The next day, mid-afternoon.
The blazing sun was like fire, making the narrow village paths hard and scorching, the cicadas among the branches screamed harshly, and the haystacks on the ridges of fields emitted a dry, fragrant scent.
Hua Xiaomai and Old Lady Meng hurried out from the small eatery and made their way back to the Meng family's eastern courtyard in the village. As soon as they entered, they went straight into the room and brought out the things they had prepared the night before to take to Meng Yuhuai.
"Mother, are you really not coming with me?" Standing in the courtyard, Hua Xiaomai called out to Old Lady Meng's room. The next moment, her forever-ill-tempered mother-in-law staggered out.
"What for? In this sweltering heat, I can't be bothered to wander around. A single move and I'm drenched in sweat. Better to stay home where it's quiet. Besides, I can't talk sense with you and don't feel like wasting my breath!"
