This is a village nestled against the hills. "Wu Lang, quick, quick, wash your hands!" Old Lady Gao, who lived opposite the Liang family, emerged from her home carrying a big basin full of buns. She looked across to the opposite side and saw what had once been a decrepit courtyard transformed into something brand new and much expanded in size. Wu Lang, Liang Yuening, had been back in the village for quite a few days now. This man, who used to have a chilly but handsome face, was always fiercely countenanced and had an explosive temper. Yet, after being away for a year, upon their return, the once green and youthful lad seemed much changed. But at night, he liked to sit on the roof, staying there the entire night, looking rather silly. Liang Yuening held a brush, with a wall in front of him. Just as he was about to apply some white powder to the wall, he heard Old Lady Gao’s calling voice. A smile appeared on his face, "Aunt Lin, time to eat!" "Alright, coming now!" After Aunt Lin responded, a crowd of people filed out from the Liang family courtyard one after another. One year later, the village remained just as it had always been, as if the passage of a year had left no mark on the village or its inhabitants. Oh—there were still some changes, like Aunt Lin, who had put on weight, growing quite round; the Lin family had added a new member, a baby boy. After Yue Ning returned, he first helped his father tend to the graves up on the mountain and then came back to the village. It was probably because he was used to living in the roomy and clean Purple Garden that upon seeing his own dilapidated house, he was moved to do something about it. In Liang Yuening’s mind, no matter how good Purple Garden was, it was just Purple Garden, not his root, not his real home—only a temporary place to stay. He hoped that one day he could move back, but... Thinking of his wife and then looking at the shabby courtyard, let alone others, how could he let his wife live in such a rundown place? So, the houses were repaired, expanded, the walls were tidied up, black roof tiles and red clay bricks were bought, and now the final touches were being made. Just waiting to paint the walls, let the smell disperse, and then it would be fit for living. Yue Ning walked out of the courtyard, looking back every three steps, eyes brimming with pride, because he was happy! He felt a real sense of accomplishment, truly! Compared to before, Aunt Lin, who had gained at least thirty pounds with a now-rounded chin, cast a cheerful glance at Liang Yuening. Yue Ning, a bit sheepish, scratched his head feeling somewhat uncomfortable. Yet, he couldn’t resist turning back to take another peek at the newly renovated courtyard. Aunt Lin also commented with feeling, "But this house you’ve built really is beautiful with its black tiles and white walls. Us folks in the mountains aren’t like those in the city, without that much fuss, as long as the master is happy. But now, look at the house Yue Ning has built, and then look at my own, sigh..." Old Lady Gao came over with a bag of copper coins, "Wu Lang, my house has been troubling me a lot, you think this money’s enough? Could you help fix mine too?" "Sure!" Liang Yuening laughed foolishly and readily agreed. The others raised their voices in agreement. Aunt Lin laughed, "This kid, has he become addicted to building houses? Hmm... But my house is getting a bit old too, could you give me some advice later?" Yue Ning agreed with several enthusiastic "Sure"s, his head spinning. Building houses was really fun! Just then—"Eh? Horse hooves, there’s the sound of horse hooves!"