Chapter Thirty: Visiting Wei Xiaoping’s Home (Part Two)

“Yes, yes, I believe Xiaoping must have told you my thoughts when you were at school. What do you think about becoming sworn brothers with him?” Ni Ping asked.

“I have no objections. I think it depends mainly on both families, doesn't it?”

“This kind of sworn brotherhood starts with you young people first, then moves on to the parents! Do you know the benefits of becoming sworn brothers?”

“To be honest, I don't know much about it! It just feels more intimate than ordinary friendship, that's all.”

“There are more advantages! Once you and Xiaoping become sworn brothers, not only will your friendship deepen, but you'll be as close as siblings. You'll have a mutual responsibility to help each other. For example, if you encounter difficulties, Xiaoping is obliged to treat you like a real brother or sister and help you! Of course, that goes both ways—when Xiaoping is in trouble, you should treat him as your own brother, too.”

Sitting nearby, Xiaoxiang and Xiaofang listened and said, “Mom, if our brother and Xiaofan become sworn brothers, does that mean we gain another real brother?”

Yongqiang replied to Xiaofang and Xiaoxiang, “Of course! Once Xiaofan and Xiaoping are sworn brothers, Xiaofan becomes your real brother! He’s such an outstanding brother—do you like him?”

Xiaoxiang giggled and said, “I do! But they can’t wear the same clothes or have the same hairstyle, or when they come home together, I won't be able to tell who is Xiaoping and who is Xiaofan!”

Xiaofang, hearing this, looked carefully at Xiaofan and Xiaoping and said, “It’s true! If not for their hairstyles and clothes, I wouldn’t know who’s who!”

Ni Ping said, “See that, Xiaofan? You and Xiaoping share so many similarities—not just in looks and build, but your ages are almost identical! The resemblance between you two is remarkable, nearly one in ten thousand! Standing together, you’re like twins! Plus, you get along so well at school, which shows you’re destined to be sworn brothers. That’s why I think, since fate brought you together, we shouldn’t let it slip by. What do you think?”

“But—Auntie, Uncle—I feel my background and family situation are so different from Xiaoping’s. He’s so loyal; I worry it might burden him,” Xiaofan said.

What Ni Ping said made sense, but whenever Xiaofan thought of his rural background, he felt uneasy. Besides, his parents knew nothing about this, and he dared not decide on his own.

“Child, sworn brotherhood has nothing to do with family circumstances. As long as you both agree and connect in spirit, that's all that matters! You said Xiaoping is loyal—precisely because of that, he’s fit to be your sworn brother! What else are you worried about?”

Xiaofan thought for a moment. If that's so, he had no more concerns—except for his parents’ opinions.

“If that’s the case, I personally have no objections. But it still depends on what my parents think.”

“As long as you two agree, I’ll find a way with your parents! Next weekend, you and Xiaoping come home, and we’ll go with you to discuss this with them!”

“This—” Xiaofan hesitated, thinking: Since Xiaoping’s mother has said so much, next weekend he should bring them home and talk it over with his parents. Xiaoping had already told his parents about Xiaofan’s family, so they wouldn’t look down on him.

“Xiaofan, Mom has said so much already, what are you hesitating for? If you keep stalling, you’re backing out—and that’d make you unfilial!” Xiaoping said with a laugh.

Xiaofan nudged Xiaoping with his knee and said, “You have some nerve saying that! It was you who wanted to be sworn brothers, not Auntie and Uncle! When they were talking, you hardly said a word!”

“Hehe! They’re my full representatives. And since Mom and Dad talked to you, it means they completely approve. Going along with their wishes is a way to show filial respect!”

“I feel the same. I must get my parents’ opinion on this, so I can’t decide lightly—otherwise I’d be considered unfilial too,” Xiaofan said.

“Right! Xiaofan is correct. When young people want to become sworn brothers and their parents are still alive, their parents’ approval is necessary. There must be proper ceremony, then the bond will be strong! In either family, we set up a meal or several tables, introduce each other to relatives, let everyone know!” Ni Ping said.

Yongqiang gave Xiaofan some food and asked, “Xiaofan, since you agree, next week we’ll go with you to your home and ask your parents. By the way, does your father drink or smoke?”

“My parents are typical rural people. Apart from farming, they know nothing else! They don’t drink or smoke. Our finances are already tight; if my father drank or smoked, it’d be a considerable expense!”

“Xiaofan, people shouldn’t always compare themselves to others. If everyone were the same in every way, the world would lose its color and its sense of competition! Whoever someone is, whatever their circumstances, it’s shaped by their environment. We know your family situation, Xiaoping has told us. For families like yours, your father can’t help it. I’m sure in your village, it’s not just your family facing such hardship, right? Other families are in the same situation, nothing can be done. So, don’t blame your father—under such conditions, he supports five people and lets you and your siblings attend school, that’s admirable and not easy. But, people inevitably compare themselves. Only through comparison do we see our shortcomings and push ourselves to catch up or even surpass others. That’s how we improve, and life changes for the better!”

“Uncle, your words are profound! They’re a bit hazy to grasp, but the main point is clear. I’ll work hard, Uncle!” Xiaofan said.

Xiaoping threw an arm around Xiaofan’s shoulder and said, “Sworn brother Xiaofan, I get Dad’s meaning too! Let’s work hard together! Come on!”

As he spoke, Xiaoping extended his palm.

Xiaofan understood, and slapped his palm against Xiaoping’s, smiling.

Xiaoxiang and Xiaofang watched and said, “Why only the two of you? Let’s all work hard together!” As they spoke, the two little ones put their hands out above the table.

“Yes, the whole family together! All of us working hard!” Ni Ping placed her hand atop the children’s.

Then Yongqiang, Xiaoping, and Xiaofan added theirs.

Everyone shouted together, “For a bright tomorrow, let’s work hard!”

Xiaofan smiled, gazing at the five hands piled together, feeling a wave of warmth sweep through his heart.