Ever since he had joined everyone in washing his dad's feet once, he had never wanted to do it a second time.
Who said children had poor memories? He remembered it very clearly. Besides, whenever his dad came home and took off his shoes, he knew that smell all too well. There had been plenty to eat at home lately, too, and he was already perfectly satisfied. It was fine to eat a little less apple.
The Old Lady smiled and shook her head. "Stop teasing him. Hurry up and wash. I'll cook you a bowl of noodles afterward."
"No need. I ate on the boat not long ago. I'll save room for dinner."
Ye Yaodong carried a basin of warm water to the back door to wash, but when he saw his two sisters-in-law weaving nets there, he felt a little awkward and had to carry the water around to the front door instead.
In just that short time, he heard his eldest and second sisters-in-law complaining about how many people had been coming to borrow money lately. There were plenty from both their own families and their husbands' side, as well as friends, all with various difficulties.
Even as he carried the water toward the front door, he could still hear the tail end of their conversation behind him...
"...They never seemed to have any difficulties before. As soon as they see someone else making money, suddenly they're struggling..."
"Exactly. As if they can't get by without us lending them money, and it's all our fault..."
"It's so annoying. They come asking to borrow money, and I still have to put on a smile and sit there talking to them."
"A Qing's got the right idea, fencing off a yard and keeping a few dogs. Nobody dares go