River Dam, single-story house.
After getting home, Xue Yuantong headed straight for the kitchen, where a large food cover sat over the square dining table.
It kept flies and insects away.
Xue Yuantong washed her hands, sniffed with her small jade nose, identified the dishes by their aroma, and recited:
"Braised crab, stir-fried tripe, home-style braised fish chunks..."
As Aunt Gu lifted the food cover, a lavish spread appeared before them. Xue Yuantong had actually guessed them right.
Aunt Gu was both amused and exasperated. As expected of her daughter.
Before even sitting down, Xue Yuantong reached out and grabbed a piece of meat. She had not eaten food cooked at home for several days, and she had missed it terribly.
After eating two pieces, she asked worriedly, "Mom, where's Chu Chu?"
"She had class this afternoon. I served her some dishes and told her to eat first."
"I brought her a gift."
Then she paused before adding, "Mom, I got one for you too!"
She rushed back to the Main Room, took out a small box, and opened it to reveal three festive-looking porcelain carvings. "Mom, look! I bought these 'Shi Gandang' on Mount Tai."
Xue Yuantong grinned brightly.
Aunt Gu looked at the Shi Gandang. They were rather strange-looking—some had their mouths open and tongues out, while others had their mouths shut and fangs showing. Their expressions were comical and oddly endearing.
"Was climbing Mount Tai tiring?" Aunt Gu asked with concern.
At that, Xue Yuantong proudly declared, "Not at all. I was the fastest climber out of all my classmates."
Aunt Gu did not believe her at all. She knew her daughter's constitution well. It was not frail, but it was definitely not particularly strong either.
Aunt Gu had never been to Mount Tai, but quite a