Wood walked aside, somewhat flustered, and answered the phone, but his thoughts were on other matters.
He and his girlfriend had agreed to get married at the beginning of next year, but the situation was growing increasingly serious. They could hardly earn anything from the auctions anymore.
Yet the bills that came due every month would not stop just because he had no income. He still had to pay them on time.
Otherwise, the bank would take his house.
The trouble of not being able to make money, his worries about the future, and the vague inner conflicts that brushed against his moral boundaries had left him extremely irritable.
That was why his tone was rather unpleasant when he answered the phone. "This is Wood."
"You sound like something's bothering you. Perhaps I should call you back later?"
The familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar voice left Wood stunned for three or four seconds. He immediately came to his senses, gripping the receiver with both hands. Turning around, he lowered his voice cautiously. "I'm sorry, Mr. Lin Qi. I didn't know it was you calling, and I didn't realize it right away."
He offered another explanation. "We haven't spoken in a long time."
Lin Qi did not argue with him. "Yes. We haven't had much contact since I sold the company. Are you busy right now? Should I call you back later?"
"Busy?"
"No, no, of course not. It was just..." He glanced back at his companions, who were smoking and drinking in the Living Room, then turned around and continued, "There are just a few dogs barking nonstop. It's getting on my nerves."
It was an excuse. It sounded like a lie, yet it also seemed like the truth.
"I haven't been in touch with anyone else from the company since