It was nine o'clock.
The sky had grown darker and darker, and even the moon was hidden behind the clouds.
"Auntie, Uncle, it's getting late. I should head back," Dong Xuebin said after eating and drinking his fill. He checked the time and said goodbye. "You two should get some rest early."
Su's Mom warmly said, "Stay a little longer?"
Su's Dad had enjoyed his drinks as well. "How about another cup of tea?"
Dong Xuebin said, "I shouldn't impose. I'll come again when I have time."
Su Yan added from the side, "Dad, Mom, Secretary Dong still has a lot to take care of."
"Well, all right. Come over for dinner whenever you have time. Treat this place like your own home, and don't stand on ceremony. Next time, Auntie will let you try more of her cooking." Su's Mom smiled.
Dong Xuebin got to his feet with a smile. "All right, then I'll be going."
Su's Dad swayed as he stood up. "We'll walk you out."
"Oh, no. You've had quite a bit to drink too, so don't come out. It's cold outside." Dong Xuebin refused outright. "Just have Xiao Su see me off."
Still, Su's Dad and Su's Mom escorted him to the door.
"Secretary Dong, come by often," Su's Mom said, waving.
Su's Dad also said to Dong Xuebin as he headed downstairs, "If Xiaoyan ever acts thoughtlessly or makes a mistake, feel free to criticize him. Sorry for causing you trouble."
Dong Xuebin chuckled. "Listen to you, it's not that serious. Go on back, you two."
After exchanging pleasantries for quite a while, Dong Xuebin finally came out of the Su family's stairwell. A blast of cold air hit him in the face, sobering him up a little.
Su Yan quickly followed behind him. "Secretary