"Oh, truly, why haven't we seen Ms. Cui today?"
"Perhaps she's busy with a man at home!"
A woman covered her mouth, giggling, drawing a round of laughter from those nearby.
Mother Lin quietly cleaned up the bowls and chopsticks without joining the conversation.
Although she disliked Ms. Cui, she did not wish to idly gossip about others. It was enough to listen once and let it pass.
Qiulan and Sun Cui, both clever, just sat there, pinching each other's arms, treating it all as entertainment.
They were well aware that Ms. Cui could hardly bear the sight of them and hadn't refrained from slandering them behind their backs. Now, they could treat themselves to some of her gossip to alleviate their boredom.
"These past few days, she hasn't set up her stall and had no income; she still isn't here today, seems like she's found a new way to make money!"