Late July.
Rain fell over the Jade Capital.
Chen Shu carried groceries in his left hand and an umbrella in his right. He stepped beneath the eaves, closed the umbrella, shook off the water, then pushed open the door.
It creaked.
Rain fell in sheets across the courtyard too. Water had pooled in places, and raindrops peppered its surface with countless tiny craters.
Chen Shu was about to go inside when he spotted a small Dragonfly flying beneath the eaves, low in the damp air.
Hiding from the rain here?
For little insects like dragonflies, flying became difficult once their wings got wet. Usually, they sensed changes in the weather and sheltered under trees ahead of time, then shook their wings dry after the rain stopped before flying and hunting again.
This one must be a little fool.
As Chen Shu thought that, the Dragonfly suddenly beat its wings hard, climbed until it was level with his eyes, and hovered there.
It was a male Blue Dasher, slightly larger than a common Dragonfly. Its body was green, with a beautiful flash of azure where it joined the tail. Its two enormous eyes seemed to be staring right at him.
"Hey..."
Chen Shu grinned and held out his hand.
To his surprise, the Dragonfly actually flew over and landed on it. Then it stayed perfectly still, staring straight at him.
"Interesting..."
Even small animals liked handsome, kindhearted people. Joy, of course.
Chen Shu leaned closer to study it.
He had caught dragonflies for fun as a child. This kind was strong and elegant, with a fierce temperament; it would attack other dragonflies. Catching one had felt far more satisfying than catching the common Red Skimmers or Scarlet Skimmers.
Chen Shu pressed the button on his umbrella handle.
Pop!
The umbrella sprang