Dad Descends
Just as the big Benz approached Yongxing International Airport in Sushan District, Li Bai's phone rang.
Slow down, pull over, stop, answer the phone.
The caller ID showed Old Li. Although Li Bai had been driving fast, the old man had still arrived ahead of his scheduled landing time.
Flight delays were common, so arriving early was nothing unusual.
The old man had made the call from the plane just after landing. If Li Bai drove over now, he could arrive just in time to meet him at the exit.
The pickup area had a tall canopy that kept out the rain.
From a distance, Li Bai spotted Director Li standing by the roadside, leisurely smoking.
Before boarding, lighters had to be discarded during security checks. Passengers could only bring cigarettes onto the plane, but they could pick up lighters left behind when they exited.
Old Li had conveniently picked up an expensive fuel-powered lighter. He smoked while flicking the lighter around in his hand, showing off a few tricks.
The big Benz slowly pulled over beside the curb. Li Bai lowered the passenger-side window and called out.
"Dad! Get in!"
"Wait until I finish this last puff!"
When Old Li saw that his son had arrived on time, a smile appeared on his face. He stopped spinning the lighter in his hand, quickly took one last deep drag, put the cigarette out in the water by the roadside, and casually flicked it away.
The cigarette butt traced an arc through the air and landed precisely in a recyclable trash bin seven or eight meters away.
Remember: cigarette butts belong in dry waste. Don't make people ask you what kind of trash you are.
Old Li had not brought much luggage. Aside from a single twenty-six-inch suitcase and