“Liusu couldn’t bear hearing that phrase “time to eat.” Her heart ached and her throat went dry. Forcing a smile, she demurred.” (120)
Time to eat is what everyone wants to hear, but it has cost a stir for Liusu. It may seem simple but that phrase relates back to an argument between Liusu and Third Master. Liusu was once married but after the divorce she lives with Third Master. Liusu claims Third Master spend all her money. Third Master got upset that Liusu has the audacity to bring up money after letting her stay in the house and providing the necessities. The phrase
” time to eat” makes Liusu uneasy because at this point she is embarrassed to have to eat with her family because she does not make any money to contribute to the family. She is eating and living for free and it isn’t a problem in the beginning because some Chinese culture care more about helping out family and sometimes it is the right thing to do because of relation. But Liusu now knows how Third Master and everyone else feels about her free loading. She forces a smile to hide her emotions or thought. She doubts whether or not she should go eat. She may feel shameful if she does.
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