Take Down

"We're back!"

"Ugh..."

"I'm exhausted. If I had another choice, I'd rather die stuck on writer's block..."

Xu Hongdou, Nana, and Barley entered the little courtyard carrying armfuls of bags. Each grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, then collapsed onto the sofa, groaning and complaining bitterly.

Nana asked, "Where's Teacher Wang?"

"Probably out buying groceries. He should be back soon—I'll message him and ask." Xu Hongdou took out her phone and tapped away. After a while, she said, "A little over ten minutes. He said Boss Xie, Xiaochun, Xinxin, and the others are coming too."

As she spoke, she gave Nana a look. "Nana, hurry up and tidy things up. Put out all the tasty stuff we brought back. We'll eat as soon as they get here."

Barley let out an "Ow" as she stood up. "I've been hungry for ages. I really don't know how you two can shop for so long. I've even been practicing the Eight Brocades Teacher Wang taught me—my body's much better than before—but I still can't keep up with you two."

"Then get some proper rest. The two of us can handle it; there's not that much to do." Nana smiled as she pressed her back onto the sofa. "Hongdou manages a big hotel—she's on her feet all day. And me, even if there isn't that much work at my little restaurant, it's still exhausting when things get busy, okay? Unlike you, sitting all day. Your parents are right—you need to get out and walk around more."

"Different jobs have different demands. I think she's already doing great now. After all, she used to never leave the house." Xu Hongdou waved a hand. "Barley, stay put. Nana, get moving. We eat when Teacher Wang and the others get back. Honestly, I'm hungry