On the twenty-fourth day of the First Month, Chen Shu drove Chen Banxia's car to the airport to pick up Professor Chen.
"Where are you staying, Professor Chen?"
"The bureau booked a hotel."
"You're not staying with Chen Banxia?"
"No."
"Not with your best buddy either?"
"No."
"All right." Chen Shu started the car. "What's the hotel called? Where is it?"
"It's not far from the university. Tuanzi Hotel."
"Oh, I know it."
"This is the car your sister bought?"
"Cute, isn't it?"
"It's tiny." Professor Chen sounded unimpressed. "And it only seats two."
"Otherwise, would I be the only one here to pick you up?" Chen Shu glanced at him. "It's a convertible, too. Want me to put the top down and take you for a spin? We'll turn every head."
"No need."
"Haha..."
"Does your sister have classes today?"
"She's teaching one right now."
"Have you found an internship?"
"No. I'm in no hurry, and I'm lazy." Chen Shu yawned. "Besides, I'm not like you. Any stock I buy goes up. Until I'm bored out of my mind, I won't have the motivation to get a job."
"..."
Professor Chen said nothing for the rest of the drive.
The little car made its way to Tuanzi Hotel. Chen Shu accompanied Professor Chen through check-in and helped him carry his luggage. Once everything was settled, they drove to the restaurant. Classes had ended for the afternoon by then.
Chen Shu treated them to Buddha Jumps Over the Wall at the same restaurant Zhang Suannai had taken them to before the new year. There were four of them this time, including Teacher Shi Qian.
Chen Shu had asked for a private room so it would be quieter.
The two old friends were naturally delighted to see each other.
They had