"Let's not talk about her anymore," Lin Lan said with a smile. "We're going to pick pumpkins tomorrow afternoon. How about I bring you back some pumpkin shoots?"
"I'm off tomorrow. It's perfect timing—I can sleep in and then join you all." Yao Xiuyun stood up. "Let's get the little rascals back. It's time for their baths and bed."
Lin Lan saw Old Li head into his room and stood up as well. "I'll go with you."
The two of them went out and found the kids in a small alley, sweaty from running around. Yao Xiuyun called out, "Time to go home! Baths and then bed."
The three of them waved to the other kids and ran over. "Why'd you call us back so early?"
"Early? In the morning, I have to call you a hundred times just to get you out of bed!" Yao Xiuyun said, grabbing him and patting his bottom twice. "Your pants are covered in dust!"
"Ouch!" Little Hai clutched his bottom, turning his head in protest. "You're just looking for an excuse to hit me!"
