Dajiao Village got its name because there's a mountain shaped like a big foot.
It's not too far from the Ningbei City District. After you leave downtown, you take a bus for another hour and you're there. But the road isn't finished, so it's bumpy the whole way, shaking Xu Nian'an so much he almost threw up his breakfast.
Xu Nian'an kept asking for directions as he walked, and finally found Ban Chuan's house.
If he hadn't chatted with Ban Chuan before and known the exact spot, then kept asking the villagers on the way, he might not have found Ban Chuan's home at all. It's right at the foot of the mountain, an old, shabby house with a fenced yard, and a few chickens pecking for food inside.
"Ban Chuan? Is Ban Chuan home?"
Xu Nian'an called out loudly.
"Who is it?" From inside the house, a girl with braided hair ran out, wearing a faded cotton-padded jacket, cheeks flushed red, and clear, bright eyes. Seeing her, Xu Nian'an felt like a huge weight had been lifted from his heart.
