The journey back

Wen Ning had spent five or six days back home. On the morning he was leaving, his mother got up even earlier than usual.

She clattered around in the kitchen on her own, busy with who knew what.

By the time Wen Ning finished washing up, several plastic bags were piled on the coffee table: one bag of braised beef, a jar of homemade chili sauce, two bags of frozen dumplings, and a package of his favorite osmanthus cakes.

His mother kept talking as she stuffed things into the bags.

"Food from outside isn't clean. Homemade food is safer. Remember to put the dumplings in the freezer when you get to the city. Boil a few whenever you want some, and don't keep ordering takeout."

Wen Ning watched his mother pack as though she wanted to send the whole house with him.

"Mom, you've packed enough food to last me half a month."

His mother's hands never stopped. She shot him a look when she heard that.

"What's wrong with half a month? You'll have to come back in half a month anyway, and I'll pack you some fresh food then. Tell me when you've finished it, and I'll mail more straight to you."

After bustling around for ages, his mother finally packed all the food away. Without even looking up, she went on.

"Take care of yourself while you're out there on your own. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner on time, and don't be afraid to spend money."

While his mother wasn't looking, Wen Ning picked up a box of tea he had brought home earlier and slipped out.

He went around to the old locust tree behind the village, crouched down, and knocked on the ground three times.

A moment later, the ground trembled slightly, and a kindly