At Zhang Kuangxing's words, Zhang Bao'er's heart sank. She was clever as a snow spirit and understood perfectly where she and her father stood. Though the family head, her uncle, was always close at hand, he was in truth a world away, someone she could never approach. Now, however, he was being so amiable and warm toward her that it made her break out in goosebumps. She immediately guessed that something was wrong.
Just then, Zhang Baoyu's thoughts came to her through the sea of consciousness. "Third Sister, be careful. When has Uncle ever spoken to us juniors like this? I heard Mom say, 'Don't fear my uncle's anger; fear his smile.' If things get bad, pretend to faint. That's how I get out of trouble with Mom."
Zhang Baoyu came from a close branch of the family. His father was Zhang Kuangxing's sixth younger brother, born of the same parents, making Zhang Kuangxing his own uncle.
Zhang Bao'er had no time to respond to Zhang Baoyu. She remained calm and composed, first greeting the Zhang elders gathered around Zhang Kuangxing, then giving Zhang Kuangxing a respectful curtsy before replying, "Since Father and I returned to the family, Uncle has taken such good care of us, allowing us to settle down and live in peace and feel the warmth of the great Zhang family. In recent months, Bao'er has been tending the pill furnace for Seventh Uncle's grandfather and grown weary in body and mind. Before I knew it, I had fallen asleep. If Baoyu hadn't come to wake me, I wouldn't have known that today was the Mid-Autumn Festival. I nearly missed this great occasion for the clan, and almost lost the chance to pay my respects to all my uncles and elders. Please forgive Bao'er for her discourtesy,