My IQ has been increasing year by year.

August 28th.

Four o'clock in the morning.

The sky over Zeyang City was still a pure black.

There were no stars, and no wind.

Most of the windows in Jinxiu Garden were dark, and occasionally the barking of a stray dog ​​could be heard from a distant alley.

In the second bedroom on the sixth floor, the electronic alarm clock on the bedside table struck four o'clock.

Chen Zhuo opened his eyes.

A second before it made a sound, I reached out and flipped the switch on the side.

The room was very quiet.

He threw back the covers and sat up.

My feet made a very slight creaking sound as they stepped on the floor.

There was light coming in from outside, seeping in through the crack under the door.

Chen Zhuo picked up the neatly folded short-sleeved shirt and trousers from the bedside table and slowly put them on. The clothes had a faint soapy smell, indicating that Liu Xiuying had washed and ironed them the day before. He pushed open the door.

The living room lights were on.

The suitcase stood next to the shoe cabinet by the door, its zipper fully zipped up, a red old yarn tied to the handle—something Liu Xiuying had specifically attached to help her identify her luggage at the airport. The low, muffled sound of the range hood came from the kitchen.

There's also the bubbling sound of bubbles rising to the top of the pot lid when the water boils.

Chen Zhuo went to the bathroom, turned on the tap, and rinsed his hands with cold water, the water stream was a little thin.

He scooped up some water, washed his face, and dried it with a towel.

Chen Jianguo sat on the sofa in the living room.

On the coffee table in front of him was an envelope, Chen Zhuo's passport, and several flight confirmation slips.

Hearing the water in the bathroom stop, Chen Jianguo looked up.

"Finished washing?" Chen Jianguo asked.

"Um."

Chen Zhuo walked over.

Chen Jianguo picked up the envelope and untied the white thread wrapped around it.

He pulled out a coin from it.

It's not RMB, it's green US dollars.

The money was brand new, and it felt a little stiff in my hand.

"Come here." Chen Jianguo patted the empty sofa next to him.

Chen Zhuo walked over and sat down.

"This is two thousand US dollars."

Chen Jianguo placed the money on the coffee table and counted it one bill at a time.

"I asked your Uncle Zhang to exchange these at Huaguo Bank a few days ago. They're all 100-yuan bills, 20 in total. Count them."

Chen Zhuo did not move.

"No need to count, you can just count them yourself."

"When you're out and about, you have to handle your own money."

Chen Jianguo persisted.

Chen Zhuo reached out, took the small banknote, and ran his thumb along the edge, making a crisp sound as the paper rubbed together.

"Twenty sheets," Chen Zhuo said.

Chen Jianguo nodded and picked up a black autumn coat from the side.

This was prepared by Liu Xiuying for Chen Zhuo, saying that he should bring it because he was afraid it would be cold on the plane.

Chen Jianguo turned the lining of his coat inside out.

On the inside of the left chest, a cloth bag was roughly sewn with black thread, the stitches were very dense, and the thread ends were hidden inside.

"This pocket was sewn on by your mom last night from an old pair of pants she took apart, using the lining fabric."

Chen Jianguo put the stack of US dollars into a thin plastic bag, rolled it up twice, and then stuffed it into the sewn inner pocket.

"Keep your money close to your body. Once you get to the airport and check in your luggage, put on this jacket or hold it in your hand. Don't let it out of your sight except when you're going through security." Chen Jianguo zipped up the jacket and gently patted the bulging area.

"Keep this money for emergencies. When you get to the US, you can use it for taxis, food, or other miscellaneous school fees. You can withdraw the money from your card at the school. Keep your wealth discreet, understand?"

"I know." Chen Zhuo looked at his coat.

The kitchen door opened.

Liu Xiuying came out carrying two large bowls.

The bowl was very hot, so she walked quickly, put the bowl on the table, and quickly pinched her ear.

"Come and have some dumplings."

Liu Xiuying called out.

The bowl contains plump, white dumplings.

The filling is pork and scallion, topped with a few drops of sesame oil and sprinkled with chopped scallions, steaming hot.

"Dumplings before boarding, noodles upon arrival."

Liu Xiuying handed a pair of chopsticks to Chen Zhuo.

"Eat more, so you won't miss home on the road."

Chen Zhuo pulled out a chair and sat down.

Liu Xiuying didn't serve herself any; she just sat opposite him and watched him.

Chen Jianguo didn't eat either; he was still repeatedly checking the pinyin letters on his passport.

Chen Zhuo picked up a dumpling, blew on it twice, and took a bite.

The aroma of vinegar and meat spread in my mouth.

"Is it ripe yet?" Liu Xiuying asked.

"It's cooked, just right."

Chen Zhuo ate slowly, chewing very softly.

"I sealed that jar very tightly."

Liu Xiuying placed her hands on her knees and looked at Chen Zhuo's bowl.

"When we get there, open the small bottle and eat it first. Once opened, it won't keep well, so you have to finish it as soon as possible. Put the big bottle in the refrigerator." "Okay."

"I've sorted the clothes. The thinner ones are on the left, and the thicker ones are on the right. I've packed those two sweaters in plastic bags. If it gets cold over there, take them out and hang them up before wearing them, otherwise they'll smell like mothballs." "Okay."

Chen Zhu ate the dumplings in the bowl one by one, and even drank a couple of sips of soup.

My stomach felt warm.

He put down his chopsticks.

Liu Xiuying immediately stood up, took the bowl away, and went into the kitchen to wash it.

The sound of rushing water filled the air for a while.

Five o'clock.

Chen Jianguo put the passport and tickets into a transparent document bag and handed it to Chen Zhuo.

"Put it in your backpack."

Chen Zhuo opened the inner compartment of his backpack and put the document bag inside.

Chen Jianguo walked to the door and grasped the handle of the suitcase.

He tried to lift it, and the muscles in his arm tensed up.

"It's quite heavy," Chen Jianguo said.

"I'll bring it," Chen Zhuo said, walking over.

Chen Jianguo held the box down.

"Just carry your bag."

Liu Xiuying came out of the bathroom, turned off the hallway light, checked the gas valve in the kitchen again, and finally went to the living room and pressed the switch on the wall. The living room was plunged into darkness.

Chen Jianguo turned the lock on the security door.

Press the elevator button and arrive at the first floor.

A black Santana was parked outside the building entrance.

The car headlights cast two dim yellow beams of light onto the road in the residential area.

There was a distinctive scent of morning dew in the air.

Zhang Zhicheng stood beside the car, a cigarette dangling from his lips.

Seeing them come out, Zhang Zhicheng stubbed out his cigarette, threw it on the ground, and stomped on it.

"Brother Chen."

Zhang Zhicheng stepped forward and reached out to take the box from Chen Jianguo's hand, saying, "Let me do it."

"It's okay, I'll bring it."

Chen Jianguo didn't let go, carrying the box to the back of the car.

Zhang Zhicheng took the key and turned the trunk.

The box was put in, and with a bang, the trunk lid slammed shut.

"Sister-in-law, Xiao Zhuo, get in the car."

Zhang Zhicheng opened the back door of the car.

Chen Zhuo stood by the car door.

He raised his head and looked up at the building.

The windows on the sixth floor are dark.

However, on the third floor, the window of the Zhang family's living room was slightly ajar.

Behind the curtains, there was a shadowy figure wearing blue pajamas.

The shadow didn't move or make a sound.

She simply pressed herself against the glass, looked down at the window, and waved.

Chen Zhuo looked away.

"Uncle Zhang, thank you for your help."

Chen Zhuo got into the car and sat in the back seat by the window.

Liu Xiuying followed him in and sat down next to him.

Chen Jianguo got into the passenger seat.

Zhang Zhicheng opened the car door, sat in the driver's seat, and started the engine.

The sound of the engine broke the morning's tranquility.

The car slowly drove forward.

We exited the gate of Jinxiu Garden.

The barriers at the intersection had been raised long ago, but the security guard was still dozing off in his booth.

The streetlights on the road were still on.

Occasionally, a sanitation worker's tricycle would sweep by the roadside, the broom making a swishing sound as it rubbed against the asphalt.

Zeyang City is still asleep.

The carriage was very quiet.

Zhang Zhicheng turned on the radio, turning the volume down low. The morning news was playing, the announcer's voice steady and mechanical. "What time is your flight?"

Zhang Zhicheng looked at the road conditions ahead and asked a question.

"9:30," Chen Jianguo replied.

"Fly from the provincial capital to Beijing, and then transfer."

"We have plenty of time. If we get on the highway at this time, there won't be any traffic jams, and we should arrive around 7 a.m.

Zhang Zhicheng shifted gears.

The car drove out of the city and onto the provincial highway.

A faint grayish-white tinge began to appear on the horizon.

The trees on both sides turned into blurry black shadows and rushed past.

Liu Xiuying sat in the back row, her hand tightly gripping a cloth bag on her knee.

She turned her head and looked at Chen Zhuo.

Chen Zhuo looked out the window, the light from the streetlights occasionally shining on his face, creating an alternating light and shadow.

"Xiao Zhuo," Liu Xiuying called out.

"Hmm." Chen Zhuo turned his head.

"If you don't like the food when you get there, just cook some noodles for yourself. I brought you two packs of dried noodles, I've stuffed them next to your suitcase."

"it is good."

"Don't get into conflicts with anyone over there. If trouble arises, just stay away. We won't cause trouble."

"Know."

"Don't overwork yourself while studying, and go to bed early at night."

"Um."

Liu Xiuying seemed about to say something, her lips moved slightly, but she closed them again.

She turned her head and looked ahead.

Chen Jianguo looked in the rearview mirror.

"Alright, that's enough, we've been talking all night."

Chen Jianguo's voice was not loud.

"The child knows what's going on."

The car entered the highway toll station.

Zhang Zhicheng handed over a ten-yuan note, and the railing was lifted.

Once on the highway, the car picked up speed.

The wind whistled in through the cracks in the car windows.

Zhang Zhicheng took out a pack of cigarettes, pulled one out, and handed it to Chen Jianguo.

Chen Jianguo took it, and Zhang Zhicheng pressed the lighter.

A red glow appeared. The two men each lit a cigarette and rolled down the car window a crack.

The smell of smoke was quickly carried away by the wind.

"Xiao Zhuo is a reliable child."

Zhang Zhicheng took a drag of his cigarette.

"Brother Chen, you and your wife can rest assured. Once we get to America, we'll be treated like top experts. Our Zeyang City will be counting on Xiao Zhuo to become famous in the future." Chen Jianguo flicked his cigarette ash.

"What great expert? Once you leave, you're just a student. Just finish your studies peacefully."

Chen Zhuo listened to the conversation in front of him without interrupting.

He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

The vibrations from the engine travel along the seat to my back, creating a very soothing rhythm.

I don't know how much time has passed.

The car slowed down.

Chen Zhuo opened his eyes.

It was already bright outside.

The sun rose from the east, a bright red orb hanging on the hazy horizon.

Ahead is the toll station for the airport expressway.

After passing the tollbooth, the view suddenly opened up.

Rows of massive terminal buildings came into view, their glass curtain walls reflecting the blinding sunlight.

Zhang Zhicheng drove the car into the drop-off area in front of the terminal.

Come to a complete stop.

"arrive."

Zhang Zhicheng unbuckled his seatbelt.

The four people got off the bus.

People were coming and going in front of the terminal.

There were passengers hurrying by with luggage carts, and drivers smoking by the roadside. Loud roars of engines swept overhead from time to time—the sounds of airplanes taking off and landing. Chen Jianguo went around to the back of the car, opened the trunk, and took out the suitcase.

Liu Xiuying ran over and pushed over an airport luggage cart.

Chen Jianguo put the box on.

"Uncle Zhang, thank you."

Chen Zhuo said to Zhang Zhicheng.

"Don't mention it."

Zhang Zhicheng patted Chen Zhuo's arm.

"Take care, and remember to come back and visit your Qiangzi during your vacation."

"must."

Zhang Zhicheng didn't go inside; he got back into the car.

"Brother Chen, Sister-in-law, I'm not going in. It's hard to park over there. I'll have a smoke here and wait for you to come out."

"Okay." Chen Jianguo waved his hand.

Chen Jianguo pushed the handcart and walked ahead.

The hall was very spacious, with a high curved ceiling.

The announcements played various flight information on a loop, switching from Chinese to English after the Chinese announcements.

Chen Jianguo looked up at the huge electronic screen in the middle.

The dense red text was scrolling.

"To the capital...it's here."

Chen Jianguo pointed in a direction.

The three pushed the cart to a check-in counter.

There were seven or eight people ahead of me in line.

Chen Jianguo stopped in his tracks.

Liu Xiuying stood next to the handcart, her hand still holding onto the suitcase.

A dozen minutes later, it was their turn.

A young girl in a uniform was sitting in the check-in counter.

"Hello, please show me your ID card and flight confirmation," the girl said.

Chen Zhuo opened his backpack, took out the transparent file folder, and handed it over.

The girl checked the information and tapped the keyboard a few times.

"Please put your checked baggage up here."

Chen Jianguo picked up the box and placed it on the conveyor belt scale.

The red number jumped a few times before finally stopping just before it reached the point of being overweight.

"Just barely overweight."

The girl glanced at the screen.

"Does it contain flammable or explosive materials, lithium batteries, or a large amount of liquid?"

Liu Xiuying tensed up for a moment.

"I have two bottles of beef... in glass jars, is that alright?"

She asked in a low voice.

The girl glanced at her and was very polite.

"Checking it in is fine, just make sure it's well packed and doesn't leak anything."

"Wrapped up tightly."

Liu Xiuying breathed a sigh of relief.

The girl tied a long luggage tag barcode to the handle of her suitcase and then pressed a button.

The conveyor belt started moving.

The suitcase slowly moved backward, finally disappearing into the dark luggage passage through a small door.

Liu Xiuying kept staring at the door until the box was completely out of sight before she looked away.

The girl handed Chen Zhuo his ID and a printed long boarding pass.

"The boarding gate is number 14. Please arrive half an hour in advance."

Chen Zhuo took the boarding pass.

"Thanks."

After leaving the check-in counter, the three of them walked to a row of metal benches at the edge of the lobby and sat down.

It is 7:40 now.

There was still more than an hour before boarding.

Chen Jianguo glanced at the watch on his wrist.

"I'm going to buy a bottle of water."

Chen Jianguo stood up.

He walked to a convenience store not far away and bought two bottles of mineral water.

After returning, he unscrewed the cap of a bottle and handed it to Chen Zhuo.

"Have a drink."

Chen Zhuo took the water and drank a sip.

The metal bench was very hard.

The hall became increasingly crowded.

Businessmen in suits and ties, tour groups carrying large and small bags, and various voices mingled together.

Time passed little by little.

Liu Xiuying took out a tissue and wiped her hands.

Then she turned to the side and began to straighten Chen Zhuo's shirt collar, which was turned upside down.

She moved slowly, smoothing out even the smallest wrinkles.

"That black coat, I'm holding it in my hand," Liu Xiuying said.

Chen Zhuo took the coat that was draped over his bag into his hand.

"When you get to New York, make sure you're looking for your luggage, the red wool one, don't take the wrong one."

"Know."

"If someone tries to talk to you, shake your head if you don't understand what they're saying, and don't go with strangers."

"Um."

Chen Jianguo sat next to him, holding the boarding pass and looking at it again and again.

He seemed to want to memorize every single letter.

After some time.

The loudspeaker in the lobby came on.

"Passengers traveling to Beijing, please note that your flight is now departing for checkpoints..."

Chen Jianguo raised his head.

He handed the boarding pass to Chen Zhuo.

"Let's go."

Chen Jianguo stood up.

The three walked toward the security checkpoint for domestic departures.

A large crowd had gathered in front of the security checkpoint, where a long yellow warning line was drawn on the ground.

There was a sign next to it that read: "No entry for guests".

Chen Jianguo stopped in front of the yellow line.

Liu Xiuying also stopped.

Chen Zhuo turned around and looked at them.

It was noisy around; someone was on the phone, and someone was urging them on.

Chen Jianguo looked at Chen Zhuo, and his lips moved slightly.

He reached out and patted Chen Zhuo's shoulder twice.

The force of those two blows was somewhat similar to the blow Zhang Qiang made under the streetlight last night.

But it's heavier.

"Don't panic in a crisis."

Chen Jianguo's voice was a little hoarse, but very steady.

"Once you've arrived and settled in, call home."

"it is good."

Chen Zhuo nodded.

Liu Xiuying did not speak.

Her eyes were already red, she bit her lower lip tightly, and her hands were clenched together.

She stepped forward and helped Chen Zhuo pull down his collar, which he had just straightened.

"Keep your documents safe."

Liu Xiuying's voice trembled slightly.

"Hurry up and go inside, don't miss your flight."

"Dad, Mom, I'm going in."

Chen Zhuo's tone was gentle and warm, just like when he left for school.

"Go back now, drive carefully."

He turned around and stepped across the yellow line.

Chen Zhuo walked to the security checkpoint.

He placed the backpack containing all his documents and money on a gray plastic tray.

He put the black coat he was holding inside as well.

We walked forward and passed through the metal detector gate.

The machine did not make a sound.

The security officer scanned him with a handheld detector.

"That's fine," the security guard said.

Chen Zhuo took back his backpack, slung it over his right shoulder, and draped his black coat over his left forearm.

He didn't go inside immediately.

He turned around and looked beyond the yellow line.

Chen Jianguo and Liu Xiuying were still standing there.

Separated by the bustling crowd and the glass railings of the security checkpoint.

Seeing Chen Zhuo turn around, Liu Xiuying raised her hand and waved it vigorously.

Chen Jianguo stood next to her and also raised one hand, but not by much, pausing briefly in mid-air.

Chen Zhuo looked at them, a slight smile curving his lips.

He raised his hand and waved.