The 22nd day of the twelfth lunar month, sunny.
Today was the day to go to school to collect report cards.
Xue Yuantong didn't linger in bed. As soon as Jiang Ning entered the kitchen, he saw her perched on a small stool, eyes fixated on the pot on the stove.
Aunt Gu lifted the lid, and steam rose, spreading the fragrance of dough. Xue Yuantong wanted to reach out but was afraid of getting burned.
"Jiang Ning, you're here," Aunt Gu greeted.
Jiang Ning nodded. He had nearly all his meals at Xue Yuantong's house this term. Jiang Ning wasn't just freeloading; he often bought groceries, which Aunt Gu or Xue Yuantong would cook, and he was in charge of washing the dishes.
He asked, "Aunt Gu, you're not working today?"
"I'll go later," Aunt Gu said and continued cooking.
The morning's meal was simple: water pancakes, fried string beans with salty meat, and rice soup with dates.
