Li Xiangyang patted him on the butt. "Hurry back inside. Grandpa has the noodles ready. Dawdle any longer and they'll get all lumpy."
Little Douzi rubbed his bottom. "You didn't tell me Grandpa had already cooked the noodles! You're the one holding things up."
"Heh, you've got a quick tongue, don't you? Getting quicker every day."
"Mom said I started talking earlier than other kids."
The two of them ran back inside. Old Li had already brought the noodles to the dining table, complete with a poached egg nestled inside.
Little Douzi looked around. "Uncle Xiangyang, why isn't Mom up yet?"
Li Xiangyang smiled. "Mom was taking inventory yesterday and got a little tired. Let's let her sleep in a bit."
Little Douzi nodded. "Yeah, Mom has to make pastries, too. It's hard work. She should sleep in."
"Such a good boy!" Li Xiangyang said, full of praise.
"Little Douzi, let's go!" Dandan and Little Hai's voices called from outside.
