Qiao Mei helped Qiao Qiang back into the house. The people around them all reminded Qiao Qiang to take good care of himself. Auntie Dong brought the few older women into the courtyard.
"Thank you all so much today," Qiao Mei said with a smile.
"Qiao Mei, why are you being so polite to us! We're all neighbors and it's our duty to help one another!" Auntie Dong said with a smile.
Xia Zhe looked at the women chatting happily. It was not convenient for the menfolk, Qiao Qiang and him, to hang around. He patted Qiao Qiang's back gently and said, "Grandfather, let's go in. I'll make you some tea."
Qiao Qiang smiled and said, "Alright, all of you can chat here! Xiao Zhe and I will go into the house!"
"Uncle Qiao, don't you want to talk to us for a while more!" Auntie Wang shouted.
"No, no! I'm old! I have to rest more!" Qiao Qiang said leisurely.
