The meal lasted until after eleven. When Tao Jianshe returned, Xie Yundong and the others pulled him over for a couple of drinks too. Tao Daqiang's child had long since fallen asleep before Li Long and the others finally left.
Li Long was actually still quite clearheaded. He drove slowly back to the Big Courtyard and saw Dad and his eldest brother still chatting by the gate. After he got out, his brother asked:
"How are you feeling?"
"Fine." Li Long smiled. "Only half drunk."
"Then hurry over to the front courtyard and get some sleep. The stove's lit, and the bedding's been aired in the sun. There's water in the kettle on the stove. Remember to drink some."
Li Long answered and went to the front courtyard. After drinking too much, all he wanted was to get to sleep.
As he opened the door in the front courtyard, Li Junfeng came out of the room next door, called out, "Uncle Xiao Long," and came over to help him inside.
"I'm fine. Hurry back. Your wife's due soon, isn't she?" Li Long said. "Go take care of her. I'm fine."
Seeing that he really was all right, Li Junfeng poured him a cup of water, set it on the table, then closed the door and left.
Li Long really was fine. He took off his jacket, reeking of alcohol, and draped it over a chair, then picked up the cup and sipped the warm boiled water. Once he finished, he pulled back the quilt, lay down, and went to sleep.
He woke thirsty in the middle of the night. He did not turn on the light, since he could see anyway, and poured himself some water. Seeing that the fire in the stove was nearly out, he shoveled in another