That afternoon, Professor Xiao and Professor Fan came to the kitchen off the courtyard. When they saw Li Xiu and Sister Fang bustling about, they exchanged a smile. Professor Xiao washed her hands, looked at Sister Fang making dumplings, and asked gently, "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Sister Fang knew Professor Xiao would feel awkward if she had nothing to do, so she glanced around the kitchen and said with a smile, "Teacher Xiao, maybe you can help shell some lotus seeds? This batch still has the bitter pith inside."
With that, she took out a bag of lotus seeds and a plate, placing them on a small table against the wall. She had Professor Xiao sit there to shell them. This way, she wouldn't get tired, but she'd still have a task to keep her from feeling awkward.
