He instinctively looked around, as though the memories in his mind had suddenly been wiped clean.
Ji Yanzhi had no idea where he was, much less why he had suddenly appeared here. Yet amid his bewilderment, an eerie sense of familiarity crept over him.
Puzzled, he surveyed his surroundings again. Just then, the security door behind him made a sudden noise.
Ji Yanzhi turned at the sound, and a thin middle-aged woman stepped out.
She watched him quietly for a few seconds, then smiled, fine lines creasing the corners of her eyes. "You're here. Thank you for making the trip. Come in."
Despite the woman's unexpected invitation, Ji Yanzhi felt no wariness at all. It was as though he had come here to visit her in the first place.
The security door, its green paint chipped and peeling, gave a long creak before closing with a bang.
Sunlight streamed through the kitchen window. Mop streaks of varying shades lingered on the faded floor, winding their way into the living room.
Ji Yanzhi took in the layout of the apartment. It had two small bedrooms and a living room, and all the furniture looked old, yet the whole place had the clean, warm feel of a lived-in home.
"You sound like you've caught a cold. Would you like some ginger tea?"
Ji Yanzhi disliked the taste of ginger, but something in him could not refuse such care. "Yes, thank you."
The woman went to slice some ginger, and her voice drifted out of the kitchen again. "I've just furnished the south-facing bedroom. You can take a look if you're interested."
Ji Yanzhi entered the sunny bedroom, where a white desk and wardrobe immediately caught his eye. The distinctive smell of new furniture still lingered in the air.
Two equally new duvet