I am aging gracefully in the world of famous books

In the carriage, Pei Xiang did not rashly ask the proud and vigilant child about his leg injury, but started from the incident of falling into the water and lost his memory, and briefly and sincerely described her initial hesitation and how she slowed down afterwards. slowly assimilating into a new environment.

This topic really made Ace Hummel, who was vigilant by nature, relax a little, and his upright sitting posture was no longer so tense and upright.

Noticing the little change in the boy, Pei Xiang breathed a sigh of relief.

She felt that little Hummel at this time was like a growing little beast, if she wanted to get close to him and get close to him, she must not treat him with a saving or compassionate attitude.

Instead, it is necessary to follow the principle of being close to each other among small beasts, for example, to be the first to reveal the fragile and soft belly to the other party to show your harmlessness and trust, so as to get the other party's sincere approval.

"When I was rescued by Laurie and Joe, the river was still full of ice. Now, it is a bright spring day with the singing of birds and the fragrance of flowers. Although my memory has not recovered much, the pace of life is becoming more and more relaxed and happy. gone."

"You almost drowned, will you be afraid of water afterwards, Miss Meredith?" Ace asked curiously.

"Call me Amy," Pei Xiang said with curved eyebrows and a brisk tone, "The experience of falling into the water and being on the verge of death didn't leave much impression on me, so I can't talk about fear. When the weather gets warmer, I might go to the beach and try swimming to see if I have mastered this skill before I lost my memory."

Ace inexplicably felt that Pei Xiang must be good at water, better than any human being, but he quickly suppressed this unreasonable intuition, and instead suggested in a serious tone:

"Miss Amy, if you want to practice swimming, please don't go to the water's edge alone, it's dangerous."

"Okay, I'll be careful."

Pei Xiang didn't follow Ace's suggestion casually because he was young, but nodded seriously, and began to think about the companions who practiced swimming together.

Laurie on the side listened to the conversation between Pei Xiang and Ace for a while, and found it very interesting.Whether it's the mature and prudent little Ace, or Pei Xiang, who communicated sincerely with Ace on an equal footing, he felt that this short and warm time in the carriage was more interesting than the noisy and luxurious dance just now.

The corner of Ace Hummel's mouth also slightly raised a shallow arc.

When he was about to arrive at Hummel's house, Pei Xiang asked about Ace's previous serious illness.Then, from Ace's description in a few words, she got a piece of news that made her have to think about it, that is, the date that Ace escaped from death and gradually recovered, happened to be the day when Pei Xiang was rescued from the water.

"Could it just be a coincidence?"

Looking at the extremely similar facial features of Ace Hummel and Cuicui, Pei Xiang had a further bold guess in his heart.

At the same time, Ace raised his eyes to meet Pei Xiang's focused gaze.

"Miss Amy?"

"Ace, may I ask, compared to when you were a child, um, or before you got sick...has your appearance changed much?"

"I rarely have the opportunity to look in the mirror," Ace said lightly, "but I think it shouldn't change much. My mother always said that I look like my grandfather, while the other children in the family are more like my father and grandfather."

Pei Xiang immediately dug out a clue from Ace's answer, that is, the other children of the Humel family looked different from Ace, or in other words, only Ace looked like Cuicui.

As for the so-called claim of inheriting the appearance of his grandfather, it is almost impossible to prove it to be true or false, because the Hummel family came from far away Germany, and Mrs. Hummel's natal family has long been in ruins.

Of course, when she considered this, she was not suspecting that Mrs. Hummel was lying, but she remembered the mysterious power that changed the memories of Laurie, Jo and Amy when she just woke up.

At this moment, Laurie asked curiously, "Amy, what are you asking for?"

Pei Xiang's eyes rolled slightly, and he explained half-truthfully:

"As you know, I lost some memory, but I didn't forget it so completely. I often have some vague impressions because of some people and things in my life. Ever since I met Ace, I always felt that his The appearance makes me feel very cordial.”

"kind?"

Laurie couldn't help raising his voice, and his expression changed from calm to excited.He particularly hoped that this discovery would be a breakthrough to investigate Pei Xiang's true identity.

Pei Xiang nodded slightly, staring at Ace Hummel's black eyes and said seriously:

"Yes, a kind of intimacy full of familiarity. It's like... I once had a younger brother, junior or good friend like Ace."

Accompanied by Pei Xiang's explanation, Ace rubbed his chest in a daze.He is also full of inexplicable intimacy towards her, as if there is a deep bond between the two of them. So, is this sister-brother affection or companionship?

only……

"Miss Amy, I didn't know you before," Ace Hummel's tone suddenly turned cold, "Did you take me as a substitute for someone else?"

Pei Xiang shook his head quickly, explaining that it should be just the outline of the facial features are similar.

"I have some vague, broken impressions of him, uh, I mean your friend who looks like you, who's very petite. And, uh, he's supposed to be that cute, coquettish clingy personality, Loves beauty too. I vaguely remember him having a lot of different styles and colors of clothes... oops, can't think of any more details for now. But I can assure you, you two are so different that I won't confuse them."

Without waiting for Ace to say anything, Laurie said happily:

"That's a good sign, Amy! Maybe we should ask Mrs. Hummel about her father, and maybe we can get some useful clues from her German relatives."

Seeing Laurie's warm and cheerful smile, Pei Xiang whispered "sorry" to him in his heart.Because she really couldn't reveal Cui Cui's true identity and origin to this sincere friend.

"I can't tell Laurie," she thought helplessly, "that being that looks like Ace Hummel is a magical plant from another world, and it must have nothing to do with Mrs. Hummel's relatives in this world." what relationship."

Pei Xiang believes that if she chooses to tell the truth, Laurie will not feel angry that she has been fooled, but will be more concerned about her mental stability, and maybe even contact her and arrange a doctor.

At this time, the carriage finally arrived at Hummel's house. Looking at the faint light from inside the house and the blurred figures walking in front of the window, he knew that someone in this house was waiting for Ace Hummel to return home late at night.

Laurie glanced at the dense night outside the car window, and sighed:

"It's too late today. We'll visit Mrs. Hummel again when it's convenient during the day. By the way, Ace, take a good rest after you go back. If your leg keeps hurting, remember to ask the doctor to see it. Don't be careless."

Ace Hummel nodded, he kept Laurie's concerns in mind.

The door opened, and Pei Xiang jumped out of the carriage ahead of Ace.Immediately afterwards, with the little boy's awkward and unhappy expression, she directly picked him up and placed him on a flat ground.

"Ace, please bring our sincere regards to Mrs. Hummel, and please take care of yourself." Pei Xiang said with a smile.

Ace Hummel glanced at Pei Xiang's white and tender hands, and thought that his previous intuition was indeed correct.This seemingly pampered and delicate lady actually has great skill and great strength, otherwise, she wouldn't be so dodgeable.

"I will bring greetings for you, and I will take good care of myself." Under Pei Xiang's gentle and "implicitly threatening" gaze, the stubborn child who didn't want to make a sound said dryly.

Pei Xiang showed his face.

She squatted down to help Ace Hummel adjust his collar, and checked his body by the way.After using the medical knowledge he "learned" in his dream to confirm that little Hummel was fine, Pei Xiang waved goodbye to the boy who seemed to be Cuicui.

That night, Pei Xiang dreamed of the scene where she sewed clothes for Cuicui.

After waking up from the dream, she recalled that Cuicui in her dream had a wardrobe of new clothes and all kinds of small and exquisite daily necessities, while Ace in this world was deeply impoverished, earning living expenses hard in worn-out clothes that didn't fit well.In contrast to the two, little Hummel's situation is even more miserable and embarrassing.

A series of sour little bubbles appeared in Pei Xiang's heart.

Thinking of all kinds of coincidences, Pei Xiang covered his lips and thought, if Ace is really Cui Cui, has he finally grown up?Also, can he still get back his previous memories?

On the morning of that day, Pei Xiang and Beth visited Hummel's house together.

On the way, Beth gave Pei Xiang a detailed introduction to the situation of Hummel's family. The most talked about was Luoshan, the oldest girl in their family, and the youngest baby.

"Seven children, Roshan Hummel is the second child and the oldest girl, who is usually responsible for taking care of the younger siblings at home," Beth pointed with her fingers, "the third is Rodley, the eldest The fourth is Eliza, followed by the twins Heinrich and Minna, and then the youngest, who has not yet been named."

Pei Xiang turned his head and asked, "Beth, why do you seldom mention the eldest child in their family?"

"Oh, you mean Ace?"

Beth slowed down her pace and thought for a moment, and then explained in a soft voice:

"Honestly, I haven't talked to him much. Before... I mean last Christmas, we visited their house for the first time. Ace was sick at the time, and he was always groggy and in bed. rest.

"Later, when he got better slowly, and just in time for you and Amy to fall into the water, I reduced the number of times I went to Hummel's house during those days. During the recent period, every time I visited their house, the Internet Shan and the others said that Ace went out to find odd jobs."

"He's only 11 years old, and it's not easy to help Mrs. Hummel support the family." Pei Xiang sighed.

Beth nodded again and again, and praised softly:

"It's really amazing! If it were me, I would be embarrassed just talking to strangers, let alone looking for odd jobs to make money."

The two of them came to Hummel's house while they were talking. The ten-year-old girl Luoshan opened the door. She was wearing a brown dress that didn't fit well but was clean, and she was holding a thin baby in her arms.

"Beth, it's a pleasure to meet you. Oh, you're... Amy... Miss Meredith, please come in."

Pei Xiang smiled and said, "Just call me Amy, can I call you Luoshan, cute little girl?"

"Of course, of course, thank you," Luo Shan was a little embarrassed at first, but because of Beth's presence and Pei Xiang's sincere smile, she quickly relaxed, "Amy, this is Luo Shan. Well, I I mean... nice to meet you, and thank you and Beth for visiting us."

At this time, the baby in Luoshan's arms started to cry, the little girl quickly lowered her head to comfort the baby, and several other young children also ran to Beth's side, chatting around her.

Beth hurriedly introduced the children of Hummel's family to Pei Xiang, and told several children about Pei Xiang's name.

Pei Xiang scanned the entire room, and as expected, she didn't see Ace.

"Where's your brother?" Pei Xiang asked the slightly older Elisa.

Speaking of her oldest brother, Eliza's big dark brown eyes shone with pride and admiration:

"Ace, my brother went to work. He earns money for everyone, buys bread and, and milk, very tired!"

Pei Xiang followed Elisa's praise and nodded, saying that he also thought Ace was great.

Eliza suddenly showed a big happy smile.

She gently tugged Pei Xiang's skirt and led her to a corner.There was an old solid-looking wooden table there, which was wiped clean, and three half-new books and a stack of old newspapers were neatly placed on it.

"Brother Ace can read and draw by himself, and then, teach us."

Pei Xiang was silent for a while, then lowered his head and asked Elisa: "Can I read these books and newspapers?"

Elisa hesitated for a moment, then looked back at her sister Luoshan.Luo Shan handed the baby to third brother Rodley, and walked quickly to Pei Xiang's side.

Pei Xiang said his request again in a gentle voice.

Luo Shan smiled and nodded, and said cheerfully:

"It's nothing. Ace said that we can read these books and newspapers when he's not at home, as long as they don't break or mess them up."

Pei Xiang immediately promised that he would treat these printed books and newspapers with care.

"Has Ace ever been to school?" Pei Xiang flipped through the book and found that there were traces of reading in it.

"No, when Dad was here, he occasionally taught us to read, but I can't remember it. But Brother Ace is very smart. After he recovered from his illness, he still remembered what Dad taught, and then, um, outside While working, he learned a lot of new knowledge. Now he can read stories to us from the book."

Rodley, who was holding the baby, chimed in and said:

"Yes, the eldest brother is very smart. I think he is smarter than anyone who has gone to school."

Elisa added with a smile: "My brother said, I want to be, be, and be a sea officer..."

"Stupid girl, she is a naval officer! My brother will definitely be able to become a general, and I can even become a general!"

Pei Xiang carefully closed and arranged the books he had flipped through, and opened the old newspapers collected by Ace, and found that he was already paying attention to some military and political news reports and related comments.Although... he probably can only half understand it, because there is a small scratch under many long or uncommon words.

Pei Xiang and Beth stayed at Hummel's house for more than an hour, helped the children mend some clothes, and left some food before leaving with a smile.

In the afternoon, Meg came back from Moffat's house, and the March house suddenly became lively.

After sharing what she had seen and heard in the past fourteen days, Meg suddenly remembered something she had heard before leaving Moffat's house, and told the sisters to pay attention to personal safety when they went out recently.

"Before Sally and I left, I heard the servants of the Moffat family talking about a disaster. Last night, a relative of the housekeeper was knocked unconscious in an alley after carrying things for the Moffat family. In addition, his left hand was forcibly broken by the attacker. Early this morning, the man was sent to Dr. Andrew for treatment. It is said that after waking up, he was in a bad mood and kept shouting 'I was wrong'."

"My God, it's dreadful," cried the little girl, Amy, turning pale and puzzled. "Why should anyone like such a rude thing as a fight?"

Beth bowed her head and prayed for the wounded for a while before asking with concern:

"Meg, does the wounded gentleman know who it was that wounded him?"

Meg shook her head, saying she knew only so much.As for the more specific inside story, she didn't know.

After a while, Sister Hannah, who came in with a fruit plate, twitched her lips when she heard what the girls were talking about, and said without sympathy:

"That Kulik guy doesn't deserve pity, girls, to be honest, I heard about it when I went grocery shopping this morning. People say that Kulik was attacked and discounted because he owed Too much gambling debt, he was taught by the creditor.

"Hmph, as soon as the news of his injury spread, several creditors went to Dr. Anderson to stop him from asking for debts, for fear that Kulik would not have the money to pay the debts after he was injured. Alas, I shouldn't have talked to you about these topics, but Now that Meg mentioned it, I can't let you sympathize with a gambler and bastard with a half-knowledge.

"Besides, that Kulik is usually not kind. He likes to be lazy and slippery when working, and he often bullies the honest and the weak. Except for the Moffat family, no one nearby is willing to hire him."

Pei Xiang took a sip of tea, and asked in deep thought:

"What does that Kulik look like? When we go out in the future, if we meet him, we can try to avoid him."

Sister Hannah thought for a while, frowned and said:

"He's a big man with red hair. He has brown eyes, a round nose, a big face, and a very honest smile. At first everyone thought he was a nice guy."

After listening to Sister Hannah's description of Kulik, Pei Xiang immediately guessed the big red-haired man who tried to bully Ace Hummel last night.Without asking too much, she could almost immediately confirm that the person was the discounted Kulik.

At the same time, Pei Xiang thought of Ace's foot injury last night and was in a mess, and a flash of understanding flashed in his eyes.He didn't return home after paying his wages... According to the child's vengeance, he might be able to take revenge secretly afterwards.

"I didn't expose myself, and then shifted everyone's focus to the scandal of Kulik's gambling debts, but there were not many hidden dangers left."