The sky seemed to sense Xiao Man's mood. The stars vanished, and the night became pitch-black. Grandpa lit a lantern and hung it on the front of the cart. As the oxcart ambled along, a sudden downpour began. Thankfully, Grandpa was prepared. He took out two sheets of plastic film, draping one over Xiao Man and the other over his own back, ensuring the two of them wouldn't get soaked.
She had no idea how the people down by the mountain ridge were faring. 'They're government officials, after all. They probably have better gear—big umbrellas, standard-issue raincoats... they should have all that.'
The rain fell harder and harder. Unable to sleep, Xiao Man sat up. In the downpour, the water buffalo actually picked up its pace. They returned to Gongdao Village much sooner than Xiao Man had expected.
Grandpa took Xiao Man home first. Grandma hadn't slept at all. After Grandpa called out just twice, he heard her reply loudly, "Coming, coming!"
