Aware of their guests' origins from Jiangnan, Qiao Xuan instructed the preparation of light dishes for lunch.
The spread included steamed mandarin fish, tea-flavored shrimp, white-cut chicken, white meat with garlic paste, and sea cucumber with scallions, among others.
As they were about to commence the meal, Zhao Di was conspicuously absent. He had purportedly gone for a stroll in the village, prompting Shao Dalang and Shao Sanlang to retrieve him for dinner.
Upon locating Zhao Di, Shao Sanlang found him engaged in conversation with Fifth Grandma Ding, who appeared animated and pointedly addressing him. Aware of the strained relationship between their families, Shao Sanlang refrained from intervening, simply escorting Zhao Di back home.
Throughout the journey, Zhao Di exhibited an air of smugness, as if he held something over Shao Sanlang. He stole several furtive glances at him along the way.
