It was only after He Zhilan's laugh that Xing Ye realized he had said too much. He stopped laughing and watched He Zhilan get out of the car without saying another word.
He Zhilan walked through the school gate alone, contemplating Xing Ye's words.
Reflecting back, she realized that ever since He Teng joined the army, he hadn't been home for the New Year celebrations. Before the phones were installed, he only sent letters and some money home. Once phones were installed in the army, though, he would call home, but he never had the opportunity to celebrate the New Year with his family.
Thinking of the reunion celebrations taking part in every household while He Teng spent those times alone in the army, voluntarily taking up army duties so his comrade brothers could go home, He Zhilan couldn't stop herself from feeling heartbroken.
