Yuan Tan picked up the broom that was leaning against the stove and began to sweep. Lian Manman didn't stand on ceremony with him; she asked him to fetch a rag and draw some water. Lady Zhang immediately started a fire under the stove to heat water.
The water wasn't hot yet when Lian Shouli and Lady Zhao arrived. It was only after Lian Shouxin had gone to find Old Master Lian that they learned he was opening a breakfast shop. They hurried over to see where they could lend a hand.
Coming from a background of hard work, they didn't need to be told what to do—their eyes found work to be done. Lian Shouli grabbed a broom and started sweeping with Yuan Tan while Lady Zhao lit another fire under the stove to help Lady Zhang boil water.
"Dad hasn't come yet?" Lady Zhang asked.
"Dad and Old Fourth went to invite Lizheng and the others," Lady Zhao said.