A series of abrupt "putt-putt-putt-putt" noises came through the air, startling the various birds by the lakeside that were foraging into sudden flight.
The noise went on for some time before a distinctive rural vehicle, a walk-behind tractor, came into view, slowly making its way along the small path by the lake, cutting through the undergrowth.
Anyone who hadn't seen a walk-behind tractor with their own eyes could never truly understand that this machine, not notably expensive or aesthetically pleasing, could be so impressive.
Now, Old Niu's son, Niu Ben, drove one of these tractors, appearing slowly along the rugged path in the morning mist.
In the tractor's cargo bed, on the left were Secretary Qu and Old Niu, on the right were Yan Fei and Xu Xiaoyan, and sitting at the very back was Secretary Qu's follower. Everyone on board, swaying and lurching with the motion of the bed, was blissfully amused.
