Ji Xuelan didn't have time to ask for details. She first led Ji Huan into the courtyard, found a stool for her to sit on, and then bustled into the house to pour her some hot water.
Hearing a visitor, Yang emerged from the kitchen, wearing an apron. Her hands were dripping wet, one holding a spatula and the other a small brush. She must have been scrubbing a wok.
When she saw it was Ji Huan, her lips parted as if to speak, but she said nothing, simply turning and going back inside.
Ji Huan's greeting of "Auntie" caught in her throat, and she never got the chance to say it.
Ji Xuelan came out of the main hall and handed her the warm water, saying awkwardly, "My mother... she's just like that. Don't take it to heart."
Ji Huan gestured that it was fine. She took the rough-hewn bowl and took a sip. It was sweet—they had added sugar.
"Where is everyone else?"
Ji Xuelan pointed behind the house.
