Before Grandma went out to play mahjong, Xiang Yu told her she would be going out in the afternoon and would be back late for dinner. Grandma said, "That's perfect. I can play a few more rounds and cook dinner later. Otherwise, I'll make stir-fried rice cakes for you tonight." Xiang Yu agreed, then tidied up the table and washed the dishes. Xiao Zhanyuan came to pick Xiang Yu up around 1:30 PM to get her IV drip. Xiang Yu felt better and thought she could manage on her own, but knowing Xiao Zhanyuan would insist on coming, she didn't mention it. When Xiao Zhanyuan arrived to help her, Xiang Yu took a step back and waved her hand, saying, "No need, no need. I'm much better now. I can walk by myself." Xiao Zhanyuan didn't insist and walked ahead of her. They chatted intermittently about Siping and Hanxing. Siping had settled into the language school and met Hanxing; they were still very close, just like before. Xiang Yu's reluctance was eased by the joy of her two good friends being together, which made her happy too.
Her fever still fluctuated, and in the afternoon she felt unwell again and a bit lethargic. She sat in the chair, feeling drowsy, while Xiao Zhanyuan quietly watched over her, keeping an eye on her IV. Eventually, Xiang Yu fell asleep leaning on Xiao Zhanyuan until the nurse came to remove the needle from her hand. After finishing the IV drip, she felt a bit more energized as evening approached. Xiang Yu asked Xiao Zhanyuan if he wanted to come to her home for some food, "My grandma is making stir-fried rice cakes with shredded pork and mustard greens. You might not have any food left at home, so come to my place and eat something before you go back." Xiao Zhanyuan thought for a moment and nodded.
When they got home, Grandma had everything ready, just waiting for Xiang Yu. She had made a pot of pork rib and winter melon soup. Seeing a classmate, she made an extra plate of rice cakes and a dish of scrambled eggs with tomatoes for Xiao Zhanyuan. "You little rascal, how could you not tell me you were bringing a classmate home for dinner? I am completely unprepared. What does that look like?" Grandma said, glancing at Xiang Yu with a mock reproachful look. Xiang Yu stuck out her tongue, "Oh, I didn't expect it. We ran into each other on the way. He lives at his aunt's place, and I didn't know if they left him any food. I know you always save some for me, so I invited him over to eat a bit before going home!" Grandma looked at Xiao Zhanyuan, "No food prepared because this girl didn't tell me she was bringing a classmate. Not sure if you'll get full." Xiao Zhanyuan quickly stood up, "Grandma, it's my fault for being impolite and coming over without notice. I'm really sorry to trouble you to cook specially for me." Grandma pushed him back into his seat, "Just eat. After dinner, rest for a bit, and I'll cut some watermelon for you." She then went to the fridge to get the watermelon. Xiang Yu moved most of her rice cakes to Xiao Zhanyuan's plate, "I can't finish this much. Help me eat some," she said softly. "You're eating too little," Xiao Zhanyuan replied in a low voice. "I'm sick," Xiang Yu said with a helpless frown, "Besides, it's hot and I really don't have much of an appetite." Xiao Zhanyuan ladled a bowl of soup and placed it in front of Xiang Yu, "Then have some soup." Xiang Yu obediently drank the soup.
After dinner, Xiao Zhanyuan helped clear the table, but Grandma pulled him back, "No, you can't do that. Xiang Yu," Grandma called out, "either watch TV with your classmate or chat a bit, I'll cut the watermelon for you in a while." Xiang Yu nodded, led Xiao Zhanyuan to the room to watch TV, and went to the kitchen to cut the watermelon herself. She also wanted to wash the dishes, but Grandma stopped her and told her to go accompany her classmate. Helplessly, Xiang Yu carried a basin of watermelon back to the room, only to find Xiao Zhanyuan on the balcony, looking at the photos on her desk. It was a picture of her 10th birthday with her grandma and parents. In the photo, she had two braids, was grinning widely, missing two teeth, but looking very cute, a childhood Xiao Zhanyuan hadn't seen before. Xiao Zhanyuan turned around and saw Xiang Yu, and they both smiled at each other.