Just as Wen Ning was chatting with Grandma Li, a man's voice came from the doorway.
He was around thirty-five or thirty-six and wore a dark blue polo shirt.
He walked in briskly, his gaze landing first on Grandma Li before quickly sweeping around the shop.
"Mom, what are you doing here?"
At the sound of her son's voice, Grandma Li's shoulders visibly tensed.
She hurriedly rose from her chair, moving a little too quickly, and bumped her knee against the corner of the coffee table. She merely grimaced without making a sound, then bent to pick up her floral cloth bag.
But her son had already scooped it up.
His movements were efficient. He held the bag in one hand and reached out with the other to support his mother's arm.
"Mom, I've got your room ready. Come back with me."
As he spoke, the man glanced around at everyone in the shop again. His gaze finally settled on Wen Ning, and he nodded by way of greeting.
Grandma Li turned and gave Wen Ning a smile.
It was a smile she forced onto her face, as though she were telling him, See? My son's here. I'm doing just fine.
"I'll be going now, boss. I'll come by again when I have time."
Wen Ning rose from his chair, his smile as bright as ever.
"All right, Grandma Li. Take care. Come sit with us whenever you're free. There's always someone here."
But Grandma Li said nothing more. She simply nodded, then slowly left the shop with her son supporting her.
Wen Ning stood in the doorway, watching mother and son disappear around the street corner, one behind the other.
Only after they were far away did Wen Ning turn and slowly walk back inside.
Lu Ming was clearing