Rain Is Coming

It dawned on Su Shen that his previous lengthy discourse was not the main point; it was the final sentence that truly mattered.

He served two dumplings to the ever-hungry Su Li, instructing, "Remember to tell your mother that I'll be home early this evening." The winter solstice was as significant as the New Year to him, and he had no intention of working late. He wanted to spend the day with her.

Su Li, engrossed in his delicious meal, nodded without giving it much thought. Wasn't he supposed to be busy? Especially on the day of the winter solstice, shouldn't he be even busier? It wasn't until Su Li was on his way home that he overheard a conversation in the hall.

"Do you know, our boss Su announced early this morning that we're off at four this evening. He wants us to spend time with our wives and children. And it's paid time off! Long live Brother Shen! Long live our sister-in-law! Long live the winter solstice!"