A huge weight lifted from Wang Xiaoliang's heart in an instant.
It worked!
His dad's "Welcome home" meant that, as far as Wang Keqin was concerned, Wei Zijin had gained initial acceptance as part of the family.
The four of them walked toward the parking lot outside the airport.
The moment they stepped out of the terminal, a biting wind hit them in the face, making them shiver.
Wei Zijin had lived in the south all her life and had never visited the north in winter. She had never experienced anything like this and instinctively hunched her neck into her collar.
"Oh my goodness, look at what this child's wearing!" Zhao Xiuqin spotted it immediately and reached out to feel Wei Zijin's down jacket. "You haven't got enough on underneath. This isn't the south! Are you cold, sweetheart?"
"No, Auntie, I'm not cold." Wei Zijin quickly shook her head.
"Putting on a brave face!" Zhao Xiuqin chided, then turned to glare at Wang Xiaoliang. "And you! Didn't you think to remind her to wear more? It's not like the south up here!"
"Mom, there's heating in the car," Wang Xiaoliang explained helplessly.
As they talked, they reached a Jetta.
Wang Xiaoliang knew this car better than anything. It had taken him to and from school throughout his childhood. The paint had dulled somewhat; the car was getting on in years.
Although the car was old, its interior was exceptionally clean, with thick cushions covering the seats.
Wang Xiaoliang put the luggage in the trunk, and the four of them got in.
The Jetta's engine gave a steady roar as it pulled slowly out of the parking lot and joined the traffic.
The heater was going full blast, and soon chased away the chill.
As Wang Keqin concentrated on driving, he