Underneath the fragrant, golden-blossoming osmanthus tree on the front lawn of the [Gu Family Flying Courtyard Star-Cruiser], a row of polished mahogany chairs had been set out on the soft green grass.
Behind the brass tripod of the [Rank 7 Spirit-Crystal Portrait Camera], seventy-year-old Grandpa Fu carefully adjusted the focus lens with his single good eye. Meanwhile, Grandpa Yao held up a golden Pill-Fire reflector dish to make sure the sunset lighting was warm and even, and Auntie Qin stood by with a comb and a lint roller.
“Alright, young masters, stand in your assigned spots around the Master and the Young Madam!” Grandpa Fu called out joyfully, his hand resting on the shutter bulb. “Remember, this crystal portrait is going to hang right in the center of the main hall above the dining table. We’re printing eighty billion small copies for the commemorative family stamps on Planets 1 through 40!”
The five children—fresh from the hot-spring waterpark and dressed in their cleanest, sharpest outfits—happily scrambled into position around the two center chairs.
Twelve-year-old Gu Nian stood on the right wearing his favorite bright Yellow Bunny Apron over a crisp blue martial tunic. Thirteen-year-old Ye Xiao stood on the left in his pressed scholar’s robe, adjusting his round spectacles. Ten-year-old Su Nuannuan and nine-year-old Jiang Tuntun stood right in front holding their pink watering can and giant wooden rice spoon, while chubby three-year-old toddler Little Fifth (Ao Xing)
