This afternoon, I heard that my father had no intention to mention the fire at Huo House next door. Except for talking about my grandfather's eyes being smoked, everyone else was all right. My brother Beiji was safe and relieved.

I want to say proudly that my elder brother Bei-cheng was saved by me, but I dare not. Dad and grandmother loved me the most. Usually even if I had a cold, they would blame the careless nanny. Moreover, Dad always said that girls should be well-educated and keep me under strict control in peacetime. If Dad could let me know that I ran to Ho's house secretly in the...