Gu Xiaobei chuckled, scratching Lu Zhanguo's palm with her fingers. "Do you know why I don't wear gloves when I step outside? Because I know you'll keep my hands warm," she said.
Although they had been married for many years, Lu Zhanguo was still not entirely comfortable with Gu Xiaobei's playful teasing. He remained silent, clutching the mischievous hand in his pocket as they made their way home.
By the time they reached their small yard, it was already ten o'clock, late for a winter's night. Xiaopang and Mo Wang had insisted on staying awake until their parents came to fetch them.
Feeling guilty upon seeing her two children sitting up on their small beds, fighting off sleep, Gu Xiaobei had almost suggested they leave the children and head back halfway through their journey.
Xiaopang said enthusiastically, "Mom's here! Brother said that what dad promises, he always keeps."
