Yan Cheng visited his grandmother's house again, this time with his parents. They shared a home-cooked meal and planned a trip to the ancient town of Lincheng. The next day, they packed their bags and set off. The National Day holiday was a very happy one. Yan Cheng cherished this break, often posting photos on his social media.
Wang Muman was waiting for her father to come down for lunch. She had specially prepared a dish for him. "What a lavish lunch, did your brother cook all of this?" Wang Guotai sat down and looked at the dishes on the table. "This one was made by your sister. Please try it," Wang Mujin pointed to a dish. "Mmm, very good. Your sister has a good hand at cooking." Wang Muman smiled faintly, feeling very pleased. Lunch was a quiet affair. The family always emphasized table manners. Only when she was alone did Wang Muman dare to turn on the television. Knowing her father wouldn't take them out to play, Wang Muman tried to feel closer to him at the dining table. After watching TV on the sofa for a while, Wang Muman went upstairs to do her homework.
These days passed for three days. Her father had to leave again. He still didn't say much, only asking the brother and sister to take care of themselves. Wang Muman said goodbye and returned to her room. She didn't know why, but it was always like this when saying goodbye. She opened her phone, and He Lele had sent more photos, saying she would play games with her on the last day before returning home and that Wang Muman should wait for her. Seeing He Lele's unconcealed happiness in front of the camera, Wang Muman felt a sense of longing.
In the following days, although her brother took her on an autumn outing to Suhu Park, she didn't have a particularly enjoyable time. On the last day of the holiday, Wang Mujin bought barbecue for him and Wang Muman to share. After eating, they sat on the sofa and watched television. "Manman, after the holiday, I might have to travel frequently for work and won't be able to pick you up often. If you don't see me on Saturdays, take public transport yourself," Wang Muman knew her brother was in a period of advancement at his company and needed to work harder. She nodded. "I'll often ask Aunt Shen next door to cook for you, so you don't have to eat oily food all the time when you come back," Wang Mujin instructed before telling Wang Muman to go upstairs to sleep.
Lying in bed, Wang Muman tried to fall asleep, but the thought that her brother would also distance himself from her kept appearing in her mind. However, her brother would always have his own life; he would have his own wife, and time wouldn't always be hers. She should adapt sooner. Thinking this, she drifted off to sleep.
The next day, school life began again. Wang Muman walked into the classroom, and everyone was chatting about what happened during the National Day holiday. Although He Lele had already told Wang Muman during their game session yesterday, she couldn't help but say it again. "Manman, a day without seeing you feels like three autumns. How many autumns has it been? I miss you so much!" He Lele looked at Wang Muman, wanting to hug her. Wang Muman immediately moved away from He Lele, preventing her from getting too close. "Manman, are you not close to me anymore?" He Lele feigned sadness and turned her head. "I just feel it's too clingy, so I'm keeping my distance." He Lele leaned in again, tidied up the things on the desk, and showed Wang Muman the results. She poked Wang Muman and spread her hands to show them. "It's all clean now. You're really like a kindergarten child, wanting praise." Wang Muman shook her head. Wang Muman walked to the podium, counted the English homework, and then called Li Wei to go and submit the assignments together. On the way, Li Wei asked Wang Muman a few physics questions. He was always a bookworm who loved learning, with only studies in his eyes.