Baoyu then went out and returned to Hongxiangpu in search of his sisters. Fangguan followed behind, holding a towel and a fan. Just as they were leaving the courtyard gate, they saw Xiren and Jin'wen walking hand in hand back toward them. Baoyu asked: "What have you two been up to?" Xiren said, "The meal is ready. We were waiting for you to eat." Baoyu smiled and told the two of them about his earlier meal. Xiren laughed and said: "I was saying you're like a cat's food— "Although that may be the case, you should still go up there to keep them company and at least make an appearance." Jin'wen poked Fangguan's forehead with her finger and said, "You're nothing but a sly fox!" "What an opportunity to sneak off for a meal!" "How did the two of you manage to make plans together?" "You didn't even tell us about it!" Xiren laughed and said: "It was just a chance meeting; to say that you two made plans in advance is not true at all." Jin'wen said: "If it's like this, then we might as well be useless. Tomorrow, if all of us leave, just let Fangguan stay behind alone—he'll have enough to do!" Xiren laughed and said: "If we all go away, it would be fine; but you can't leave." Jin'wen said: "I am the first one who should go away. I'm lazy, clumsy, have a bad temper, and am useless." Xiren laughed and said: "If the peacock-feather robe's collar is burned again, who will mend it if you leave?" "Don't try to argue with me using all sorts of excuses." "What have I ever asked you to do that made you so lazy, not even picking up a needle or moving a thread?" "It's not even my private work that troubles you. Whether it is horizontal or vertical, all of it belongs to him. Yet you refuse to do any of it. What about the time I was away for a few days and you were so ill you nearly died, yet still risked your life through the night to finish making it for him?" "What is this all about then?" "—you must give me a straight answer!" "Why are you pretending to be silly and smiling at me?" "That doesn't count for much." Jin'wen laughed and spat out a mouthful. While chatting, they arrived at the hall. Aunt Xue had also come and everyone sat down in order to have their meal. Baoyu only took half a bowl of rice steeped with tea, just going through the motions.