Zhang Hongmei sat on a bench, watching the hurried pedestrians at the station, all of whom looked pale and thin. Was this all there was to it? There were still two years left; the government would intervene, and she hoped things wouldn't get any worse.

His gaze was blank, staring blankly at one spot, causing the other person to frown. Was this child stupid?

It wasn't until Zhang Hongmei slowly regained consciousness, and opened her eyes again, that she realized a boy about her age was staring at her angrily.

Zhang Hongmei was very puzzled. What was wrong? She glanced at him with a questioning look, then closed her eyes, leaned back in her chair, and rested.

Song Zigan was furious. Was this some kind of disrespect? He wanted to confront her, but seeing her resting with her eyes closed, he felt it was very rude of her. Huffing and puffing, he imitated Zhang Hongmei and leaned back in his chair.

When the station was called, Zhang Hongmei stood up and headed for the ticket gate. She didn't really understand the concept of queuing yet, and people kept cutting in line, but she finally made it onto the platform and waited for the train to arrive.

Zhang Hongmei is holding her ticket; she'll have to show it to the conductor again when she boards the train.

Song Zigan stood behind Zhang Hongmei, staring intently at her back.

Zhang Hongmei sensed something, turned her head to look at Song Zigan, and thought, "Is this kid sick?"

I ignored him. The train had already pulled into the station, and I was about to board. I didn't have time to argue with a little brat.

After boarding the bus and finding my seat, I had just sat down when that strange boy sat down next to me.

The two looked at each other and turned their heads simultaneously. Perfectly synchronized!

This was a long-distance bus, only passing through H City. However, there weren't many passengers at this time, which is why Zhang Hongmei was able to buy a seat. As for sleeper berths, forget about them; money alone can't buy tickets.

Zhang Hongmei was hungry; she hadn't eaten anything for most of the day. After thinking for a moment, she reached into her bag and took out a goat milk bun, which had bean paste filling.

The steamed buns were still warm, just right for eating.

She ate her fill, but Song Zigan, sitting next to her, felt miserable and unconsciously swallowed hard. He inwardly berated himself for being so pathetic.

This girl is so annoying, why does she eat so slowly?

Zhang Hongmei, unaware of Song Zigan's resentment, wiped her mouth and hands with a handkerchief after finishing her meal. She then took out her eighth-grade history textbook and began reciting.

Song Zigan was quite surprised. This girl didn't look very old, yet she was reading junior high school books? He held back for a long time but still couldn't resist.

"You're in the second year of junior high?"

"No, I'll be in the second year of junior high after the Lunar New Year." Zhang Hongmei was bored, and having someone to chat with was quite nice.

"I'm also starting junior high this year. Which school are you in?"

"I attended junior high school in W County."

"I attend junior high school in the city."

"Oh!" No one said anything more; it's impossible to have a proper conversation now.

"Are you still going to high school?"

"Of course, I'll be going to high school the year after next, but I'll have to go to school in the city."

"Doesn't your county have a high school?"

"No, you can only go to high school in the city."

"My name is Song Zigan, and I'm twelve years old. What about you?"

"My name is Zhang Hongmei. I'm ten years old this year, and I'll be eleven soon."

“I’ll be thirteen this year, two years older than you, so I’m the older brother.”

"Stop trying to take advantage of me. You're the same height as me, how can you be my older brother?"

“You, I grew up late. My dad said that he is 1.85 meters tall and I am not shorter than him.”

"That's not necessarily true. What if you take after your mother?" Zhang Hongmei found it amusing to tease the little boy and couldn't resist teasing him.

“My mom isn’t short either; my dad says she’s over 1.6 meters tall.”

Seeing that the little boy's face had turned red from her teasing, Zhang Hongmei was afraid he would cry, so she quickly comforted him.

"Then you will definitely not be short in the future. You will be taller than your dad."

Song Zigan felt something was off about her words, but couldn't quite put his finger on it. He turned away angrily and ignored her.

Getting angry already? That's so petty! You didn't say anything offensive. Try to appease her!

He pulled a goat milk bun from his bag and nudged Song Zigan with his elbow. "Here, have a bun. Don't be angry."

Song Zigan thought he was a man of principle. But he couldn't resist the sweet aroma and took the steamed bun, saying, "Hmph, I forgive you."

Hey, this little brat's pretty arrogant. He doesn't know how short-tempered I am. But after thinking about it, I decided not to argue with him and consider it an act of kindness for the day.

"Why didn't you give me one with red bean paste filling? I wanted a bun with red bean paste filling." Actually, she wanted to eat more, but was too embarrassed to ask directly.

Hey, you're really not being polite. But I didn't refuse, and instead took out another steamed bun and handed it to him.

It was heartbreaking to see him wolf down the steamed bun in just a few bites; there weren't many steamed buns left in the space.

Song Zigan felt full after eating a steamed bun and a mantou, but he could still eat another one.

He took out a tin box of cookies and a cake wrapped in parchment paper from his bag, placed them on the table, and pushed them towards Zhang Hongmei, saying, "You treated me to steamed buns, and I'll treat you to cookies."

Wow, this kid's family is pretty well-off; they even have imported biscuits. "I'm full, I don't want anything more."

"Just eat it. You've definitely never had it before."

What hasn't my sister eaten? But seeing Song Zigan's stubborn eyes, she gave in, opened the lid, took out a piece, put it in her mouth, and then put the lid back on and pushed it back.

"I was really full, so I just had a taste, but it was really delicious."

Song Zigan didn't insist any further. "Want some cake?"

"No, I'm really full."

Song Zigan then put both items into his satchel.

The three young women sitting opposite them watched the interaction between the two teenagers and thought that childhood sweethearts were the best. They were also quite envious of their food.

"Zhang Hongmei, where are you getting off?"

"H City, and you?"

"I'm going to my destination, City M, to see my dad."

"Are you all alone? You have to be very careful, human traffickers are very brazen."

“My grandparents are old and can’t travel for long periods of time. My father is injured, so I’m taking leave to visit them. I called my father, and his comrade-in-arms will be on the bus in S City to take me with him.”

"Well, you have to be careful too. Don't talk to just anyone, don't eat food from just anyone, and don't go with anyone." Aunt Zhang Hongmei started her nagging mode.

Song Zigan was speechless. Did he really look that stupid? But he was still happy that someone cared.

"But I ate your food and talked to you!"

"You little brat, do you think I'm that kind of person? Why don't you spit it out?" This kid is too annoying. If he pisses me off, I'll show him my temper.

"You're so vulgar. Who do you think you are? I'm older than you."

Zhang Hongmei rolled her eyes dismissively. "You're the vulgar one, your whole family is vulgar."

Song Zigan leaned closer again and said, "Zhang Hongmei, give me your address, and I'll write to you later."