Chen Qing's days in Gaolin County flowed by like a deep, calm river, stable and serene.
On this day, the faint light of dawn filtered through the window lattice, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow inside the room.
Chen Qing pushed open the door, and the aroma of cooking rice mixed with the familiar smell of pickled vegetables wafted over him.
Ms. Han was busy at the stove, where a pot was bubbling away and steaming.
"Mom, didn't I say you could just let Xiaocui and the others handle this?"
Chen Qing walked over and took the bowl from her hands.
Xiaocui was a maid Wu Manqing had arranged to come and serve them.
Ms. Han wiped her hands on her apron, an irrepressible smile on her face that smoothed out the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes. "It's rare for you to be back. Mom can still get around, so what's the big deal about making you a few hot meals? You can't get this flavor anywhere else, can you?"
