With the enrollment procedures complete, Xia Mi was ready to leave for BJ to study. Amon saw her off at the train station, his face full of reluctance.
The station was crowded with people. The air felt somewhat stifling. Amon carried a backpack while Xia Mi pulled an oversized suitcase, and the two walked side by side.
There were rows of steel benches in the waiting hall, cool to the touch when one sat on them. Xia Mi found a seat near the exit.
"Let's sit here. It's breezy and cool."
She patted the seat beside her.
Amon set his backpack down, then went to a nearby convenience stand. He returned with two cans of cola and handed one to her.
The cola of this era was still made with cane sugar, its sweetness pure and its taste crisp and natural.
"Ah, this is great... In the height of summer, nothing goes better with it than an ice-cold cola." Xia Mi wore an expression of bliss.
Amon pulled the tab, and the can let out a "psst." He took a sip, the fizz flowing down his throat, then cleared his throat and slipped back into lecture mode, like so many parents of students:
"Little sister, listen to your teachers at school, study hard, and become the kind of child other people talk about. Call me often too. I'm not saying every day, but at least let me know you're safe once a week.
"If I ever can't get in touch with you, I'll storm into your school and give your Principal trouble."
Xia Mi had no doubt he meant it. Smiling, she said, "Isn't that a bit exaggerated? Don't go causing another misunderstanding."
"What misunderstanding? It's just that they don't understand... And I don't object to you dating, but make