Junior Ms. Qian checked the time, estimated that it was about right, and handed the spoon to Zhou Dalang, instructing him, "You and Four grind here together. Once it's done, bring it back to me, I'm going to cook at the school."
Zhou Dalang agreed.
Junior Ms. Qian then stepped forward, grabbed a child with one hand, and pulled them outside, saying, "Let's go, it should be time for class. Be careful, or the teacher will spank you with the paddle if he can't find you."
The mill wasn't far from the school; a few dozen breaths' worth of running got them there, so once they cleared the crowd and ran a few steps forward, they turned a corner and saw Mr. Zhuang standing at the crossroads looking their way.
Junior Ms. Qian quickly led the two children forward to pay their respects, apologetically saying, "Mr. Zhuang, I'm sorry the kids have caused you trouble."
Mr. Zhuang just laughed and said, "No trouble at all, it's time for their break anyway. What's all the commotion over there?"
