After her bout of delight, an important question suddenly occurred to her: 'This place must cost a lot of money, right? Where did Xiao Man get the money?'
Xiao Man told them it was free. A relative of her teacher had arranged their stay. The little booklet she had just handed over was like the food and cloth coupons of old—it could be used in place of money for a one-night stay.
Only then were Second Granny Qiu and her son relieved.
Uncle Qiu took one room, while Xiao Man shared the other with Second Granny Qiu and Little Ni'er. Little Ni'er hadn't woken up at all, and Second Granny Qiu was exhausted. After a quick wash of her face and feet with hot water, she fell right asleep. Xiao Man locked the door, turned off the light, and got into bed. She slipped into her personal space and only emerged about an hour later, finally nestling under the covers and drifting off to a peaceful sleep.
