy health supplement to regain your health?”
“Seven thousand is still money. A lot of people suffer to for a year only to be able to make such amount. Sn.o.b! Profiteers! Upstart! Do not know the sufferings of people!” He He’s enthusiastic has been mercilessly hit and is very angry. She ignored Zheng Xie for the rest of the way.
“I am drawing the line.”
Zheng Xie did not notify his family on his flight details. However, he saw the car waiting the moment they got out of the airport. He did not ask and pulled He He into the car.
Both of them travel light. He He only with an obliquely small bag while Zheng Xie does not even have any luggage. Out from the airport, they look very different from the other travelers.
After getting into the car only they found out that Comrade Lao Zheng had gone to the village today and is only back in the evening. He He called her mother but only managed to reach her a.s.sistance whom told her that Profession Lin is in the laboratory till the evening.
Both of them looked at each other in silence. They heard Driver Lee said: “Secretary Zheng said, tonight dinner together with He He.”
“I want to accompany my mother.”
“Secretary Zheng also asked Professor Lin. Professor Lin said that if she is free she will come. If she is not free, He He definitely will go. Eating dinner alone is boring.”
Driver Lee have been working with Zheng Xie’s home for many years. He has taken He He to and from school. Of course this is just on the way as he drives Zheng Xie to school and back. So it is considered that he has seen He He growing up.
The capital city is actually Zheng Xie’s real home, where his parents grew up, get married. And then they transferred few times due to his father’s work. Zheng Xie stayed in the province largest port city the longest period, about 12 or 13 years. After that Comrade Lao Zheng is promoted again, hence they moved back here.
Speaking of that, it is really a coincidence. Zheng Xie is already in Senior High 3rd year then while He He is in the junior school. Just before the promotion of Comrade Zheng, He He’s mother who belongs to the Inst.i.tute, had to transfer to a university in the provincial capital because of policy reasons.
He He’s mum wants to bring He He together with her. While He He in every possible way is against it. She is a child whom is afraid of changes. At each upgrade to the next year where her teacher and friends will be replaced, the kind of unpredictable future will scare her. She will not even be able to sleep well. Not to mention that this time around, it is a huge change.
Later, Zheng Xie’s mother is the one who rescued her. Aunty Qian softly said to her mother, the child just started school and managed to adapt to the new environment. And then change again, afraid that she is not able to adapt. Why don’t wait till end of the semester, after all, she is here and she will help to look after He He.
He He’s mother had been a busy mother from her younger days. When she is very young, had entrusted her to nanny. In her junior middle school, He He was placed in boarding school. Her impression of her mother is a beautiful yet stern person, He He is more afraid of her mother than her cla.s.s teacher. While Aunty Qian is more affectionate like a mother to her. Even when she is in boarding school, always visiting her in school with delicious food, more often than her own mother.
So her mother left her alone in the huge city. He He did not felt any self-pity but was secretly happy for a long time.
But the happiness was not mean to be for too long. Not long after that, she learned the news of Uncle Zheng whom would be transferred to the provincial capital. This means that Aunty Qian will also accompanied him and maybe as Zheng Xie.
As a result, only Aunty Qian whom went alone. Zheng Xie said: “I do not want to change the school. I will need a long period of time to adjust, and this will impact my performance.”
Zheng Xie has always been the first in cla.s.s for years. So they naturally respect his wishes. And the poor Aunty Qian whom is weak and often ill, have to travel between the two cities every month. On the weekend, Zheng Xie and Xiao He He will sit at each end of the table with nanny serving them dishes. During the waiting time, Zheng Xie will be reading newspaper while Xiao He He will be reading girls comics.
Very often, Zheng Xie without warning will throw the newspaper to He He and said: “Let’s change.”
He He dare not defy but will quietly went up to Zheng Xie to pa.s.s him the cute comic and then hold the newspaper and read. Although she understand every word, but for a long period of time, cannot read understand a single word.
Zheng Xie being in control without his parents’ days did not last long before Liu Qian Rou and her husband returned home. Her reason is that living in the coastal city for so many years, her sickly body have been completely not able to meet the climate of inland cities. So it is still the ocean climate better for her.
Not long after that, Zheng Xie pa.s.sed the college entrance examination and went to college to study. Zheng Xie’s mother told He He’s mother that she is lonely with nothing to do. Since she is too busy and no time to take care of He He, it is better to let her stay in the city to accompany her.
Those few years are the period of time where He He’s mother is at her busiest time. It was a major research project that she needs to rush against time to complete. And the same period of time, it is He He’s rebellious adolescence time, so she redily agreed.
Later, Mother Zheng managed to convince He He’s mother that He He no longer need to live in campus but live with Mother Zheng instead.
Thus, after several years, Aunty Qian and He He become closer, more like mother and daughter. So when she introduce He He to others, often said: “This is my daughter, He He.”
He He sometimes stand in front of the mirror and look at herself. Could not see what that will please Aunty Qian, so often referred to herself with a gentle and warm smile.
She vaguely heard from the gossiping mouth of the nannies, because of the two tangled past, the Zheng family is compensating her. However He He is aware that Aunty Qian treats the world greatly even the poor. So she is vaguely aware that Uncle Zheng is soft hearted towards Aunty Qian so he is not bothered.
The two nannies disappeared completed from the Zheng household shortly after that. He He is not a child to likes be a busybody, hence never asked about it. When Zheng Xie is back, Aunty Qian with a dissatisfaction expression but with a gentle admonished tone told Zheng Xie to be tolerant and caring of others and to accommodate the shortcoming of others. It is then He He learned that it was actually Zheng Xie’s arrangement to replace those two nannies.
Thousands of miles away in his study, even the trouble within the family is known. Xiao He He thinks that Zheng Xie has magical wand.
Secretary Zheng looking for Zheng Xie is usually not for anything really important.
Zheng Xie is always known to have a good sense of everything. From his younger days, he hardly disturb his father for anything.
But he still need to regularly report back to his father on the current situation in his life. To be concise, the report is not less than 5 minutes but not more than 10 minutes. After answering his father’s questions, just like an interviews.
This is his father’s occupational disease, also their father and son way of communications.
Zheng Xie and his father walked out from the library to see that He He’s mother has also arrived and is talking to He He. She speaks with a gentle tone with her calm face but He He, whom is sitting opposite of her bow her head in silence, just like she has done something wrong.
Zheng Xie has known He He’s mother for over 20 years and pretty understand her. Her impression is still like a layer of fog, cannot be seen clearly.
Ms Lin has the appearance and elegant of temperament. When she is together with He He, they look more like sisters not like mother and daughter.
Ms Lin rarely put on any expression. Zheng Xie have only seen her smiling and not smiling kind of expression. He has never seen any angry or anxious look.
Ms Lin rarely speak. Often only when others question, she will answer. She never talks about others, and there others don’t talk about her.
Ms Lin is an expert in her field of academic.
Such a woman with no desire or emotion but wholeheartedly only want to study for her knowledge. She grew up being unconsciously coincide her image as Gu Mu Pai (古墓派) successor by others.
古墓派 – Gu Mu Pai is the secret of Ancient Tomb Sect, a kung fu school founded by Grand Ancestress Lin Chaoying. The kung fu of this Sect is elegant, graceful, light, and beautiful and appears harmless.
But Zheng Xie tries not to think of Lin Yi Xin as Xiao Long Nu (小龙女). This is because he always felt that He He’s dad is like Guo Jing (郭靖).
郭靖 – Guo King is a fictional protagonist in the popular Wuxia novel, The Legend of the Condor Heroes written by Jin Yong.
小龙女 – Qiao Long Nu is a fictional female protagonist in The Legend of the Condor Heroes.
Huang Rong’s husband and Yang Guo’s wife got married and had a daughter…. This is how chaotic their relationship are.
Zheng Xie mind is still in the past. Originally He He’s head is lowered. She heard footsteps and raised her head. Unexpectedly turn towards him throwing him a surprised look in the eyes, flattering Zheng Xie.
He He has always been afraid of her mother, which is equivalent to Jia Bao Yu (贾宝玉) with Jia Zheng (贾政). But He He obviously admits that her mother not only never hit her, scolded her, even harsh words towards her also never happen. But somehow, she is afraid of her mother.
贾宝玉 – Jia Bao Yu is the main character in a cla.s.sic Chinese novel t.i.tled: Dream of the Red Chamber (紅樓夢) that is also known as The Story of the Stone, composed by Cao Xue Qin. This is a Chinese Romeo-and-Juliet love story that also is a portrait of one of the world’s greatest civilizations. Read more about the novel @ Dream of the Red Chamber (紅樓夢)
贾政 – Jia Zheng is the father of 贾宝玉 (Jia Bao Yu)
The older generation started chatting among themselves while the younger generation is free to do what they want.
When Professor Lin and Secretary Zheng gets together, it is a full reflection of the Chinese ceremonies style.
“Yi Xin, how is the progress of your research? I heard Lao Li said that you often experiment overnight. But health is more important.”
“Thank you for your concern Secretary Zheng. Everything is going smoothly. You need to pay more attention to the body, not too tired.”
Dinner in the Zheng household is very lavish. On the tables are many dishes. Many of these dishes are He He’s favorite.
Zheng Xie and He He when sitting on the dinner table is very quiet. This is because as a child, they were prevented from speaking at the table, in order to avoid food choking. Good habit that is hard to change, so when they grow up and the ban is removed, they have always been silent. They will keep their head down and eat quietly while respectfully listen to Professor Lin and Secretary Zheng chatting while dining. They will chat about the province with the content that covers politics, economy to science and technology and so on and so forth.
The dinner ended very early because Professor Lin need to head back to the lab to check on the result of her research. She lightly turn to He He and said: “You go to sleep. Don’t wait for me. Remember to lock the door with three locks.” This means that she will only be back at dawn.
In fact, Zheng Xie will be bringing He He along to attend another party.
Zheng Xie’s Cousin Qiang Wei is waiting for him at the famous teahouse, Yingbin saying that it has been a long while since she last met him in person. She misses im and wants to make sure that he comes out.
After going up, in the private room, there is not only his cousin alone. His long lost cousin Liang Bing Bing and a young woman that he had not met before are also there.
Sure enough, it is as what he had expected, another matchmaking attempt. Fortunately, he had prepared for this and hence brought along Xiao He He.
Cousin Xiao Wei’s nickname is Qiang Qiang, one of the children from the maiden side of Zheng Xie’s mother family. Since Doraemon showed the “strong” side with the music that is the prevalence of “Wei”, she began forcing everyone to rename her as “Qiang Wei.”
In the early years of University, Qiang Wei is the Drama Club President, therefore she acquired a superb exaggerated and theatrical expression. She seems surprised at the moment and stood up: “A Xie. What a coincidence. Let me introduced to you… this is your Cousin Bing’s junior apprentice and good friend, Chen Zi You.”
Turning to the lady whom have already stood up and said: “Xiao You, this is my cousin, Zheng Xie.” Zi You smiled: “I’ve heard a lot about you, finally get to see the real person.”
Then she continued to introduce: “This is He He, the little sister in our family.” She deliberately stressed on the “our family” rather than personal.
He He smiled timidly towards the beauty.
“We were talking a few minutes ago, and only found out that Zheng Xie is back today. Since he is also nearby, they have to come to see me and Cousin Bing Bing. What a coincidence.”
“Yes ah.” All the ladies elegantly smiled. After all, all ladies smile are similar.
Smiling most elegantly is Cousin Qiang Wei. Only 30 minutes ago, on the phone with Zheng Xie, she said: “Today if you dare not to turn up, you will be a dead man.” Not to mentioned that she already knew three days ago about Zheng Xie returning home. Moreover, his Cousin Bing Bing has now joined the ranks of matchmaker.
In fact, Chen Zi You was also abducted by the two sisters to come. Conventionally, she excused herself to the bathroom and did not come back for a long time. To stir along the atmosphere, they dragged He He along with them to the toilet as well.
So the two ladies had to make efforts to change the matchmaking attempt into a seemingly normal group of friends and relatives meet up. They strive to find interesting topics to talk about while looking forward to receive unexpected results.
The control of the scene is also very good. Just like ladies and gentlemen catching up over afternoon tea, only time is changed to night. The dialogue were scrupulous, question and answer, polite and calm.
Liang Bing Bing and Chen Zi You are quiet and light, soft voiced women. As for Xiao He He, she recognize the situation, only obediently bowed her head and sipped her tea while eating cake, avoiding from getting burned. Zheng Xie is surrounded by four women is also regarded as strolling leisurely. Cousin Qiang Wei is the one that worked the hardest until she ran out of new topic. But the others refused rounder for her so she cleared her throat and said softly: “He He has grown taller from the last time I saw her.”
He He would have to grow tenderly. She could deliberately lied about her age, would definitely be considered as a minor especially in the situation tonight.
Zheng Xie laugh: “He He has tanned a little during this summer and lost some weight. So she looks a little taller. Cousin Qiang Wei, you have make visual mistakes.” While saying that, he reached out and brush her hair behind her ears.
He looked up to enjoy Cousin Qiang Wei gradually stiff expression. Using chopsticks, he picked up the small dessert served and placed it on He He’s plate. “You missed the little snacks here for a long time. This time eat more.” Then he got the waiter to serve them more dishes, while remembering to show his welcoming hospitality to the guest: “Ms Chen, would you like more?”
“Thank you. I am on a diet, hence do not eat dessert in the evening.” Chen Zi You said softly.
The most innocent one is Xiao He He. Originally the pastry in Yingbin are very yummy and scarily expensive. In the past, when He He come to eat, she always felt like she is directly eating RMB.
But actually she is already full as well as had drank a lot of tea. Because she knew that she had been framed to become a “light bulb” (3rd party), the temperature has increased a lot. She is also secretly aware of the number of eyes actually on her now, even though she is showing them her head. But that also, she felt that her scalp has been roasted. In time like this, how could she taste these delicious pastry, she just want to quickly escape.
Zheng Xie refused to let her go and continuously filled her plate with dessert. She is totally speechless but could only use her eyes to indicate to him to spare her. Zheng Xie said: “Do you want juice?” He then took a paper towel to wipe the cake residue from her mouth.
“The relationship between Mr Zheng and sister is really good.” With a graceful smile Ms Chen said. The calm Cousin Bing Bing began to laugh really hard.
This well-planned matchmaking date has reached it finishing line. On the road home, Qiang Wei and Liang Bing Bing could not help but sigh.
Qiang Wei grind her teeth: “This Zheng Xie is a dead boy, always let me down. Frustrating me to death.”
“He He is also pitiful. Every time used by Ah Xie.” Liang Bing Bing sigh. “Qiang Wei, in your opinion, would it be that Ah Xie likes He He, hence he has been waiting for her to grow up?”
“He He is already twenty-five. Not big enough? If he really have the heart, he would have started it, no need to change every two or three days. I used to think the same. But Ah Xie had returned from abroad for four to five years. I had observed in these four to five years, but I did not see any movement.”
“Ah Xie is a guy with high IQ with low EQ. Whom have you seen him ascending to in the heart? In additional to Aunty Qian, there is only one other that is Xiao He He.”
“Do not you think Ah Xie and He He together is just like every family, most of the time, Ah Xie will be dad while He He will be like the maid.” Qiang Wei sigh. “If he genuinely marry He He, although a little childish, it is also great as we have seen her growing up, so know her pretty well. I am most worried about…..”
“He He is childish?” Liang Bing Bing drove the car and barely missed an illegally turned car. “I felt that He He only act childish in front of Ah Xie. Many other time, this little girl is very a.s.sertive and stubborn. If she has decided on something, it is hard to change her mind. In many ways, she is similar to her mother.”
“How is it possible that He He is similar to her mother? Totally different. Lin Yi Xin is an amazing woman. For so many years with all that happened to her, including the serious illness the year before, she actually ought to people suffering but she can completely be unaffected. She clearly towards this kind of things do not care, including her daughter. But for her work, she set her whole heart into.”
“That is sustenance ah, sustenance. Qiang Wei, you should always look at nature. By the way, what did you say you are worried about earlier with regards to Zheng Xie?”
“Uh, that one. Do you think Zheng Xie has any defects ah? Physical? Psychological? Otherwise, why he never……”
Bing Bing brakes: “Got such sister that curse her own brother to have defect….. you have not heard that he changed his companion just like he is changing seasonal clothes?”
“Yes ah, all less than three months. This means there is not enough in-depth understanding of the……”
I will reflect on the dividing line
Zheng Xie drove the car with He He and brought her to walk around the bustling night market.
Zheng Xie felt his ears hot. He suspect that his cousin is complaining about him, perhaps with his name written on the voodoo doll stuck with needle.
There are many people in the night market. He He is excitedly checking out each stalls. With a flash of an eye, she is gone. So Zheng Xie pulled her knapsack straps, just like he is holding small pets.
He He shake him off and led him on. She often wants to intensively check out any stall but will be pulled back.
“Hateful. Let me go. I am not your dog.”
“You have already walked for 20 minutes, not enough? Let’s go home. There is nothing good here.” Every time Zheng Xie explore the night market, the crowded place makes him dizzy.
“It is all because of you, causing me to eat so much. I have to explore for two hours to digest. You go back. I will take the cab home, after all we are heading different direction.”
“Well, you always lost your way. In event of you being abducted by traffickers, it will be my biggest sin.”
“Why do you always remember people’s embarra.s.sing moments, ah, dark hearted.”
In fact, that year when He He is about five or six years old, Zheng Xie smuggled her out to visit the mountain, resulting in him losing her. Sweating, he searched for her and found her 10 minutes later, with simmering tears storming.”
“I have not come across such tense moment in life. Then, my only thought was, you certainly had been abducted just like Zhen Shi Yin’s daughter.”
Xiao He He thought for a moment before remembering who Zhen Shi Yin is: “Cut. How old were you then, already reading “A dream of Red Mansions”? Bragging.”
“Xiao He He, why do you always use your low IQ as a reference to measure others.”
He He thought for a long time bout could not come up with anything that can regain her words, so had to change the topic: “You are the most troublesome person. The last time, I messed up your blind date and today, you come and harm me.”
“Anyway, idle you will always be idle.”
“Today the lady is a beautiful person with good temperament and conservative. Better than your previous blind date. Why don’t you try to hook up with her?”
“Ganging up?”
“You are not afraid of people having bad impression of you, starting so strongly.”
“Xiao He He, you go and take it up.”
“Now only you know, you are the victims.”
“Do not stroll anymore. Go home. If you come home late, Aunty Yi Xin would blame me for bringing you.”
“My mother never say bad things about people.” But hearing the mentioned of her mother, Xiao He He obediently follow Zheng Xie into the car.
“We did have a ‘sequel’ discussion about Red Chamber” Xiao He He still feel very full, so talking in the car to digest. “One day we discuss if the modern man will be willing to marry younger sister or older sister.”
“The conclusion?”
“Yu Bao get married. Younger sister, Zhao Ling becomes lover.”
Zheng Xie laughed: “No wonder we all are the same. We also discussed about the content but in a more pure content than you. We hope to have sister Lin’s IQ and Bao sister’s EQ.”
Also look like Lin sister while feels like Bao sister. Xiao He He added in her heart, did not dare to say these words.