The three of them and a cat returned home with a basket brimming with tender wild vegetables and a bucket of lively little fish and shrimp.
Unable to sit idle, Liu Lingjuan was sweeping the courtyard with a broom. The ease in her back and legs kept a smile on her face, and the sight of their haul delighted her even more.
"Oh! Shi'an, you picked so many wild vegetables! And where did you catch all those fish and shrimp?"
"Aunt Juan, this is what we're having tonight."
"Oh, we can't-"
"This is exactly the kind of wild fare I've been craving."
Seeing Chen Shi'an insist, Liu Lingjuan, who had been about to send her daughter to the market for more groceries, could only agree.
"Mom, you're not listening again! Didn't Shi'an tell you to get some proper rest these next couple of days? Why are you working again?"
"It's fine, it's fine. I'm only sweeping. I wouldn't dare do anything strenuous."
Chen Shi'an put in a word for her too. "Light chores are fine. Moving around a little is good too. Just be careful not to overexert yourself, Aunt Juan. You still need time to recuperate."
"All right, all right-"
Only after hearing Chen Shi'an say so did Li Wanyin relax.
"Mom, go get some rest, then. Xiao Yue and I will cook tonight. There's also the cured meat Shi'an brought. I'll cook some for you to try!"
"Sister Wanyin, how about I cook?"
"Mm-okay! I'll help you, then, Shi'an."
Unable to resist the younger generation's enthusiasm, and genuinely curious about Chen Shi'an's cooking, Liu Lingjuan agreed with a smile.
Before they knew it, the sun was about to set. While it was still light, Chen Shi'an and Li Wanyin briskly set about preparing dinner together.
Li Wanyue did