"The Golden Chicken is truly nourishing," Ma Liu thought, even as Wu Zhong continued his martial training, hefting a millstone when Ma Liu left.
Aunt Bai had given Ma Liu two steamed buns and the leftovers of today's meal, a bowl of stir-fried celery with pork.
With these in hand, Ma Liu made his way back home.
Su Yunjin and Daisy had been waiting in the yard, Su Yunjin wearing an expression of concern.
That morning when Ma Liu had come down from the mountain, he said a quick word to her and then, carrying a sack, went off to the Bai Family's place, gone the whole day, and she had been worried sick.
The old Chen Jie, the hopeless gambler.
Su Yunjin had wished he'd just die out there, but these past few days of change, especially this morning's firewood and the full water jar, had shown her the difference a man could make.
"I'm back."
"Brother-in-law!"
Daisy sprinted towards Ma Liu, her eyes fixated on his hands.
"Brother-in-law, what delicious food did you bring?"
