The cheap clock hanging above the sofa ticked away. Every movement of its second hand seemed to affect Gao Ming's heartbeat.
The Middle-Aged Woman entered the kitchen, and the aroma of cooking drifted through the house. Back when Gao Ming was in elementary school, he had often smelled something similar in the staff housing block when he came home at noon.
His stomach growled. Standing in the middle of the living room, Gao Ming carefully examined every part of this home.
An uneven wooden dining table stood against the wall, with old newspapers wedged beneath its front left leg. A floral tablecloth covered it.
As though to welcome guests, candies, sunflower seeds, and apples had been set out on the tablecloth.
Soda bottle in hand, the chubby boy ran over to the dining table and secretly popped a candy into his mouth. He smacked his lips, still wanting more, then turned his gaze to the apples.
"Perfectly ordinary. Even the candy wrappers look just like the ones sold in stores."
Sunlight shone into the room. Gao Ming shifted his feet and looked at the calligraphy on the wall. It seemed to be Situ An's work. Every character was powerful, upright and steady, with an imposing air.
The aroma of food grew richer, and Gao Ming's frown deepened. This really was Situ An's home, but it was completely different from what he had imagined. He could find nothing abnormal or strange.
"Is home the most precious place in our memories, the one place that must never be sullied? The only room that can remain pure in a tainted life? Is there no danger at home? Only treasured memories?"
Questions filled Gao Ming's head. Before he could work them out, the kitchen curtain lifted, and the Middle-Aged Woman emerged carrying freshly cooked