Jiang Siya had made porridge, a few small side dishes, and a fried egg for each person, along with sliced steamed buns fried golden brown on the outside. The five of them sat around the table. Fan Qishan ate the most comfortably, picking up a slice of fried bun with his chopsticks, taking a bite, chewing a few times, then sipping some porridge, all at a steady pace.
The others were not doing so well.
Hermit Yimu sat opposite Hu Yang, raising his chopsticks and lowering them, then lowering them and raising them again, his gaze constantly drifting toward Hu Yang. Hu Yang stared at the porridge in his bowl, stirring it with his spoon for ages without taking a single mouthful. Jiang Siya put an egg in his bowl, but he did not react. She added some side dishes, but he still did not react. Jiang Siya set down her chopsticks and looked at him.
Wang Xiaoliang sat in the corner, his eyes darting around, looking at Hu Yang one moment, Hermit Yimu the next, then Fan Qishan.
The meal was far too quiet.
So quiet that Jiang Siya finally could not help touching Hu Yang's arm. "Not feeling well?"
"I'm fine." Hu Yang gave that brief reply, picked up his bowl, and took a sip of porridge.
Hermit Yimu opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but in the end, he only picked up his bowl.
After breakfast, Hu Yang stood up and told Wang Xiaoliang, "We've booked our flights. We're heading off." Without explaining further, he walked out. Jiang Siya followed, smiling at Wang Xiaoliang.
Hermit Yimu kept watching until Hu Yang's figure disappeared through the doorway.
Once Wang Xiaoliang had finished clearing up and washing the dishes, he walked into the living room.
"I'm leaving too."