The grandmother and grandson were making quite a racket, and their voices woke Lin Xiuqing, who was sleeping inside.
She had been sleeping lightly anyway. With Ye Yaodong still not home, she had waited up all night without sleeping, only falling into a deep sleep when she could no longer hold out.
Now, at the slightest noise outside, she woke with a start. Seeing the empty space beside her, she immediately sat up, hurried out of bed, threw on a jacket, and went outside.
"Grandma, is A-Dong back?"
The Old Lady stood at the doorway and turned to answer, "Yes. Who knows what he was doing last night? He just came back and knocked on the door. That was when I found out he hadn't come home to sleep."
"Where is he now, then? Why hasn't he come into the bedroom?"
"He took a reclining chair and a stool out again. He said he was going to the Mazu Temple to save us a good spot first, then come back and sleep. That boy is too earnest. He wouldn't listen to me. I told him his mother could carry them over a little later, but he wouldn't listen."
The Old Lady looked distressed as she spoke, then continued, "I've still got porridge cooking in the pot, and I can't catch up with him. Never mind, never mind. He'll be back soon. It's only a few steps away."
Hearing that he had already come home and was only taking seats to the Mazu Temple put Lin Xiuqing somewhat at ease.
He had been busy all night doing who knew what, and had only just returned.
"It's still early, not even five yet. It's only just getting light. Go back and sleep a little longer. When Dongzi gets back, I'll tell him