South Mao, North Ma.

Summary

In the story, Ma Nao and the narrator devise a plan to deal with a water ghost by convincing their grandfather of its reality through a storybook. They plan to use red chopsticks and a talisman to drive the ghost away from their friend, little Fei Zi. After catching fish and shrimp, they successfully persuade their grandfather to believe in their plan. As night falls, they wait for an incident, which occurs when Fei Zi has a violent episode. The boys help restrain him until adults arrive, and the situation escalates as they seek medical help. The narrative explores themes of childhood imagination, belief, and community response to crises.

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