Wang Xiaoliang saw everyone downstairs.
Huang Xueli and Xiao Mo had their arms around each other's shoulders, clearly heading out for a drink. Wang Xiaoliang knew Liu Xinyu's ways. He would certainly have arranged their meals and accommodations long ago.
A black minivan was parked outside.
This was probably the one that had brought Xiao Mo and Nuomi.
Standing on the steps, Wang Xiaoliang really did look a little like the host now.
Xiao Mo pulled open the door and looked back.
"Brother, we'll be waiting for you to have a drink. Same old place."
The cloth banner fluttering outside that little tavern flashed through Wang Xiaoliang's mind.
He nodded.
"We'll need two chickens. One drumstick won't cut it. I can really eat now."
"Easy."
Huang Xueli walked over and gave Wang Xiaoliang's arm a squeeze.
"By the time you're fully recovered, we should have word from Old Zhou. Then we can really work things out. I'm feeling so confident now."
Wang Xiaoliang looked at him.
"Bro, when are you going to see my new sister-in-law? You should take the initiative. Letting this drag on must be miserable."
Huang Xueli froze. His hand paused in midair for two seconds before he withdrew it.
"All right. I'll try."
Nuomi walked up to Wang Xiaoliang and gently stroked his face.
"Xiaoliang, I really laid into Zijin. She's probably still feeling aggrieved."
Wang Xiaoliang let her pinch his face. The warmth of her hand seeped through, so warm.
"If she complains about me to you, don't say a single word in my defense, hear me?" Nuomi raised her chin. "Anyway, if she's around, I won't show up. As long as you two are doing well, that's enough. She's actually pretty nice. Give her a few more years, and she'll definitely accept me as