I planned to go back with a present for Xiaotao but I could find nothing in the small town. So, I decided to buy the gift in the city.

On the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, Bingxin and I went back to Nanjiang City. I asked Bingxin what would make a lovely present for a girl.

"Is it for Xiaotao-jiejie?" she asked.

I readily admitted to it. It was useless lying to her since they were the only two girls I knew.

“Give her something she can use daily!” Bingxin advised. “That way, she’ll think of you whenever she uses it. Without her even knowing, her affection for you will grow every time. Why don’t you give her a pretty umbrella? Don’t you think it'll be very sweet she opens the umbrella every time it rains? It’s just as if you’re shielding her from the wind and rain."

"That's a good idea!” I said, enlightened. “I’m glad I asked you....