The weather grew warmer, and just two days earlier, a spring rain had fallen. Although it wasn't heavy and merely dampened the topsoil, the old farmers were nevertheless very optimistic about this year's harvest prospects.
It was another bright, sunny day, coinciding with the private school's day off, and the Lian Manman family decided it was time to plant vegetables.
The six members of the family planned to start with the small vegetable garden at the old house.
The small vegetable garden was well-established land, having been cultivated for many years. Lian Shouxin took the lead with the iron hoe, tasked with clearing the vegetable ridges. In the small garden plot, Lian Shouxin fixed up six ridges and four furrows. Three were designated for green beans, and three for cucumbers.