"You can sleep later."
"Mom, really, you don't have to. My cousin is here."
"Alright. Fengzhen, is this all you have?"
"There's still the bedding to pack tomorrow, just some clothes and essentials, how much could there be? Besides, it's not like I'm never coming back.
Mom, it sounds like I can't come back for the New Year."
"It's alright, as long as you're doing well, I'm fine."
"Hmm, if I can come back, I'll buy you some pastries from the city and come back to see you."
"I still say the same thing, as long as you're doing well, that's all that matters to me."
In the evening, Lu Fengzhen steamed sugar buns. They could be eaten tonight, or conveniently in the morning, and even on the road.
She steamed a big pot, but Aunt Wang only ate one, thinking it's best to leave the good stuff for the daughter. This truly is the worry of a mother for a child traveling far, the tears of a mother wishing to see her child.
