In the early 1990s, deep in the mountains of the north, Qingshi Village was a genuine "paradise on earth." At dawn, a thin mist lay over the green mountains like a sheer veil. Streams babbled through the hills as if singing an ancient ballad, while the birds were busy holding their own "concert." Just looking at the scenery, you couldn't ask for anything more beautiful. It was like a natural landscape painting. But when people lived in the picture, things took a rather unexpected turn. Qingshi Village was named for the green stones found all over the village. It was small, with several dozen households scattered about. Most of the homes were
