That afternoon, Wen Ning booked the tickets, then let Zhou Guangfu know.
"Sir, the bus leaves at three this afternoon. We'll head out at two thirty. Rest for a bit, and I'll call you when it's time."
Zhou Guangfu nodded, then sat there with his eyes closed, resting.
Feng Dema crouched beside the counter, looking at Wen Ning with a wounded expression and muttering,
"You're really not taking me?"
Lu Ming was packing beside him.
"Stay here and watch the shop. We'll bring you back a roast chicken. Be good, Dema."
"Really?"
"Why would I lie to you?"
Only then did Feng Dema perk up. He stood and brushed off his hands.
"All right, then. Leave the shop to me. Don't worry. I promise I won't slack off or flirt with the customers."
Wen Ning glanced at him.
"Especially that last part. Control yourself."
"I know, I know."
At two thirty, Wen Ning helped Zhou Guangfu out the door.
Lu Ming followed with a bag on his back.
Zhou Guangfu walked slowly. He never complained of being tired, only stopping occasionally to catch his breath.
A little over an hour later, they arrived. At the station exit, Wen Ning found a driver who offered to take them the rest of the way for 180 yuan.
Wen Ning did not haggle. He helped Zhou Guangfu into the car.
After another hour or so on the road, houses began appearing more frequently along the roadside.
The driver looked back and said,
"Huaiyuan Town is just ahead."
Zhou Guangfu opened his eyes and looked out the window at the unfamiliar surroundings.
The car stopped at the entrance to town. Wen Ning got out first, then he and Lu Ming helped Zhou Guangfu out, one on either side.
The car stopped at the entrance