Mother and daughter worked until it was nearly dark, finally washing the freshly stuffed sausages and hanging them from the roof beams.
Wu Shufen glanced at the sky. "Little Lan, it's getting late. You should hurry home."
"Okay! I'll come over tomorrow to smoke the cured meat!" Lin Lan said, untying her apron and ladling hot water to wash her hands.
Wu Shufen quickly waved her off. "No, don't. I get scared just watching you ride your bike with that big belly of yours. I'll have your dad come home tomorrow to help me smoke the meat."
Lin Lan remembered that the shipment was arriving tomorrow and she had to help with inventory, so she nodded. "That works too. I'll get going then."
Wu Shufen saw her to the door, calling after her, "Don't rush, ride carefully!"
Lin Lan nodded, hopped on her bike, and pedaled off toward the Eucalyptus Forest.
A cold wind blew in her face, making Lin Lan shiver. She quickly got off her bike to wrap her scarf more snugly before continuing forward.
