The sun had set, yet the River Village remained lively and bright. Lanterns lit up the roads, casting a warm glow over the streets. Outdated music blared from the village megaphone, giving the evening a nostalgic air.
The villagers, who were usually at home by this time—just finishing dinner and preparing for bed—was loittering around the streets instead. Some were proudly boasting about the dishes they had cooked tonight.
Soon, tantalizing aromas began wafting from every home—including the Bang couple's house.
Grandma Bei had just finished arranging the dishes in a large container when she called out to Maid Ye Zhai.
"Ye Zhai, come with me."
Mr. Bang, seeing how large the container was, grew concerned that the two women, Grandma Bei and Ye Zhai, wouldn't be able to carry it.
"Let me carry that," he offered.
"It's not heavy. These old arms of mine can manage just fine. You and Mrs. Bang should go change. Aren't you two joining the dance later?"
