When the movie ended, everyone carried their stools and headed home. The children walking the same way home chattered nonstop, rehashing scenes from the movie. The boys were focused on the power of the cannons and machine guns, while the girls lamented the lack of women in the action flick. They were especially disappointed by the absence of beauties in pretty dresses, feeling like they'd watched the movie for nothing.
Xiao Man helped Grandma walk while Liang Xiaoju carried the stools. They both just listened, not joining the boisterous discussion.
Back home, Xiao Man lit the stove and heated a pot of water. She first ladled some out for Grandma to wash her face and feet. She poured the rest of the hot water into an iron bucket, took it to the well, and mixed it with cold water to make two buckets of warm water for washing. Then she called Liang Xiaoju to come out and take a quick bath before bed.
