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Yan Jinsu did not stop them; she just watched a group of burly men eating voraciously with a smile. After they finished eating, they began to make a ruckus, just like a bunch of big kids, joyful and intense.
Having finished her own meal, she pressed down on Xie Jingchen's gesture to accompany her back, smiled and nodded to the seated men and then led the children and family members back to the main house in the rear courtyard.
It was just after the meal, and the Siheyuan had galleries; the group walked back slowly, taking it as post-meal exercise.
Xiaojiu and Xiao Shi had just woken up, energized and delighted that mommy was willing to stroll with them.
Under the eaves hung bright red lanterns, adding a layer of hazy beauty under the moonlight. Yan Jinsu did not hold the children by hand, but let the two siblings hold hands and leisurely observe their surroundings as they walked around the gallery.