"So, did you try all five tips with Martin?" Cixi asked, already trying to imagine whether any of them had worked even a little.
Marion kept folding clothes as though the question were ordinary. "No. By the time I read those books, it was already too late to try anything on him. We have been married for 20 years already." Then, without even a hesitation, she added, "The only thing that ever worked was being good at Plow Job." And gave Cixi a wink.
Cixi went utterly still.
The plate of pastries in her hand suddenly felt like a mountain, making it all the more difficult to hold on and prevent it from slipping away while she maintained her gaze at Marion, certain that she understood her correctly.
Marion had not misspoke, but had said it on purpose, alphabet 'P' instead of 'B' and with such blunt ease that Cixi did not know whether to cough, blush, or laugh.
