Cold night.
The platform of the train station, under dim yellow lights.
Travelers pulling luggage, hurrying by, wheels making a "swish" sound.
A train is parked by the platform, conductors in padded coats shouting at the train doors.
"K250 to West State, anybody still here?
"Closing the doors soon, hurry up and get on!"
Hong Xiaoyun, wearing a windbreaker, backpack slung over, pulling a suitcase, rushed over.
"Coming, coming!"
The night wind is cold, the sky dark blue, she felt a bit scared inside.
She reached the train door, struggling to lift her suitcase, stepping inside.
In her mind, her master's voice resounded.
"Very good.
"The first step, successful!
"Xiaoyun'Er is awesome!"
...
Swish...
The train rushed out of the platform, into the night, leaving the little town of Yishui, into the darkness, into the vast wilderness, heading north.
Inside the carriage, Hong Xiaoyun sat on a crowded seat, holding her backpack, huddling her neck, closing her eyes.
