When we arrived at Workers and Peasants Sixth Village, Director Mao welcomed us warmly and asked how we were doing.
"...Ah, you really were unlucky. But it's all right as long as you're okay. Xiaolin, your little sister is okay too, right?" Director Mao asked.
The version Director Mao had heard was the same one we'd told everyone else, the one without any supernatural elements: my little sister had run into the outbreak while visiting the film and television city and called me. We'd gone over to check on her, gotten caught up in the whole thing, and been forced into quarantine and hospital observation.
I thanked Director Mao.
Director Mao bore us no ill will, but Xiao Yao looked pale and kept avoiding our eyes when she saw us. She even steered clear of us as she walked.
Apparently, she was worried we might still be carrying that terrifying "disease."
Director Mao started to scold Xiao Yao, but I stopped him.
It was only natural for her to be worried. There was no need to criticize her for it.
Xiao Yao dashed off to do who knew what. At any rate, she wasn't hanging around our office to watch the commotion like before.
Some residents also came by.
They were just stopping in at the residents' committee office, though. They didn't know we were back at work today.
A few older ladies were surprised to see us.
"Xiaolin, they let you out?" one of them asked.
The wording was a little awkward.
I didn't correct her. I just answered obediently, "Yes. They've tested us several times already, and we're all clear."
The older woman wasn't worried about that at all. She spoke with absolute certainty. "I know, I know. Don't take it the wrong way. The hospitals in Minqing