Qilu, Yantai.
A small house stood in an urban village near the shore, facing the sea. It was a perfect place to take in the view.
In the courtyard, a kindly old woman reclined in a lounge chair. Afternoon sunlight fell across her wrinkled face, making her look especially peaceful.
Not far from her stood Zhao Chenying in a short floral dress that traced her mature, full figure. Her long, straight legs were bare, and a pair of High-Heeled Sandals adorned her feet.
She stood beside the old tree in the courtyard, trimming its withered leaves with bamboo shears. As she worked, she asked,
"Grandma, wouldn't it be better to let these dead leaves fall on their own? Why go to the trouble of cutting them off?"
"Child, raising a tree is like raising a person. If you don't correct bad habits in time, they'll seep into the bones, and eventually even the heart will rot."
The old woman's eyes looked half-closed and her body frail with age, but her mind was remarkably clear.
"Those dead leaves may not look like they're doing much harm up there, but the decay in them can seep down to the roots and rot them. Without roots, a tree has no life..."
She was still instructing her granddaughter when she sensed someone enter the courtyard. Slowly opening her eyes, she spotted Mo Xie.
"Girl, another rascal with designs on you has come calling. This one's the best-looking yet, though."
The old woman closed her eyes again, her voice tinged with mockery.
"Uh..."
Mo Xie had only just stepped into the courtyard. Hearing that, he had no idea how to respond.
Zhao Chenying turned curiously and saw Mo Xie, followed by Jiang Feng. Delight lit up her pretty face.
"Mo Xie! Mom! You're here!"
"Feng'er..."