As he passed Liu Yunlan, he heard her say softly, "Brother Qingmu, you have to come visit during the first month of the new year! I'll make you dumplings."
Qingmu, who had already walked past, felt a jolt run through him. His heart was a tangled mess. The affirmative "yes" was stuck in his throat, unable to come out. He quickened his pace and hurried away without stopping.
Liu Yunlan watched his retreating figure and sighed to herself.
'It's all my parents' fault for being so foolish, for pushing away such a good man. Now, he has no interest in reviving the match. Even when we run into each other, what can a girl like me do? Seeing him to the gate was the most I could do. Telling him to visit during the first month was plenty. Could I possibly do any more?'
She dejectedly returned to the house to help her parents pack her younger brother's things.
