In the afternoon.
Chen Feng stopped not far from the village market bridge, rolled down the window, and asked the fruit vendor, "How do I get to the township central school?"
"Up that slope over there."
With Spring Festival approaching, the fruit business was doing well. The vendor eagerly pitched his goods. "Going to visit relatives, boss? My fruit's fresh. Look at these Red Fujis, a new variety—big, crisp, and sweet..."
Chen Feng had no intention of buying fruit and casually asked, "Do you know Chen Guiliang?"
The vendor smiled. "Of course I do."
"He's famous?" Sensing there was more to the story, Chen Feng quickly got out and offered the vendor a cigarette.
But the vendor immediately became wary. Avoiding any talk of Chen Guiliang, he instead praised the cigarette. "Jiaozi. Fine smokes."
Chen Feng simply handed over the rest of the half-pack. "Are you related to Chen Guiliang?"
The vendor no longer accepted the cigarettes. "What are you asking about him for?"
Chen Feng made up an excuse. "I'm a teacher at No. 2 Middle School. I'm here doing home visits during winter break."
The vendor smiled but said nothing more.
He wasn't an idiot. There were only two days until New Year's—what teacher would come making home visits now?
With no other choice, Chen Feng took out his press card. "I'm a reporter for the Xihua City Newspaper. Student Chen Guiliang has become famous, and I'm here to interview him."
The vendor stared at the press card for a long while, becoming even more suspicious.
Chen Feng fetched a newspaper from the car, then produced his ID card. "Look at the reporter's name on this article. Does it match the name on my ID and press card?"
The vendor finally smiled. "Chen Guiliang is a good student.