After returning from the bustling flower market, Cheng Su and the others all had their share of purchases. Following local customs, they bought some fresh flowers and an orange tree symbolizing good fortune and brought them home to display. As they were about to enter the house, a neighbor heard the commotion and came out, bringing them a platter of homemade fried snacks for the new year.
Qi Xiaoqi had already tired himself out and fallen asleep. Cheng Su told Qi Taiguo to put him in the small bed in the room, and she advised her already exhausted in-laws to wash up and rest.
The house has three rooms, not very big. With everyone staying over for the new year, they had to squeeze in. Qi Jianguo and Qi Fengping were grown-ups and couldn't share a room, so for these couple of days, it was fathers and sons, mothers and daughters sleeping separately.
