By then dusk had fallen, and the evening clouds spread across the sky from Mingsheng Lake to the west, as splendid as brocade.
Chen Caozhi, his sister-in-law Ding Youwei, Zongzhi, and Run'er sat upright on their heels in the small third-floor hall. Holding a painting scroll in his hands, Chen Caozhi offered his wishes: "Sister-in-law, happy birthday!"
Ding Youwei had never heard such a birthday greeting before and became somewhat flustered. With an "Ah," she returned his greeting. "May you be happy too, young brother."
Run'er kept her little lips pressed together without a word, sitting with lovely poise. She watched Chen Caozhi turn to her and say, "Run'er, happy birthday!" He presented another painting scroll.
Run'er said, her eyes smiling, "May Uncle Chou be happy too-Uncle Chou, are these presents for Mother and me? Are they your paintings?"
Chen Caozhi smiled. "Sister-in-law, Run'er, I couldn't prepare any other presents for you on Jade Emperor Mountain, so I painted these two for you."
Run'er had already unrolled her painting. Her clear, water-bright eyes widened at once, and she exclaimed in delighted surprise, "Ah, it's me-Run'er! So beautiful." Then she added bashfully, "I mean Uncle Chou's painting is beautiful."
Xiao Chan, Qingzhi, and the other two maids all went over to look. On the three-foot scroll, a little girl with her hair hanging loose held the string of a paper kite, captured in the act of running. Her features were as lovely as a painting, her expression utterly lifelike-
Xiao Chan praised it. "What a likeness! You've captured little Lady Run'er's beauty and loveliness."
Ding Youwei shuffled over on her knees to look and nodded. "Your painting has improved greatly, young brother. You've captured her expression perfectly."
Run'er said, "Mother, what about Uncle Chou's present for you? Let's see how he