After the rooster crowed in the Zhang Family Village, every household soon began to have smoke rising from their stoves. When the radio emitted its piercing static sounds, the work reports broadcast was right on time.
The villagers, dressed in worn and patched clothes, gradually gathered from their homes to the fields at the west end of the village. Laughter and banter filled the air among the gathered crowd, while those with good relations took the opportunity to discuss matters in private. Elderly women evaluated their sons and grandsons, and young wives huddled together, whispering in secrecy. Unmarried girls, hearing the men talk dirty, kept their distance, which made some older women laugh heartily.
A few men who were closer formed a group, occasionally bursting into laughter. Not far away, children were running and rushing about everywhere.
