Early the next morning, Wen Ning saw Zhao turn into the alley.
Zhao had changed into a different outfit, and Grandma Li was beside him.
Wen Ning brushed the dust from his hands and took a couple of steps forward with a smile.
"Grandma Li, Zhao, you're here."
Grandma Li looked livelier today than she had last time. Her hair was neatly combed and pinned behind her ears with two old-fashioned black hair clips, and she wore a simple short-sleeved floral blouse.
It was clearly one of her good outfits, saved for special occasions.
When she saw Wen Ning, the corners of her eyes crinkled, and she held out the plastic bag in her hand.
"Mr. Wen, I brought you something. Some steamed buns I made myself. Give them a try."
Wen Ning quickly accepted it with both hands. Looking down, he saw six big, plump white buns in the bag, still faintly warm and wrapped in a clean white cloth.
"Grandma Li, you really shouldn't have. Making buns especially for me so early in the morning!"
Grandma Li waved a hand, sounding a little embarrassed.
"It was no trouble. I kneaded some dough when I got up this morning, so I just made them while I was at it. You've done our family such a big favor, and I don't have anything fancy to give you. I hope you don't mind."
Wen Ning put the bag away, setting it carefully on the table.
As he invited them to sit down, he offered Zhao a cigarette. Zhao waved it away.
Grandma Li sat in the chair by the window. Though she still wasn't completely at ease, at least she was no longer so tense.
Wen Ning poured Grandma Li a cup of warm water, sat down across from her, then