12 GOING BACK TO CHINA PART 12 (1/2)

Xue Lin had her lunch at Meimei's house and left when it was dark. She climbed the pipe and went back to her room. Judging by how calm the house was, she realized that they didn't notice anything. She went to sleep as she was tired.

The next day, she woke up early and left the room by climbing down the pipe again. This time, she wrapped handkerchiefs around her palms. So, it wasn't painful like before.

She went to the passport office. The officer said, ”Mam, it will take two weeks but if it's an emergency, then you can apply for it. It will cost you more than usual.”

”It's an emergency. I want it in a week.” Xue Lin replied. If she gets her passport sooner, she will leave the house. She will travel around China and then come back to get her credit card before leaving.

After applying for the process, she walked around the city, and then went back to her neighborhood.

The middle-aged man saw her and called out, ”Little girl, you are here! Do you want some ramen?”

Xue Lin stopped on her track and looked at his small restaurant. It was filled with customers. The cook was glowing is happiness. She walked closer and the cook gave her an extra seat to let her sit down.

Soon she was served and she finished at least three bowls before getting up. She paid the bill this time and turned around to leave. Just then, someone called out her name, ”Xiao Lin?”

Xue Lin startled before facing the person. It was one of her cousins' husbands. Her youngest brother-in-law. He looked astonished and wasn't sure if it was her. 'Oh right, I wasn't able to tell anyone that I came back.' She thought. ”How are you doing?” She asked while forcing a smile.

Her brother-in-law came closer. ”I'm fine. But Xiao Lin, when did you come back? You didn't inform us of your arrival.” He was genuinely surprised to see her.

Xue Lin answered, ”I lost all the contact numbers and I don't even know where you guys live anymore.” She was polite when she talked to him. When she was in middle school, he helped her with studies. And Xue Lin has a habit of giving her teachers the utmost respect.

”Are you free now? Let's go somewhere and have a little chit-chat. I'll take you to your favorite restaurant.” He suggested.

”I just ate…” Xue Lin regretted eating ramen. Nothing could be more delicious than free food after all.

He thought for a while. ”Then let's go to an ice cream parlor first. We can have dinner together later.”