"Heading back tonight?"
Xu Ling'an placed the peeled garlic on the cutting board, then picked up the scallions to peel, hesitating a bit before replying honestly, "Grandfather thought I went shopping with my cousin, but we went our separate ways as soon as we left. If she doesn't like me, why pretend to be close? It makes everyone uncomfortable."
Gao Lan saw through it, "That's just to show your grandfather. After we eat, you can nap and then head back. It's a bit far to your grandfather's place from here, and it gets dark early now. It's not safe to be out late."
"Okay. I'll come pick you up early the day after tomorrow."
Gao Lan's eyes crinkled into a smile, "You'll have to wear that outfit you bought for me, right? Grandmother remembers. By then, I'll be all dressed up to send our An'an off to report!"
Xu Ling'an lingered at home until after four in the afternoon before heading out.