In the blazing midsummer heat, Juhua sat by the door shelling pods while gazing out at the scorching sun. It seemed to bake the green mountains and clear waters until they drooped listlessly. 'I wonder if that threshing machine works well,' she thought. 'If it keeps breaking down, we might as well just use a threshing bucket.'
Xiu had given Juhua a small calico kitten, a fluffy little ball of fur. Now that it had grown a bit, it loved to nestle by Juhua's feet and rub against her legs. At that moment, the kitten was staring at the swallow's nest under the eaves, its fur standing on end. It bared its teeth defensively, letting out a soft, immature growl.
Juhua glanced up to see a swallow blocking the entrance to its nest, chirping sharply. It looked so leisurely and content, as if its high perch made it completely unconcerned with the creature below.
