As the end of the year approached, a heavy snow fell over Xijing.
Declaring that timely snow promised a good harvest, Zhao Lanxiang, who happened to have time off, led Lian Youming and the two younger children in a thorough cleaning of the house, some sweeping snow and others sweeping dust.
Still a child at heart, Lian Youming grabbed a handful of snow and sneaked it down his sister's and brother's collars, sending the two chasing after him in a playful uproar.
While they were romping around, someone from the neighborhood office came over with quick little steps, holding half a roasted sweet potato and eating as they spoke. "Lan Xiang, there's a phone call for your family. It's all the way from Guangxi."
At first, Zhao Lanxiang thought it was Shen Qinghong calling. Her face lit up, and she dropped her broom and headed out. But when she heard that the call was from Guangxi, she paused, then smiled even more broadly, her eyes narrowing with delight. "Son, you wouldn't mind your adorable mother going to listen..."
Lian Youming bounded out of the courtyard and ran without looking back. "I would."
Zhao Lanxiang snorted. "Got himself a you-know-what and forgot his mother. Ungrateful brat."
But delight never left her face, and she wore a motherly smile. "He really has grown up."
Lian Shuang sidled up to her mother too, grinning slyly. "Mom, I'll go eavesdrop on my brother for you."
Zhao Lanxiang quickly held her daughter back. "Don't listen to what you shouldn't. They might be whispering something embarrassing."
Lian Shuang asked curiously, "Mom, has Dad ever whispered sweet nothings to you?"
At the mention of this, Zhao Lanxiang first looked thoughtful, then her delicate brows drew together, and then she frowned deeply. She rummaged through half a