The Ding Family's house may be old, but it's spotless and tidy. You can tell Ding's mom and her family really like to keep things clean.
So as not to give Ding's mom extra work, Xu Nianhua and the others all helped out together. On the way past the market, they even picked up three dishes with meat. The five of them had come mainly to see Ding's dad—if they made Ding's mom cook lunch just for them, it would feel too awkward.
After lunch was ready, Ding Guo came home, and Ding's mom packed up some food to take to the hospital and have lunch there with Ding's dad.
So it was just the Ding siblings hosting at home.
"My mom's cooking is really good, you should try some! This Meicai Kourou—the preserved vegetables are homemade by my mom." Ding Guo played the host with enthusiasm. Having them visit meant a lot to her.
Lunch was lively and warm, full of chatter. After the meal, everyone pitched in to clean up the dishes; in no time, everything was sparkling again.
