Investigating

Rong City was hit by a rare downpour tonight. Jiang Cheng's studio was in the old part of town, where the drainage system was less than reliable, and the low-lying area in front of the studio had flooded badly.

That afternoon, Jiang Cheng had taken Huai Yi and Fatty to the supermarket to stock up on supplies. The discounts on instant noodles with pickled cabbage flavor were so steep, they might as well have been giving them away, so they bought three cases in one go.

As they were leaving, the supermarket manager approached them and enthusiastically tried to sell them on the more than ten cases still in the storeroom. He asked if they wanted them and said he could offer an even better price.

The manager's fawning smile gave Jiang Cheng a whiff of conspiracy. He promptly turned him down and even asked to return the three cases they'd already bought.

But Fatty wouldn't have it, and Huai Yi insisted he loved that flavor. Jiang Cheng couldn't bring himself to force the issue.

Perhaps because they'd spent so long wandering through nightmares, Fatty and Huai Yi were both enjoying this long-missed leisure time. They each pushed a shopping cart, and when there wasn't enough room, they forced Jiang Cheng to push one too.

Three grown men pushed three of the largest shopping carts around the store, chatting and laughing. They drew plenty of strange looks.

But when it was time to pay at the register, Fatty and Huai Yi stayed far away. Jiang Cheng sighed, silently took out the cash he'd saved up, paid, and left.

That evening, Fatty made a whole tableful of delicious food, with Huai Yi helping the entire time. Jiang Cheng sat on the sofa from start to finish, listening to the rain patter