Zhuzi chimed in, "If that Laixi fellow bullies you, your four brothers could knock him flat with one punch each—he looks so fair-skinned, I bet he can't take a hit."
Liu Xiaomei glared at her. "By that logic, does Changxing's dark skin mean he *can* take a hit? Should I call my four brothers over to give him a punch and see?"
Seeing Zhuzi's sullen expression, Juhua and Meizi collapsed with laughter.
Liu Xiaomei said, "Hmph! Don't you all worry. I've already talked it over with Laixi. When the New Year comes, I'm going to stay at my parents' place for a good while, and each of your families will have to treat me to a meal."
Everyone agreed that would be easy. They could all cook together and just take turns each day.
As they were laughing and talking, Mei's mother showed up, calling for Liu Xiaomei to come home and eat dumplings. Everyone asked in surprise why she was eating dumplings already when it was still too early for lunch.
