"Xixi, how are you guys back so soon?"
When Jin Ling returned, he found the courtyard gate open. Qiao Xixi was in the yard, cleaning fish-beasts.
Qiao Xixi looked up and smiled. "There were so many fish-beasts in the creek. I'd barely put my basket in before several took the bait. We came back as soon as we caught them. But what about you? How are you back so quickly?"
Seeing that she and the cubs were alright, Jin Ling said, "I was worried about you, so I came back as soon as I could."
He walked over to Qiao Xixi and tried to take the bone knife from her hand, but she dodged away.
Jin Ling was a bit resigned. "Xixi, let me."
He had truly never seen a female as hardworking and gentle as she was.
"No need. I'm making you all braised fish today."
Qiao Xixi's movements were deft, and she quickly finished cleaning all the fish.
Jin Ling brought over a stone basin and put the fish inside.
