While Xia Xu let his thoughts wander, noon arrived.
He had specifically had Yang Bowen and the others look into Zhang San's habits, so he did not have to wait long before Zhang San came out of the Political Science and Law College to get lunch.
However, he did not approach him directly. He waited until Zhang San had walked some distance from the campus gates before stopping him as though by chance.
"Hello, could you tell me if the Political Science and Law College is just ahead?"
Xia Xu acted as though he were asking for directions.
"That's right. That gate up ahead is the entrance."
Zhang San was a middle-aged man with an upright face and thin-rimmed glasses. He had both a scholarly air and a hint of roguishness, an appearance that easily left an impression.
He was a fairly helpful man. After answering, he looked Xia Xu over and asked, "Are you... looking for someone?"
Xia Xu looked quite young, obviously too young to be a teacher or anything of the sort, but it was not the time for new students to enroll either. That was why he asked.
"That's right, but I'm not looking for anyone in particular. I just wanted to find a teacher from the Political Science and Law College."
Xia Xu had only intended to find an excuse to strike up a conversation. He had not expected Zhang San to be so accommodating, and immediately took the opening to state his "purpose."
"What a coincidence. I'm a professor at the Political Science and Law College."
A faint smile appeared on Zhang San's face. "What can I help you with, young man?"
"You're a professor at this Political Science and Law College?"
Xia Xu showed just the right amount of surprise, then asked happily,