Juhua placed a bamboo cover over the pot where the chicken was buried. She spread a large piece of cheesecloth on top of the cover and poured the boiled chicken feet, heads, and other pieces onto it, using the rising steam from below to dry them out.
Zhang Dashuan had woven two of these flat-topped bamboo covers that morning.
Catching the savory scent, Hulu tugged at her hand and pointed at the pieces on the cover.
Juhua crouched down and asked, "Do you want to eat this, Hulu? It's a bit spicy!"
Hulu jumped twice while holding her hand. He smiled without saying a word, and after a moment, he finally declared, "I'm not afraid of spicy food!"
Juhua pressed her lips together into a smile. She had Pu Pao fetch a bowl and chopsticks, then picked up a meaty chicken wing. She pulled off a piece of meat to feed him. As a result, the little boy grinned and sucked in sharp breaths of air from the spice, making the adults laugh.
