Anning unceremoniously told Zhang Lu what to do. She knew this child had just arrived in a new home, a strange place, and was actually feeling very nervous and restrained. At a time like this, the more politely you treated her, the more ill at ease she would feel.
"Okay."
Zhang Lu stood up and went into the kitchen. "Is there anything else I can help with?"
Anning smiled. "Help set the table."
Zhang Lu agreed, took out bowls and chopsticks, and quickly set the table. Then she went back into the kitchen again to help carry out the dishes and rice.
Just as the food was set on the table, the three little ones came back.
Now the three children went to and from school together as companions. On the way back they would chat together, and when they came in the door they were still chirping away nonstop.
When the three younger ones saw Zhang Lu, they clearly froze for a moment, but they were all quite sensible and each called Zhang Lu "big sis."
