The elders were cracking jokes with each other, while the younger generation chatted privately about their own affairs.
An Lan turned to Zhang Yuxi. "Yuxi, want to get together with the old gang?" she asked. "They wanted me to bring you along for a meal. No agenda, just to catch up."
Zhang Yuxi thought for a moment. "I think I'll pass. You go ahead."
"Alright," An Lan replied. "If you're not going, I won't either. I'll just make up an excuse."
After dinner, An Lan's family of three departed.
Zhao Lizhen was feeding the babies some fruit as she spoke to Zhang Fuyong. "That An Lan has really matured and become more composed."
"Remember how she used to come over?" she continued. "She was always so boisterous, like a little monkey."
Zhang Fuyong wiped the fourth-born's mouth. "Kids will be kids, but they all grow up eventually."
Meanwhile, Lin Feng and Zhang Yuxi were in the kitchen doing the dishes. In reality, Zhang Yuxi mostly watched as Lin Feng did all the work.
