As she hesitated, Huang Xiaojue stepped forward and took her hand. "Xixi, are you scared?"
She stuck out her tongue.
"Don't be afraid. You have me, don't you?"
She chuckled. She loved that phrase, especially during difficult, dangerous, or worrying times, when someone would pat your hand and say, "Don't be afraid, I'm here for you!"
Even so, when the door opened, Yan Xixi still felt apprehensive. Fortunately, it was Huang Xiaojue's father who opened it. Upon seeing them, he immediately broke into a smile. "You're finally back! Come in quickly. It's cold outside. Come sit by the fire."
The living room had a well-decorated fireplace. It felt warm the moment they stepped inside.
Xixi respectfully handed over the gifts. "Uncle, I bought some small gifts for you and Auntie."
"Just having you back is wonderful. You really didn't need to buy any gifts."
