Two days later, Xiao Xiao received a call from Father Hua.
"Student Xiao."
"You're really hard to get ahold of."
Father Hua's voice came through the phone with a rueful chuckle.
"I found your number on the visitors' log at the security desk."
Before Xiao Xiao could ask, Father Hua offered an explanation.
"Sorry for only calling you today, Student Xiao."
"I was wondering if you had any time today."
"We'd like to treat you to a meal."
The silence on the other end made Father Hua tighten his grip on his phone nervously.
He was clearly just a young man.
But the other party's mystery made it impossible to take him lightly. It even inspired a faint sense of awe.
The unknown always made people more apprehensive.
"All right."
Xiao Xiao accepted Father Hua's invitation.
Father Hua let out a sigh of relief. "Great."
"Now, Student Xiao, where are you?"
"I'll come pick you up."
Xiao Xiao declined Father Hua's offer.
After letting his family know, Xiao Xiao took a taxi to the residential complex where the Hua family lived.
He got out and looked up, immediately spotting Father Hua standing at the entrance to the complex.
Unlike the drab, gray look he'd had the last time they met, Father Hua now stood straight-backed, his complexion rosy. The worry and gloom had left his face, and his relaxed features seemed to glow with vitality.
His brows lifted slightly, and he quickened his pace.
"Student Xiao."
Father Hua greeted him with a warm smile.
"Uncle Hua."
Xiao Xiao's lips curved. "You're too kind."
"What's there to be kind about?"
Father Hua waved a hand. "You're my son's benefactor."
"Come on, Student Xiao. Get in."
"It's still a bit of a walk from here to my building."
Xiao Xiao