By August, the rice harvest began. The eastern side of the village was covered in large rice fields, buzzing with activity. Chen Afu did not allow Chen Dabao to bring Qi Qi, Hui Hui, and Zhui Feng to play there during this period.
Chen Dabao took them to the western part of the village for walks in the morning and the afternoon.
One midday, while Dabao was still writing, Chen Afu returned from watering the fields and saw Shitou struggling to carry a gourd full of milk in one hand, and a small birdcage and a very large birdcage in the other.
He said, "Aunt Fu, these are the houses my uncle made for Qi Qi and Hui Hui."
The birdcages were intricately made, with small wooden bowls inside. The crafty workmanship almost rivalled that of a basket weaver.
Chen Afu's vision was filled with the sight of Shitou's dark face and white teeth, along with Carpenter Wu's loud voice.
Somehow, it didn't seem right to accept his gifts.
