Ji Xiu'e was the first to enter the courtyard, but instead of heading for the main hall, she strolled through both the front and back yards.
With a few women trailing behind to bolster her presence, she walked ahead with her hands clasped behind her back, her manner so natural it was as if she were touring her own home.
Ji Huan could only follow along beside them.
There was a village custom where after someone built a new house, everyone would come over in groups to visit. First, to see something new; second, to join the excitement; and third, for what Ma Liugun had mentioned at the village entrance—to bring 'vitality' to the new home.
The homeowners, faced with wave after wave of visitors, couldn't get angry even if they were genuinely bothered. They had to greet everyone with a smile.
Otherwise, it was considered bringing bad luck upon oneself, and they would be criticized by the villagers for "not knowing how to act."
