Winter days were short. After lunch, Xu Changqing didn't dare waste any more time. Without even washing the dishes, she stowed them away in Changqing Garden before getting off the kang and going outside to fill the water vat.
She took a look around the kitchen. She'd thought they had everything they needed for the New Year, but now it seemed like all sorts of things were missing.
Shen Weimin followed her around, and as he watched, something seemed off. "Are you planning not to come back for the rest of the year? Are you going to wait until next year to set foot in here again?"
"Nonsense." 'Always with the double meanings. I swear I'll give you a New Year's beating.' "Aren't I coming over on the twenty-eighth? Even if she doesn't end up hosting a dinner, I'll still be here that day."
"That settles it, then. How much can I possibly use on my own? Besides, when Mom and Dad come back for the New Year, they won't stay here. They'll stay at their old place."
