Mid-August.
It was terribly hot outside, and the car's air conditioning was running listlessly, providing only a slight coolness. Su Juan kept reminding Wen Mo, who was sitting in the back, "Don't skimp on yourself when you're out there. Spend what you need to spend, and ask for more if you need it, okay?"
"Okay, Mom, I'm not a little kid anymore."
“You’re not a child anymore. You’ve never been to such a far place before.” Su Juan shook her head, somewhat recalling the first time she took him to elementary school.
In my memory, my son was still thin and small, but suddenly he has grown so much taller. Looking at Wen Mo's calm expression in the rearview mirror, I always have an indescribable feeling.
Xia Lian sat quietly to the side, watching this heartwarming yet somewhat sad scene. Her face was expressionless, but she clutched her chest, feeling a tightness in her chest.
Her hair was tied up casually, with a few stray strands falling beside her cheeks, making her eyes look somewhat vacant, like a bewildered and helpless child.
"I'm leaving... Wenmo is leaving."
Xia Lian suddenly spoke, her tone unreadable, as if she were simply telling herself that Wen Mo was really leaving.
“Lianbao will miss you too.” Wen Yiquan held the steering wheel with one hand and looked at the two quiet people sitting in the back through the rearview mirror.
The usual sweet atmosphere was completely gone. He has never been good at handling this kind of sad atmosphere. Normally, he would rather watch the two children being affectionate.
“…I know.” Wen Mo lowered his head.
The car moved slowly along the busy road.
Xia Lian remained almost silent the entire way. Already lacking in emotions, she couldn't express much at the moment of parting. She peered out the car window at the slightly congested road.
Suddenly I really wish the roads were more congested.
That way, I might be able to spend a little more time with Wenmo.
"Instead of looking out the window, look at me more." Wen Mo grasped her palm, savoring its softness.
"Look at Wenmer?"
"Yes, look at me more."
Hearing this, Xia Lian turned her head, her eyes expressionless and listless, yet she still tried to open them wide and gaze at his face.
"You didn't have to get this close to look at it. It's making me a little embarrassed," Wen Mo said with a helpless smile.
"But I want to see it."
Xia Lian's face was very close, but fortunately the car was spacious enough that even with her feet on the seat, it was still roomy, and her delicate little nose was almost touching his nose.
"...Alright then, take a good look at me for a while."
The atmosphere on the train gradually became strange until Wen Yiquan stepped on the brakes for the last time, stopping at the train station, and got off to move his luggage from the back of the train.
After Wen Mo finished giving his instructions to his parents, he turned to look at Xia Lian. Xia Lian looked up and met his gaze, a fleeting hint of panic in her eyes. Wen Mo gently took her hand and led her aside.
“It’s normal to have trouble adjusting to the new environment. Also, if you don’t like taking baths in public bathhouses, then don’t go. Call Mom when you get there,” Su Juan said, nagging as she took the two bags of fruit and stuffed them into Wen Mo’s hands.
Even the most boisterous and un-adult-like woman becomes like an ordinary mother caring for her son at this moment.
"I know, Mom. I've said it so many times."
"I'm just worried about you, remember that, call me when you get there." Su Juan said, reaching out to hug him, her voice now cheerful as usual, "Give me another hug!"
"Oh dear, you're such a grown-up, why are you still hugging me?" Wen Mo was a little embarrassed, but didn't say anything, and subconsciously hugged back.
After hugging for a while, Su Juan let go of him, turned around and glanced at Wen Yiquan, who was standing aside with his suitcase, and asked with a smile, "Won't you come and give me a hug?"
"I'll pass." Wen Yiquan waved his hand, feeling awkward at the thought of hugging his son; he couldn't bear the thought of it.
Neither father nor son is good at expressing their feelings, especially since they are both not very talkative.
Wen Mo raised an eyebrow, walked over and took his suitcase, pretending to talk to Wen Yiquan, then hugged him tightly for a quick hug before letting go and walking away as if nothing had happened.
"Huh?" Wen Yiquan was stunned.
On the other hand, Su Juan, who was watching the show from the sidelines, was very happy. She patted her husband on the back with great satisfaction, saying, "Your son hugged you, aren't you happy!"
"What's there to be happy about... It's so awkward..." Wen Yiquan scratched his head, muttered to himself, then looked up and said loudly in a serious tone, "Take good care of yourself. If you don't have money, tell Dad."
"That's enough for me," Wen Mo said with a smile and a shrug.
After Wen Mo finished giving his instructions to his parents, he turned to look at Xia Lian. Xia Lian looked up and met his gaze, a hint of disappointment flashing in her eyes.
After saying goodbye, it's time to leave.
Wenmo gently took her hand and led her to the side.
"Lianbao." Wen Mo called her softly, his voice a little somber. "I'm leaving. Take good care of yourself. Don't be too nervous when you're staying with your aunt and uncle. We're all your family."
Xia Lian nodded slightly, opened her mouth, but didn't know what to say.
She has never been good at expressing herself; the words hidden in her heart are like a blockage, impossible to utter.
Seeing her like this, Wen Mo couldn't help but smile and gently patted her head. "Don't be so unhappy. I'm just going to university, it's not like I'm never coming back. I'll be back during the holidays, and we can still call and text each other."
Xia Lian felt a little better after hearing his words, but the sorrow of parting couldn't be shaken off. She reached out and tugged at his clothes, just like when they first met.
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