An Ning returned home, carrying a large grass carp and a rabbit.
Lin Cuihua was so happy her eyes vanished into a smile.
"This is wonderful. We can eat meat without spending a dime."
An Ning didn't explain where the meat came from. She just washed her hands and sat down to tend the fire.
She wasn't alone by the fire; An Guoping was sitting beside her.
An Ning was helping An Guoping with his schoolwork.
A short while later, An Guoqing came over, holding a handful of peanuts and two sweet potatoes.
"Sis, put these by the edge of the stove pit."
An Ning knew just what to do. She raked out some embers and buried the peanuts and sweet potatoes beneath them.
An Guoqing didn't leave, either. He pulled up a small stool.
Soon, An Ning finished the lesson. An Guoping left, and An Guoqing scooted closer.
"They're not ready yet, Brother."
"I know. I'll keep an eye on them so they don't burn."
An Guoqing poked the embers a couple of times with a stick and kept watching.
