I am aging gracefully in the world of famous books

A day later, Pei Xiang went to Hummel's house again. This time, she met Ace Hummel who didn't go out to do errands.

The boy was sitting by the window reading a book, the twins Heinrich and Minna squatting beside him and playing.

The two children under the age of three made noises from time to time, probably wanting their brother to join them in the game.But Ace, who was immersed in reading, didn't pay much attention to these small disturbances. He occasionally responded vaguely and habitually comforted his younger siblings, but in fact his mind was all on the book.

Seeing this scene when Pei Xiang entered the room, he smiled.

At the same time, Ace sharply raised his head, and the moment he saw clearly that it was Pei Xiang, the vigilance hidden deep in his eyes quickly dissipated.

"Miss Amy, hello."

"Good morning, Ace," Pei Xiangjiahuang handed Luo Shan the cute and colorful little flowers, and then walked to Ace, "I heard little George who delivered the newspaper accidentally mentioned that you will rest at home today, so I came to see you. "

Ace put down the book in his hand and asked Pei Xiang to sit down opposite him.

"Is there something wrong with me?"

During the day, Ace is no longer full of vigilance like he was in the middle of the night. He has become gentle and peaceful, and the sun shines on him, giving people a sense of elegance and dignity for no reason.

Pei Xiang was in a daze, always feeling that Ace opposite him was no longer a child around 11 years old, but a mature and powerful man.

This illusion is fleeting.Pei Xiang blinked and regained his clarity, making sure that Ace in front of him was still the precocious and stubborn child.

"Ace, let me see your leg injury, how is it going? Did you go to the doctor afterwards?"

Ace shook his head, saying he didn't go to the doctor.

"It's just a sprain, not a serious injury. Take a day off today and basically recover tomorrow."

"May I check it for you to confirm the condition of the bones?"

"Miss Amy still understands this?" Ace asked curiously, and at the same time subconsciously retracted his injured right leg to the inside.

Pei Xiang noticed the boy's slight reaction, and pursed his lips.

She thought to herself, whether it was to conceal the real injury or simply did not want to show the injury to unfamiliar people, Ace Hummel was actually resisting her proposal.Therefore, she shouldn't force others in the name of caring.

——What's more, this is a little gentleman who knows his priorities and will not really neglect his health.

"I know some ways to treat trauma," Pei Xiangfei replied quickly, and then changed his tone, "But, I don't know whether the medical knowledge I remember is reliable. Hey, forget it, I won't examine you, don't Then send a message to Qi Shu for consultation!

Ace moved his fingertips slightly, and looked at Pei Xiang with bright eyes.

He was clearly aware that even without that intimacy that he didn't know why, whether it was trustworthy or not, he still liked being with her, and he liked her attitude towards him and the way she handled things.

He reached out and touched the part that was injured before, and for a moment, Ace felt that it would be fine even if he agreed to Pei Xiang's proposal, because he didn't feel the slightest bit of malice from Pei Xiang.

However, after the barrier in his heart loosened in an instant, Ace immediately calmed down again.He thought that he had chosen to be cautious about the pain that healed miraculously overnight.After all, the mere fact of being too strong is already noticeable.

"Thank you for your kindness, Miss Amy, please rest assured, I cherish my body very much."

Pei Xiang nodded slightly, and started a new topic with a smile:

"The last time I came to visit, I heard Rodri and Elisa mention that you hope to become a naval officer. Is it true?"

Ace Hummel replied without hesitation:

"I like the sea, and I want to make a difference. Given my background, joining the navy may be a very good choice."

Pei Xiang looked at the calm expression on the boy's face, and suddenly distinguished him from Cuicui in his dream.The image of the delicate and soft elf that existed in her fantasies and guesses has disappeared, replaced by the Ace Hummel who is now in front of her eyes, this child who grew up strong in hardship.

"Ace, I have a proposal, would you agree to it?"

Little Hummel held back the "yes" that was about to blurt out, and waited quietly for Pei Xiang to explain further.

Pei Xiang frowned, and didn't immediately explain what her proposal was about. Instead, she pretended to be wronged and sighed:

"Since I have already been rejected by a proud little gentleman once, if I am rejected again, my self-esteem will definitely be hurt. Alas, I am a little afraid to say the second proposal."

If others behaved like this, the cold-tempered Ace would not be touched.But now facing Pei Xiang, a friend who made him feel close, he has a lot more patience and intolerance.

When Pei Xiang showed an expression of grievance, a voice of asking and answering himself suddenly sounded in his heart: "She is just a little girl, and she doesn't have many evil intentions. Is there any suggestion that can't satisfy her? Don't hesitate." .”

Ace, who had forgotten his real age, nodded in agreement. He smiled slightly at Pei Xiang, and took the initiative to say:

"Tell me, as long as I can do it, I promise you."

This made Pei Xiang raise his eyebrows in surprise, she never expected that she would get such a generous answer.

——I thought I would be dismissed or treated with indifference.

"Really?"

"I promise."

Ace was actually a little surprised by his answer just now, but after some words were spoken, he didn't feel any regrets, but felt that things should have been like this.

Pei Xiang's eyes turned slightly, and he did not continue to explore the real reason for Ace Hummel's change of attitude for the time being, but took this opportunity to make his own request.

"Ace, do you want to learn something more? I can teach you, probably involving... language, art, fighting skills and knowledge about sailing."

As soon as the words fell, Ace sat upright, with a real surprised expression on his brow.

"Teach me knowledge?"

Pei Xiang nodded, and considering that Ace needs to earn money to support his family, he added:

"If you can believe me, follow me, two hours a day. You can spend the rest of the time freely, but please complete the homework I assigned that day."

Ace couldn't help standing up, looking at Pei Xiang without turning his eyes for a moment, his voice was a little dry because of emotional instability:

"I can feel that you are very powerful, your skills... don't match your appearance. You know a lot of knowledge that is difficult for ordinary people to access. I have heard people talk about you, and everyone believes that you have received the best and most sophisticated skills before. Maybe there are still some gaps and deficiencies in some fields, but it is definitely because of the relationship between my young age and my personal interests, I didn’t do much research before amnesia.”

Pei Xiang looked back at the boy with a smile, waiting patiently for his final answer.

For Ace who can't afford to go to school and has no time to go to school, Pei Xiang's proposal is simply a timely help, and he has no reason not to agree.

"I will cherish this opportunity, Miss Amy. But what can I do to repay you?" Ace's eyes were burning and his spine was straight.

"Maybe not now," Pei Xiang knew that the child opposite had sincerity and pride, so he said in a slightly aggressive tone, "But when your wings are full, you will definitely bring me glory, right? "

"I will," Ace promises clearly and slowly.

Pei Xiang stretched out his hand towards Ace, and said sweetly: "Mr. Ace Hummel, who has a bright future, I wish you all the best in the future."

Ace looked at Pei Xiang carefully for a while, and then held her hand firmly: "We will all get what we want, Miss Amy."

After that day, Pei Xiang would spend two hours teaching Ace Hummel every day.She not only taught him cultural knowledge, but also taught him martial arts and fitness, and taught him how to efficiently use his power far beyond ordinary people.

During the teaching process, Pei Xiang gradually became aware of some secrets hidden by Ace Hummel.

For example, his physical strength is not only similar to that of an adult, but far exceeds that of an adult male.For another example, Ace Hummel has a very unscientific self-healing ability. Others need ten days and a half months to heal his injuries, but he only needs a day or two to recover.

But all the extraordinary truths were deliberately hidden by this child.Pei Xiang sometimes thinks that if life is not forced, that child might not even show the slightest strangeness in front of others.

Spring is fleeting and summer is scorching, Pei Xiang's life is getting more and more fulfilling and busy.

She had a lot to worry about besides teaching Ace Hummel.For example, research on how to sell paintings to make money and text submissions, such as essential social life and human relations, such as re-mastering the skills "learned" in dreams, such as continuing to explore one's past identity.

The first few items have been carried out relatively smoothly, but the matter of retrieving memory has stagnated.Ever since she dreamed about sewing clothes for the little elf Cuicui, she never recalled similar life scenes and warm moments.

If it was before, Pei Xiang might have sighed with regret for a while, but after she started teaching Ace Hummel, she had less and less time to think about those forgotten past events.

Because that child is really talented, and the speed of absorbing and mastering knowledge is terrifying.

In order not to be reduced to the embarrassing situation of sitting on the mountain, and of course, also because of the aroused fighting spirit of not admitting defeat, Pei Xiang began to absorb a lot of new knowledge.All of a sudden, Lawrence's study became her permanent place.

In July, Pei Xiang was "forced" out of the study and studio by Laurie, and joined the "Lawrence Camp" organized by him.

On the green grass by the river, she spent a few days relaxing with the four March sisters, Ned Moffat, Sally Gardner, and the four Vaughan siblings from England. .They played ball, boated, had picnics, played story solitaire and mantra games together, and enjoyed all the good things in summer leisurely and happily.

It was also during this summer activity that Pei Xiang noticed the love of the governess John Brooke for Meg.This reminded her of the prophecies she had received before.

Pei Xiang is not particularly concerned about the development of the relationship between young people. What she cares most about at the moment is the scarlet fever that almost destroyed Beth's health.Because according to her "prophecy", the scarlet fever not only indirectly led to the premature death of Beth March, but also directly took the lives of several children of the Humel family.

——Fortunately, I have recently dreamed more and more pictures about medical skills.

September and October passed by in a flash, and in November, the weather turned cooler and winter came quietly.The bad news from afar came into March's house together with the cold wind, freezing the warm and happy smiles of the ladies.

"Dad is seriously ill, and he is being rescued in a hospital in Washington," Beth said, choking on Pei Xiang, "Mom is going to visit Dad, we must stay at home and take good care of ourselves, so that they don't worry about it."

Pei Xiang held the little girl's chubby little hand and said softly:

"Everything will be fine. I believe that when Mrs. March sees Mr. March and brings the love of the family to his hospital bed, it will definitely help him resist the threat of illness."

Beth covered her eyes with her handkerchief, and it was a long time before she let it go slowly, her eyes were slightly red from tears.

She nodded slowly, and said hoarsely:

"I will pray earnestly every day. After my mother leaves, I will help her take care of everyone so that she will not have any worries. I will often visit the children of the Humel family."

Pei Xiang paused for a moment, then calmly persuaded:

"Beth, let me visit the Hummels while Mrs. March is in Washington. You can spend more time with Meg, Jo, and Amy, who are also worried. Especially Amy, who doesn't have to go now." Going to school and staying at home every day is actually a bit lonely. If you two are often together, playing the piano and drawing together will definitely make Mrs. March feel very relieved."

"I really want to stay at home with Joe and the others more, but my mother said that we must not forget to help the Humel family."

Pei Xiang coaxed softly:

"It's only a few weeks, and I'll let you know how the palpitations are doing. Besides, I guess when Mr. March is well enough he won't have to go to the field anymore, and he'll be home soon.

"My dear, don't you want to do something for Mr. March? Like sewing a pair of comfortable cotton slippers, or knitting a soothing scarf... I think Mr. March would be more than happy to accept it even in the hospital." To little Beth's presents. Oh, yes, and Christmas presents this year, and it's November now..."

Pei Xiang's suggestions distracted Beth's attention, which made Beth feel that he really shouldered many important responsibilities.Whether it is to accompany a sister to comfort the family, or to prepare a gift for a sick father, it is essential.

Of course, this does not mean that in the heart of the little girl Beth, the Humel family can be ignored.If she did that, she would absolutely condemn herself.

Beth could be easily persuaded by Pei Xiang, firstly because Pei Xiang promised to visit the children of the Humel family regularly on her behalf, and secondly because the financial situation of the Humel family was indeed improving. Orphans and widows are about to starve to death and freeze to death, but now the Hummel family is not so distressed.

Ace Hummel is getting better and better at supporting his family.It is said that by December, Mrs. Hummel will be able to quit her outside job, and she can stay at home as peacefully as when her husband was still alive, taking care of the young children and doing housework wholeheartedly.In this way, the ten-year-old Luoshan can relax a lot and have some leisure time to play like other little girls.

The next day Mrs. March went to Washington.The four children of the March family were entrusted to the care of neighbors Mr. Lawrence and Nurse Hannah, while Pei Xiang often went to Hummel's house to pay close attention to the health of the little Humels.

She gave them their pulse every day, and used the limited medical resources in her hands to prevent diseases. At the same time, she also taught Mrs. Hummel some medical knowledge and skills to prevent infectious diseases, so as to prevent her from losing her love for the children due to ignorance as in the "prophecy". The vigilance of the condition missed the best time for prevention and treatment.

When the youngest and weakest child showed mild symptoms, Pei Xiang immediately called for a doctor, and then helped plan and isolate several children.

Maybe it was Pei Xiang's timely response, maybe it was because these children's physique had become better, or maybe Pei Xiang's preventive measures were very effective. The Hummel family, who might have died of several children, was surprised this time. risk.All but the youngest were healthy, and by the end of the day, the youngest also made a smooth recovery.

When Mrs. March returned home with Mrs. March, who was recovering from a serious illness, they were greeted by four healthy and lively daughters.

The family gathered by the fire to laugh and chat, during which they naturally mentioned their new friend Pei Xiang and the Humel family nearby.Mr. March cheerfully listened to all kinds of good and interesting stories, watched every change in the children with satisfaction, and was sincerely happy for their healthy complexions and carefree smiles.

On the second day, Mr. Brook, who loves Meg, visits March's house.

This serious and stable gentleman had accompanied Mrs. March to Washington before, and had been trying his best to help the March couple. His character and ability had been recognized by the two parents.Therefore, when Brook walked into March's house today, he not only came to visit the family, but also came to express his love to Meg.

After some small twists and turns, Meg happily agreed to John Brooke's marriage proposal.Afterwards, Mr. March had a long talk with Brooke in the study, and finally finalized Meg's marriage.

—The wedding of the two young men was fixed three years later, when Meg was twenty.

After the door of the study was opened, the gray-haired Mr. March solemnly patted Brooke on the shoulder, with expectations, pleas, tolerance, and kindness in his eyes.

Ace, who watched the whole process from the beginning to the end, looked pensive when he saw this scene.

After a while, he asked Pei Xiang who was sitting beside him:

"Amy, you are about the same age as Meg, will you study marriage in the near future? That Ned Moffat has been pestering you, do you have any plans to marry him?"

Pei Xiang smiled and said, "In the past two or three years, I have no plans to marry. Of course, Mr. Moffat will be excluded anyway."

Ace couldn't help frowning: "So, will you consider marriage in two or three years?"

Pei Xiang has long been used to the precocity and intelligence of a half-apprentice, and will not perfuse certain topics just because he is a child, so he answered seriously:

"You know my situation, an orphan girl with no specific identity, a wealthy family, and a good-looking person. She is currently living in Lawrence's house and is under the protection of the old gentleman. But I can't just rely on others' generosity to calmly It would be too rude to stay here.

"However, if you move out to live alone, Mr. Lawrence's integrity and old-fashioned will definitely disapprove. So... on the premise that you can't find a real relative, a good marriage may bring some kind of turning point."

"It would be too hasty to marry for this reason. Of course you can live alone and don't need to worry about your personal safety at all. On the contrary, those who have bad intentions are more unlucky."

Pei Xiang glanced sideways at Ace, who had an upright face, and said slightly dissatisfied:

"As I said, it's a good marriage, and the premise is naturally based on love. Also, if people with bad intentions get a lesson, that's what they deserve. It's not bad luck. Ace, your latest language class should be Increased some."

Ace ignored the second half of Pei Xiang's words, just thinking about Pei Xiang's marriage:

"Please allow me to analyze objectively and rationally, Amy, the risk of getting married is too great. Think about it, after you get married, your property will become your husband's, and he may use your money to support you. Other women and children. He may also be a well-hidden alcoholic and gambler, who will be exposed on the third day after marriage and make you helpless. He may have the habit of domestic violence, or he may look good when he was young, But in middle age, people become bald, pot-bellied, dull, or headstrong."

Seeing that Ace spoke so sincerely, Pei Xiang couldn't help but wonder:

"Could it be that in your heart, I'm a doormat who swallows my anger? Any man with those problems will never be able to become my husband. Even if he succeeds by luck, he will soon become an ex-husband or a deceased husband. "

Ace is still very pessimistic about Pei Xiang marrying a man, he refuted from the bottom of his heart:

"Even if everything is good, it may not be able to accompany you to grow old. Males among human beings, heh, live a short life with a lot of shortcomings, which is completely inferior to..."

Having said that, Ace suddenly got stuck.He frowned and thought about where the strange point of view just now came from, why did he have a feeling of looking down on human males from the bottom of his heart?

"Ace, what's worse?"

Pei Xiang tilted his head and looked at the little human boy beside him, thinking that this boy who will grow into a human male sooner or later, why should he belittle his future self so much.

After a moment of silence, Ace abruptly changed the subject:

"In short, don't be in a hurry to get married. When I grow up, I will be your brother to protect you, so that you can rely on your backing. No matter who you marry, or if you don't marry at all, you can live happily and freely. "