Mrs. Zhang smiled and said, "Alright! I'll take you. The kitchen is full of smoke and fumes. Just have a quick look and come right back out, or you'll get your clothes dirty."
Liu Yunlan was busy in the kitchen when she saw Juhua come in. She hurried over and asked, "Ma, why did you bring Juhua into the kitchen? She'll get covered in soot."
Juhua laughed. "I asked to come. I wanted to chat with Sister Yunlan for a bit. It's all grown-ups outside, and their conversation is no fun for me."
She saw that Liu Yunlan had a cloth wrapped around her head. Her big, round eyes shone with joy, and a deep blush colored her cheeks. It was hard to tell if it was from the heat of her work or from shyness.
Mrs. Zhang brought a small stool over for Juhua to sit on. Instead of leaving, she stayed to help her daughter.
Liu Yunlan said to Juhua, a little sheepishly, "I'm sorry we don't have more dishes to offer, even though we invited you all for a meal."
