I used my phone to book an Air China flight from London to Beijing for the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month. Although I would arrive the day before the Chinese New Year, I still had plenty of time.
The most difficult problem right now is how to arrange for Xiao Min to take Xixi back to the county town for the New Year, while I stay in the provincial capital to accompany Xu Tong and her mother. I have to hide it from both sides: I dare not tell the truth to Xiao Min, and I cannot let Xu Tong know of Xiao Min's existence.
Just when I was in a dilemma, Zhang Xiaodong sent me a message with the address of the hotel I had booked for that evening.
I had an idea and walked out of the bedroom and saw Xiao Min washing vegetables in the kitchen.
I came over to her. She looked up at me, then lowered her head to continue working on the dishes in her hands. "Are you awake? Did this nap help you feel better?"
I leaned over and put my arm around her waist: "Yeah, you slept so soundly." I suggested: "Don't worry, let's go out for dinner tonight."
She turned her head and looked at me with bright eyes: "Really? Just the three of us?"
"Really," I nodded, "but I can't bring Xixi with me. It's just the two of us. We're going to a friend's dinner party."
She pouted immediately: "How can that be? I can't just leave Xixi home alone."
"Call your sister," I had already planned, "and ask her to come over and help take care of Xixi."
She seemed a little hesitant: "This... isn't a good idea? Will my sister..."
I understood her concerns, so I patted her back gently and said, "Don't worry, she will definitely agree."
She still hesitated: "This call... is it still you who makes the call? I always feel it's not appropriate for me to make the call..."
I smiled and patted her on the butt: "You, you failed at the critical moment."
It seemed I had to be the bad guy again. I called Xiaohui and briefly explained the situation. Fortunately, Xiaohui on the other end of the phone didn't refuse and agreed without hesitation.
Soon she arrived in a hurry. As soon as she entered, she familiarized herself with the place and helped Xiao Min choose an outfit suitable for the occasion. Then, without further ado, she dragged Xiao Min into the bathroom. As the door closed, the sound of rustling and the whispered laughter of the two sisters could be heard from inside—Xiao Hui was working her magic, meticulously grooming Xiao Min from head to toe.
After an unknown amount of time, the restroom door opened. When Xiao Min reappeared before me, I could hardly believe my eyes. The radiance of youth permeated her eyes and brows, and she looked completely refreshed and radiant. Her every move and gesture had the air of a young socialite from the upper class.
Xiaohui raised her head and asked proudly, "How is it? Does my sister's outfit look good enough for you?"
Xiao Min was obviously very satisfied with herself in the mirror, but when she heard her sister's words, she pretended to be angry and gently pushed her: "Sister! What nonsense are you talking about?"
I looked Xiao Min up and down, and couldn't help but marvel at her. "These two beauties are naturally beautiful. Even without makeup, they're eye-catching enough. With them dressed up like this, I feel so inferior standing next to them."
Xiao Hui glanced at me and teased, "Such sweet talk! You only know how to deceive us sisters into being happy."
I quickly fell silent, my heart pounding – if these two sisters were to team up to deal with me, I'm afraid with my limited skills, I wouldn't even be able to fight back.
Xiao Min walked over to her sister, still a little worried, and said, "Sis, Xixi practiced piano all afternoon and just fell asleep. When she wakes up later, warm up that hamburger in the fridge for her in the microwave. Oh, and she'd better change into my pajamas. I'm afraid she'll be half asleep and find me and wake up."
Xiaohui deliberately put on a stern face and waved her hand to get rid of them: "Okay, okay! Do you need to worry about us? When she wakes up, we will go on a date and take her downstairs to eat something delicious. You two just go and have fun! If he gets drunk, don't let him drive." She winked at us as she spoke.
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