Lin Dawu hurriedly introduced them. "Sister-in-law, this is Lu Ao, and this is Qi Yan. We came to look at the fruit trees. Lu Ao, Qi Yan, just call her Sister-in-law."
Lu Ao and Qi Yan greeted her. "Sister-in-law."
"Ah." Sister Chen smiled at them somewhat awkwardly and invited them in. "Come in and sit."
After that, she did not say much, only ushering them into the house.
Old Chen's living room was rather bare-bones, with a cement floor and white walls. Against one wall sat an old, dusty CRT television that looked like it had been around for years.
Sister Chen picked up the thermos to pour them some tea.
Lin Dawu hurriedly said, "Sister-in-law, no need to fuss. We'll just sit and wait for Old Chen."
Sister Chen insisted on pouring tea for them in disposable cups. "It's no trouble. Have some tea first."
Then she poured out peanuts and sunflower seeds from the TV cabinet and urged them to eat. "Sit down. I'll call Old Chen."
"No need. We told Old Chen we were coming. He should be on his way back, so don't rush him."
Sister Chen answered, then hurriedly turned on the television for them.
The television's resolution was very low, and the people on the screen looked somewhat distorted.
Lu Ao sat on the wooden sofa, listening to Lin Dawu chat with Sister Chen.
Before long, Old Chen came back carrying a large watermelon. The moment he entered, he said, "It's way too hot today. I'll cut you some watermelon."
Lu Ao looked up. Old Chen was probably only around five foot three, dark-skinned and so thin he seemed to be all skin and bones, yet his face was full of smiles.
Sister Chen brought him water to wash his face.
He unhooked the