After finishing breakfast, Li Xuemei didn't let Gu Xiaoying and Gu Xiaoqing help clean up. It's not customary for children to do chores during the New Year, lest they face hardships for life.
The cleanup was done.
Li Xuemei also took the opportunity to prepare lunch in advance.
That's how it was last night as well.
It's more reassuring to prepare the lunch at home. This way, when the kids come back with us, they'll at least have a warm New Year's meal to eat.
Four steamed dishes are a must, one braised fish, a large plate of cabbage and tofu, and two vegetarian dishes: century egg mixed with tofu and bean sprouts mixed with noodles.
These were all pre-prepared dishes. Li Xuemei just fiddled with them until they were almost done, so they could be finished quickly when they got back.
There were also leftover dumplings.
Then the whole family went out to visit Mr. Gu and Mrs. Gu's old house, and along the way, they greeted familiar faces to wish them a happy New Year.
