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Chen Yan's hometown, the customs for giving gifts in the countryside are much simpler and straightforward than in the city—not like city folk who, when delivering gifts, have to step inside, sit down, and the host invariably must offer a cup of tea followed by some small talk and pleasantries…
The customs in this place are much simpler.
In the village, households generally don't close their doors, the gates are wide open, allowing people to come and go freely. Those delivering gifts bring things inside, if the host is home, they directly place the items on the table or against the wall, exchange a few polite words, and greet each other.
If the main hall happens to be empty, the gift-giver will shout, wait for the host to emerge from the kitchen or a room, and as long as they meet face to face, they can just place the items down, quickly greet each other, and then turn around and leave.
