After greeting Wang Cuilan, the old lady followed Li Wantun back. As they neared her house, she saw several people waiting by her door, some standing and some sitting.
"Sister-in-law, Happy New Year! Oh, this is so embarrassing. We figured since it's the New Year and we're all family, we'd stop by for a visit. We didn't realize you'd already gone to work. I'm so sorry to bother you." Seeing them return, Wang Laodi immediately plastered on a huge smile and rushed to greet them, her words as if coated in honey—sickeningly sweet.
"I wouldn't dare. We're just old farmers with mud splattered on our legs, already been cheated out of house and home by some heartless swindlers. What time do we have to celebrate the New Year? You must be joking." 'The tables had truly turned.' A short while ago, their family had ridiculed her when she went to the county seat. Now, it was finally her turn to let off some steam.
