Mrs. Cao cooked while Chun Ni tended the fire, and mother and daughter soon finished making dinner.
Tian Fugui and Granny Luo, one had played cards all afternoon, the other had nestled in a haystack at the village entrance sewing shoe soles, and as dinner time approached, the two returned home together.
Mrs. Cao and Chun Ni served the meal on the table.
Tian Fugui's expression was very displeased, prompting Mrs. Cao and Chun Ni to make as little noise as possible, fearing to displease him.
Granny Luo stirred her bowl and said, "What kind of family are we? Why is today's meal so thick?"
Mrs. Cao forced a smile and said, "I thought you were tired after a long day, so I used a little extra rice."
Granny Luo scolded, "Wasteful woman, how can our family's rice last when you squander it like this? You don't know the value of money for rice, oil, and salt when you're not managing a household."
Mrs. Cao was used to Granny Luo's scolding and did not reply.
