The chapter ends with Granny Wei asserting her place, Xing Xing settled, and the rain saving the crops. It’s a satisfying mini-arc. The next few chapters will probably deal with the family adjusting. I’m curious how the other children will treat her.
2 The space being filled with trash initially was a nice touch. It didn’t just give her a clean, empty palace. It gave her garbage. That feels more realistic and adds a task of cleaning and discovery. It also makes the space feel older and more lived in, like an abandoned apartment.
The baby's eyes being one cloudy white like a dead person's and the other with a dark gold pupil is such a creepy detail. And the way the baby wasn't crying at first, just staring blankly - that's nightmare fuel right there. I'm not usually into supernatural stuff but this hooked me immediately.
The humor is very self-aware without being obnoxious. Ralph catching himself slipping up with Japanese words, the slapstick cooking chaos, and Anna's constant exasperation all work together perfectly. It never tries too hard, which makes the jokes land cleanly.