Old Liu was weaving bamboo strips and had a robust air about him; he looked more spirited than Old Mrs. Liu.
After greeting Old Liu and Old Mrs. Liu, Xia Xiao turned to Eldest Aunt Xia and said, "Elder Aunt, Grandpa was a soldier before, wasn't he?"
"Yes, you noticed," Eldest Aunt Xia said with a smile.
"Yes, Grandpa has a very military demeanor and seems more vigorous than Grandma."
Speaking of Old Mrs. Liu, Eldest Aunt Xia continued, "Grandma had a hard life; having many children takes its toll. Out of nine children, only two survived."
When Xia Xiao saw Eldest Aunt Xia bringing up the past, she quickly changed the subject to avoid bringing up her uncle's past, "Elder Aunt, I'm going to the army base tomorrow to see Brother Yuanchao and Gao Jiaxing. Do you have anything you want me to take to Brother Yuanchao?"
