Ms. Qian tore off the last piece of pancake she had in her hand, stuffed it into her mouth, chewed slowly, and then swallowed before looking up at Junior Ms.Qian.
The family stared in disbelief.
Old Zhou had returned at some point and was now sitting on the side with his mouth agape, watching his wife as she looked at the eldest daughter-in-law. He touched his smoking pipe and finally said, "Eldest daughter-in-law, go and cook. We'll have pancakes tonight. Make a few extra."
Junior Ms.Qian closed her mouth, "Alright," she responded, and turned to head to the kitchen.
The remaining three daughters-in-law saw this and immediately followed suit.
The room was suddenly left with only the Zhous, including the eloquent Mr.Zhou Si.
Old Zhou turned to his wife and asked, "What's wrong with you?"