In the Chen Family's backyard.
Elder Chen had just emptied a heavy sack of soybeans into the wooden basin beside the stone mill. Bent with exhaustion, he leaned on the millstone, panting heavily as grimy sweat trickled down his deep wrinkles.
His second son's wife hurried over with a bowl of clear water, her voice laced with concern. "Father, please rest. Here, drink some water."
Elder Chen took the bowl and GULP, GULP, downed more than half of it. Wiping his mouth, he asked, "That... that lazy bum? He's still not up?"
He was referring to his disappointing younger son.
Her eyes darted nervously before she whispered, "Not... not yet..."
She didn't dare say more, afraid of angering the old man again.
"Hah!"
Elder Chen let out a heavy sigh and slapped his calloused hand against the cold millstone. "The Chen Family... how did we end up with a creature like that!"
His voice was filled with the weary despair of someone whose hopes have been dashed.
"Father."
