Everyone was rushing to get on the train, a surging crowd where people in the front were shoved forward by those in the back. Times like this were always a prime opportunity for pickpockets.
After a difficult struggle, they finally made it onto the train. Behind them, they could hear shouts from people who had lost a shoe in the crush or discovered their wallet was missing.
Thankfully, they had anticipated the risk of thieves back home and had secured their money on their person.
Xue Xingzhou led them to their compartment, a four-berth sleeper that their family occupied. He then went to check on his berth in the adjacent cabin; it was an upper bunk.
After they put down their bags, He Lang stepped out for a moment. He returned and told everyone where the restroom and the hot water dispenser were.
Then he told the children, "If any of you need to use the restroom or want a drink of water, you have to tell one of us. No running out by yourselves, understand?"
"We understand, Dad."
