Hua Xiaomai responded with a calm smile, but by evening, when Meng Yuhuai returned, her demeanor had completely changed.
She bolted through dinner, not even able to taste whether it was sweet or bitter, focusing only on filling her stomach quickly. After helping Meng's mother clean up the bowls and chopsticks, she promptly grabbed Meng Yuhuai's arm and dragged him out the door. When they reached the entrance, she didn't forget to turn back and ask, "Mother, would you like to come with us for a stroll?"
Her tone was utterly insincere, and her expression completely devoid of sincerity. In response, Meng's mother rolled her eyes and hissed through clenched teeth two words—"Scram!"
Hua Xiaomai was not annoyed but chuckled and walked off with Meng Yuhuai, hustling to the eastern side of the village and taking the newly laid stone path that curved around to the pond.
