The meal was over.
The plates had been emptied. The beef plate was the cleanest-not even a strand of the shredded scallions underneath remained.
Liu Xinyu's mother smiled the whole time she cleared the table. Only then did Wang Xiaoliang notice how much healthier she looked. She seemed more energetic, too, and was definitely prettier than before.
The three of them headed out.
Just as they reached the door, Fu Zhaojun called out.
"Xiaoliang, your packages have been piling up. Property management has called several times. I'll have them bring everything up for you later."
Wang Xiaoliang turned his head. "Okay. Sorry for the trouble, Uncle Fu."
Fu Zhaojun waved a hand, but his gaze passed over Wang Xiaoliang to Fan Qishan up ahead.
"Qishan."
Fan Qishan didn't turn around.
"Someone wants to see Xiaoliang. Is now a good time?"
Wang Xiaoliang's steps faltered.
Someone wants to see me?
Who?
Someone high up at Chengyou?
A friend?
I have been missing for a month, after all.
He turned to Fu Zhaojun, hoping to find a clue on his face. Fu Zhaojun wasn't looking at him. His eyes stayed fixed on Fan Qishan's back.
Up ahead, Fan Qishan kept walking.
"Fine."
One word. No explanation, no backward glance.
Wang Xiaoliang wanted to ask more, but Fan Qishan had already gone outside.
"This afternoon, then."
It wasn't far back.
But Wang Xiaoliang walked slowly. After lying in bed for an entire month, both legs felt rusty. How could they recover that quickly?
Hermit Yimu walked beside him, hands behind his back, deliberately shortening his steps to match his pace. The old man had eaten his fill and was in an excellent mood, humming some unidentifiable tune.
It actually sounded pretty good.
Wang Xiaoliang smacked his lips.
He had wanted to ask this