"Here comes Qiu, Qiu is back." Ye Qiu ran all the way home, where quite a crowd had already gathered in the yard. As he arrived, they parted to let him through.
"Ah, if Li passes away, whatever will become of her children?"
"Exactly, and there are still three girls left."
"Girls are easier to handle; just feed them until they're of age and marry them off. But what about Qiu? He definitely won't be able to continue his studies, nor does he know how to farm. How is he ever going to find a wife?"
"Why worry about it? Qiu is so handsome!"
"Can looks be eaten as food? That foolish girl from before insisted on marrying him. When I get back, I need to keep a closer eye on her."
A few village women crowded around the courtyard, chattering away with no genuine concern, yet they seemed to thrive on the excitement.
