Qiao Xiaomai was standing alone at the entrance of Anping Village, her hand holding up a bamboo umbrella to shield her from the scorching sun.
The umbrella was given to her by Tong Sanlang. It was made of silk, and there was a wheat field painted on it.
Giving an umbrella, which is punningly known as "sending off" in Chinese, according to the superstitious tradition of the Chinese, is a gift quite inappropriate for couples to give each other.
However, Qiao Xiaomai absolutely loved the wheat field he painted on it, so she accepted it happily.
She had even survived life-and-death situations, so what could a mere umbrella do to her?
All that matters is that she's happy!
Now it was mid-morning, with the sun blazing high in the sky. Village inhabitants were either working in the fields or staying at home. Only she remained alone at the village entrance.
