Xu Xiaojuan, sitting by the stove and tending the fire, couldn't help but smile when Xu Changqing walked in. She wasn't surprised to see Changqing come in by herself; their mother-in-law hadn't followed her into the room.
Her mother-in-law had always been open-minded. While she could be strict, it was only on matters of principle. She never sweated the small stuff.
With her large, pregnant belly, getting up was tiring and sitting back down was a hassle. She couldn't be bothered to stand, but thankfully, this was no stranger. She simply beckoned to Xu Changqing.
Xu Changqing was already heading her way. She glanced worriedly at Xu Xiaojuan's large belly, quickening her pace to reach her side. "What time did you get up?" she asked softly.
"Not too early. Around the same time as you. I boiled the congee last night before bed and left it to simmer, and the steamed buns just need to be heated up. Sit here. Have the last couple of days been tiring?"
