In a yard within an alley that somewhat resembled a large cluttered courtyard in Shanghai Xuhui District, Zhong Yuying was washing clothes under a communal faucet. Beads of water covered her face and hands, which sparkled enchantingly in the afternoon sunlight.
Two years had gone by, and Zhong Yuying had grown into a tall, graceful young girl, completely shedding her former rustic air. She did not look at all like a girl who had come from the countryside, but rather like a flower bud on the verge of blooming.
"Yu Ying, could you fetch me a glass of water to drink?" A hoarse and aged voice came from the room on the west side.
"Okay, Grandma, wait a moment."
Zhong Yuying dropped the clothes she was holding, wiped her hands on her clothes, and then hurriedly ran inside.
