Fan Qishan held his cup and took a sip, his eyes on the teapot.
Luo Bisheng turned to look at Wang Xiaoliang, his eyes all but spelling it out-what was wrong with this guy?
Wang Xiaoliang shook his head at him, picked up his cup, and took a sip too. It was a little hot, with a faint hint of tea in it, probably residue left in the purple clay pot. He said nothing, set his cup down, and leaned back.
The three of them sat around the tea table. Water burbled in the pot, and white steam rose from its spout in spurts.
Nobody spoke.
Luo Bisheng looked at Fan Qishan, then at Wang Xiaoliang. His lips moved, but he had no idea how to begin, so he simply stayed quiet.
Fan Qishan lifted the pot and topped up all three cups again. Still no tea leaves.
Wang Xiaoliang had thought Fan Qishan wanted to hear about Luo Bisheng, but after waiting all this time, it turned out the man had no such intention.
Fine, I'll just keep pretending he isn't here.
This was something he had figured out after spending so much time with Fan Qishan-if neither of you acknowledged the other, you could each do your own thing and both be comfortable.
"Bisheng."
Luo Bisheng had been lost in thought. He looked up.
"Anywhere you want to go while you're in Fucheng? I can show you two around these next couple of days, or just toss you the car keys. You and Huanhuan can go wherever you want."
Luo Bisheng waved a hand. "Just show us around tomorrow. The day after, Huanhuan and I will wander around on our own for a day. We can figure out the rest afterward."
"Sure."
"After Huanhuan's birthday..." Luo Bisheng paused,