As the sun set in the west, Xi Zi and his three siblings, full of joy, followed Mr. Zhang back to the county town in the glow of the summer twilight. After parting ways with them at the intersection, the four siblings, carrying cloth bags and bamboo baskets, briskly walked home with happiness on their faces.
Not yet home, the air was filled with the mixed aroma of corn bread and stewed dishes, making one feel an impulse to enter any house for a meal.
Upon entering the courtyard, they were greeted by the unique fragrance of mixed flour steamed buns and stew. The four siblings exchanged surprised glances, not even bothering to wash their hands as they carefully maneuvered past the vegetable garden, cloth bags and bamboo baskets in hand, heading straight to the kitchen.
Huang Cuilan hadn't made lunch either, subsisting on two leftover corn breads with water. As every household started cooking, she realized that the children would be returning soon.
