Old Wang Came Visiting, Even Though He Didn't Live Next Door!

Early that morning, the doorbell rang again.

Through the peephole, He Qiu spotted a familiar face at once—well, half an acquaintance, at least. He recognized the man: Mr. Wang Dansheng.

But unlike the formal three-person visit last time, he had come alone today, and was even wearing casual clothes.

Only when he opened the door did the young man notice the plain paper bag in his visitor's hand. Even his smile was less solemn than before, more like that of an ordinary neighbor. "Mr. He, sorry to drop in on you again."

He almost seemed like an old friend making a social call.

"It hasn't even been three quiet days! My parents only just went out for their morning exercise, and here you are. You've got people watching this place, haven't you?"

The only person "holding down the fort" snapped at him, but the unwelcome guest took no offense. He merely smiled and lifted the paper bag.

"Aren't you going to invite me in? I brought a gift."

"Yes, yes, come in, Mr. Wang." He Qiu stepped aside, his eyes casually sweeping up and down the stairwell.

"Just call me Old Wang—oh, stop looking. It's only me today."

As though he knew what He Qiu was thinking, Wang Dansheng bent down naturally to attend to his shoes as he entered. Nothing outside seemed amiss, and He Qiu had already brought him shoe covers.

"With so many people here last time, there were things we really couldn't discuss in detail."

Without asking any further questions, He Qiu led him into the living room and offered him a seat.

Mr. Wang set the paper bag on the coffee table. Its opening tipped sideways, revealing the corners of several packets of pastries, all carefully wrapped in waxed paper.

"Nothing expensive. I couldn't keep