Next to the Villeurbanne Market was a French restaurant. In its early years, business was terrible. Later, it was changed to sell soy milk and fried dough sticks, and business gradually picked up. Ji Shenyu was currently sitting on a leather sofa, admiring the fresh flowers and a candlestick on the table, and eating fried dough sticks with pickled vegetables. His appetite was as complicated as his mood.

Ding Hanbai said, "During the period of invasion, this place was a hotel opened by a Frenchman, called the Villeurbanne Hotel. Later, the Material Market didn't change its name, and business was good. Many foreigners came here to trade, and it had the most foreign goods. As for this restaurant, the owner changed a few years ago, but nothing else was altered. It just became a Chinese restaurant."

Ji Shenyu listened quietly to the history lesson, finished a bowl of soy milk, and then left with Ding Hanbai, clutching the last of his savings. Customers came and went in the market. Besides those selling materials, there were also many shops selling finished products, which were well worth a look.

Ji Shenyu stopped in front of a display window, attracted by the exquisite crafts inside. "Senior Brother, are these all foreign antiques?" he asked, turning his head. "Or are they reproductions?"

Ding Hanbai said, "Reproductions, but the workmanship and materials are quite good."

In the window was a pure white round table, on which sat a pair of Baroque Gilded Multi-arm Candelabra and a Renaissance Style Silver Tea Set. Seeing Ji Shenyu's focused expression, Ding Hanbai asked, "Like it?"

Ji Shenyu touched the glass, leaving a fingerprint. Beautiful. He liked it.

"Then buy a cup to take home for tea." Ding Hanbai's philosophy was extremely simple: if you like it, buy it. Ji Shenyu was more considerate: "Everything at home is Chinese-style, it wouldn't match. I'll come back to buy it when I live in a villa."

Ding Hanbai asked, "And when will you be living in a villa?" He thought to himself, 'He dawdled for so long just to leave the house this morning, counting his little stash of money over and over. A villa? He should be living in a dormitory building.'

He had a natural air about him that revealed his thoughts even without speaking. Ji Shenyu glanced back at him for a moment and saw through his silent complaints. They wandered around, all communication gone, and he didn't know if the offer of a bracelet was still valid.

There was a small shop specializing in Chicken-Blood Stone. The sight of intermingled crimson and milky white was magnificent to the extreme. The small red and white figurine Ji Shenyu had given Jiang Caiwei was like this, only more translucent, and thus its colors were a bit weaker.

Jiang Caiwei had fair skin; such a color would definitely look beautiful on her. He wanted to ask for Ding Hanbai's opinion, but Ding Hanbai spoke first, "Chicken-Blood Stone is not bad. Use this to make one for me."

Ji Shenyu had no choice but to ask, "How about I make a pair, one for you and one for Auntie?"

Ding Hanbai looked as if he'd swallowed a fly. "It's not like we're siblings or mother and son, why wear a matching pair?!"

It was all because Jiang Caiwei was young, making Ji Shenyu feel she wasn't an elder, but more like an older sister. He focused on selecting, first choosing a piece for Jiang Caiwei. Then, thinking that Ding Hanbai was a man, he hesitated over the ratio of red to white.

"Senior Brother, do you really want Chicken-Blood Stone too?"

"I want Chicken-Blood Stone." Whatever Jiang Caiwei used, Ding Hanbai had to use it too.

Ji Shenyu thought for a moment. "Then I won't make a bracelet for you."

A nameless fire rose in Ding Hanbai. "I didn't want one in the first place, make it or don't. You just wanted to trick me into taking you shopping, chauffeuring you around and even treating you to breakfast. You haven't moved into a villa yet, but you're already putting on the airs of a young master. Chicken-Blood Stone? I wouldn't care to wear phoenix blood."

This rapid-fire barrage stunned Ji Shenyu. He stood frozen, clutching a palm-sized piece, unable to figure out what Ding Hanbai was yelling about for a long time. "I... what did I do to you?" He felt quite wronged. "I just thought the Chicken-Blood Stone was too red, and a bracelet wouldn't suit you, so I thought of carving a seal instead... If that's not okay, fine, but why are you so angry?"

Ding Hanbai had spoken too hastily, completely misunderstanding him. Now, having lost all face and substance, he blushed, a once-in-a-century sight. He took out his wallet, intending to buy back his dignity with money. "Boss, the bill."

Ji Shenyu didn't let him off. "I have money. Someone like you would be thrown into Slender West Lake to drink its water in Yangzhou."

As they continued to browse, Ji Shenyu truly started acting like a young master putting on airs, showing Ding Hanbai only the back of his head. Whatever Ding Hanbai asked, he pretended not to hear. When Ding Hanbai tried to make conversation, he just sneered repeatedly. The two of them were like actors in a play, and the final curtain fell only when they finished shopping and headed back.

Ding Hanbai started the car. "I want to eat zhajiangmian."

Ji Shenyu countered, "I want to eat sashimi."

Ding Hanbai sighed, gripping the steering wheel. He had figured it out. He couldn't bring himself to admit he was wrong, and he couldn't coax the other person, so he might as well just keep butting heads. It might even be satisfying to argue back and forth. Of course, the main reason was that he disliked sashimi and had no intention of giving in.

He turned off the engine and got out. Ji Shenyu stared at the noodle shop's sign, his anger deflated. Once inside, seated and ready to order, he was dazzled by the dozen or so types of zhajiangmian. He had never actually eaten it before and had imagined it was just noodles slathered in sauce. How could there be so many kinds?

"These are called toppings. Just pick a few you like." Ding Hanbai turned to the waiter. "Soybeans, Yunnan ham, cucumber, cabbage, and beauty heart radish. Rinse the noodles in cold water three times. Half a sweet-skinned duck, cold-dressed asparagus, and four pieces of hawthorn cake."

Ji Shenyu parroted, "Soybeans, Yunnan ham, cucumber, and sashimi."

The waiter quickly said they didn't have sashimi. Ding Hanbai didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Overwhelmingly hungry, he couldn't be bothered to argue. They were both silent while waiting for the food, and even more so once it arrived.

In a shallow, wide bowl, Ding Hanbai used his chopsticks to stir, mixing the sauce and noodles until they were indistinguishable, tossing the toppings until their original colors were obscured. He then added a piece of sweet-skinned duck, and with that, his masterpiece was complete. He pushed it in front of Ji Shenyu.

He silently grabbed the other bowl, mixed it, and finally began to eat. At home, he and Ji Shenyu sat next to each other; now, they each occupied a corner of the table. After eating with his head down for a while, the slurping sound next to him grew louder. A glance from the corner of his eye revealed Ji Shenyu's face was a mess.

Ding Hanbai felt guilty; Ji Shenyu hadn't eaten well last night and was already starving. The first bite tasted endlessly delicious. He had thought it was just a bowl of black, murky noodles, but he hadn't expected it to be so fragrant yet refreshing. Once he started, he couldn't stop. After his initial hunger subsided and he slowed down, he picked up another piece of sweet-skinned duck. His mouth was now black with sauce and shiny with oil. Reaching for the tissue box, he found it was empty.

"Waiter—" he didn't finish.

Ding Hanbai had finally found a chance to break the ice. He reached out and wiped the mess from Ji Shenyu's mouth, his fingertip now stained black and oily. Taking advantage of Ji Shenyu's daze, he said in a low voice, "Make up with me."

After the tissue box was refilled, he pulled one out to wipe his hand. When he was done, his arm dropped below the table, his knuckles slightly curled. It seemed even the fine lines on his fingertips were astonished at how soft those lips were, afraid that the slightest pressure would break the skin.

Returning to his senses, he continued eating. An asparagus spear had appeared in his bowl. His peripheral vision was too good; he saw Ji Shenyu's silent, probing glances with perfect clarity. He lowered his eyes and asked, "Someone like me, would you really throw into Slender West Lake to drink its water?"

Ji Shenyu changed the subject again. "What should I carve on the seal? How about 'Flowers Blooming in Wealth and Honor'?"

Ding Hanbai scoffed. "Tacky."

"Then how about 'Spirit Monkey Offers Longevity'?"

"My birthday is over."

"The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove?"

"Carving seven people on a palm-sized stone? Is this the land of Lilliput?"

Ding Hanbai's retort silenced the other, and he too quieted down and continued eating his noodles.

On the way home, while waiting at a red light, Ji Shenyu saw an old woman selling yellow paper on the corner. He had been happy and angry today, and now a wave of sadness was brewing. Ding Hanbai followed his gaze, then pulled the car over and told him to go buy two packs.

For the rest of the trip, Ji Shenyu held the yellow paper and paper ingots. As they neared home, he asked, "Master is buried in Yangzhou. Will this be of any use?"

Ding Hanbai said, "You think all the people far from home don't pay respects to their ancestors? Tomorrow night, find an intersection, burn it, say a few words, and Master Ji will receive it." After saying this, he thought for a moment. He had no social engagements after work tomorrow, so he could take him.

But Ji Shenyu said, "Then I'll ask Auntie to take me, and I'll ask her if she prefers a bangle or a bracelet while I'm at it."

Ding Hanbai changed his tune. "...Mm, do as you see fit." He felt like he'd been fired again. He took a deep breath, told himself to smile—what was wrong with enjoying some peace and quiet? Pulling out the key and getting out of the car, he let out a breath and finally couldn't hold it back, cursing, "Ungrateful brat."

The next day, everyone went to work. Jiang Caiwei agreed to Ji Shenyu's request, and they planned to go burn the paper at night. Ding Hanbai was always unhappy on workdays. With a sullen face, he ignored everyone and pocketed a bottle of Maotai before leaving.

Jiang Shuliu stopped him. "Why are you taking a bottle of liquor to work? Are you planning to get drunk?"

Ding Hanbai said, "I'm giving a gift to my superior. I want to be a team leader."

He knew best how to deal with his mother. He broke free and ran off, riding all the way to the Cultural Relics Bureau, and worked all morning with the hidden liquor. During his lunch break, he immediately took off. 57 Chongshui Road. He had brought the liquor; he was going to see the real Ge Ware Small Incense Burner.

The winding hutongs made him search for a good while. Although the courtyards were dilapidated, the smell of cooking wafting out was fragrant. When he finally found the right gate, Ding Hanbai took a deep breath and yelled, "Collecting junk—! Collecting old range hoods—!"

Before the echo could fade, Zhang Sinian rushed out, clutching a steamed roll. "Which son of a bitch is stealing business from my doorstep?! Bullying a disabled person, I'll report you to the Disabled Persons' Federation!"

Taking a closer look, he saw Ding Hanbai standing at the door holding a bottle of Maotai, looking like a profligate young master visiting the needy masses—one part concern, nine parts disgust. This young master strode in, glanced around, and curled his lip, regretting not having arranged to meet outside.

Zhang Sinian turned and went back inside. "Stop being so squeamish. The worst that can happen is you take a couple of showers when you get home."

Ding Hanbai followed him in. The furnishings inside were old, but it was tolerably clean, unlike the yard full of scrap. He sat down at the table, naturally opened the liquor and poured it, clinked glasses with the other man, and drained his.

"Want a piece of fermented bean curd to go with the drink?"

"Isn't there only shredded potato here?"

Ding Hanbai noticed the Hundred Longevity Vase on the table. He watched as Zhang Sinian reached his chopsticks inside and fished out several pieces of fermented bean curd, dripping with a sour and spicy sauce and dotted with finely chopped chili... He was stunned. This was a hundred-thousand-yuan vase! Used to hold fermented bean curd!

The key point was, with such a terrible living environment, what the hell was he doing being so extravagant?!

Zhang Sinian said, "The things that Six-fingered Liang makes are only fit for this."

Ding Hanbai didn't know who Six-fingered Liang was, but he knew how to provoke someone. "Regardless of what it's fit for, you still couldn't tell if it was real or fake."

Slamming his chopsticks down, Zhang Sinian felt his weak spot had been hit, and he wished he could roar a couple of times to vent his anger. He hadn't locked the inner room. He went in to rummage for the Ge Ware Small Incense Burner. Ding Hanbai followed, his footsteps stopping at the doorway, his breathing halting along with them.

Zhang Sinian said, "Some are real, some are fake. Pick one, I'll give it to you. It's up to your luck."

Ding Hanbai didn't like to take advantage of others, nor was he in the mood to. He asked, "Who are you?"

Zhang Sinian replied, "We are fated to meet, but our relationship hasn't reached that point. No comment."

A small incense burner was thrust into his hands. If he hadn't caught it securely, it would have shattered. The other man didn't seem to care in the slightest; it was only something worth ten or twenty thousand, just a token for good fortune. Ding Hanbai looked it over and confirmed it was genuine, but the other items in the room dazzled him.

Their relationship wasn't deep enough. If it were, perhaps there would be another story waiting for him?

"I should get back to my unit." He put down the small incense burner and, before leaving, filled Zhang Sinian's glass to the brim. Zhang Sinian took a big bite of his steamed roll and asked if he wasn't going to pick an item before leaving.

Ding Hanbai said, "No, I'll pick one next time I come."

Next time, their relationship must be deep enough.

The day was cool and refreshing, and the evening was a bit chilly. Ji Shenyu minded the shop at the Jade Pavilion. After returning home, he waited eagerly for the evening, to burn the paper offerings. But Jiang Caiwei didn't come back on time. He waited by the stone table until half-past eight.

Ding Hanbai was busy for a while in the machine room. After turning off the lights and locking the door, he walked from the South Room to the North House and saw that Ji Shenyu was still waiting. He took a shower and came out, and saw Ji Shenyu was still waiting. He went to the study to draw until eleven at night, and when he was ready for bed, he saw Ji Shenyu was, unbelievably, still waiting.

He really couldn't stand it anymore. "Did you two plan to go burn paper in the middle of the night? Aren't you a bit too bold?"

Ji Shenyu said, "Auntie isn't back yet. She said she had to work overtime at the newspaper office."

At this, Ding Hanbai started to worry about Jiang Caiwei. He grabbed the car keys, ready to go pick her up, but received a call from her just before leaving. He came out of the room and said, "Auntie called. She said she's too tired today and is sleeping at the staff dormitory. She's not coming back."

The lightbulb was too bright, leaving Ji Shenyu's disappointment with nowhere to hide. Ding Hanbai stood at the door like a human display stand. If Ji Shenyu asked him for a ride, he would trouble himself to take him, but he wouldn't offer first.

Who isn't tired after work? Why should he have to be the backup plan and be the one to eagerly offer?

"Senior Brother, can you..." Ji Shenyu began, "Can you lend me the bicycle key? I'll just find an intersection myself, burn the paper, and come back quickly."

Ding Hanbai made something up. "It has a flat tire. Why don't you take the car?" He found it strange. Why did this person always go against his train of thought?

Ji Shenyu was sixteen; what car could he drive? He finally asked, "Are you willing to take me?"

Twenty minutes later, Ding Hanbai had taken Ji Shenyu to an intersection where no traffic police were on duty. There were few pedestrians at this hour. Under a streetlight, they took out the yellow paper and paper ingots, lit them, and huddled together as if warming themselves by a fire.

Ji Shenyu's eyes were incredibly bright, but his gaze was a little dull, a little lost.

"Dad," he called out. After calling, he was silent for a long time. "I've been thinking of you, but there's nothing I can do. I don't have a home in Yangzhou anymore. Please don't blame me."

Ding Hanbai diligently added more paper ingots. "Master Ji, he's doing well at my house. You can rest assured."

Ji Shenyu only said that one sentence, then stared at the flames until they turned to ash. He wasn't an expressive person. Burning paper offerings between heaven and earth, in front of someone else, he couldn't say anything more. He just thought silently in his heart, hoping that Ji Fangxu would receive it.

After they finished burning and cleaned up, they sat in the car, shrouded in darkness. Ding Hanbai keenly heard Ji Shenyu sniffle.

'Is he crying?' he thought.

A moment passed in silence. Ji Shenyu looked at him. His cheeks were clean, but his eyes were moist; he had forced his tears back. Ding Hanbai unbuckled his seatbelt, turned slightly toward the other, and asked, "How about a hug?"

Ji Shenyu, tough on the outside but soft on the inside, said, "What's there to hug about? We just burned some paper, it's not a funeral."

Having lost face again and again, Ding Hanbai reached the end of his patience. He slammed the car keys onto the center console. "I'm hugging you anyway!" With a sweep of his long arm, he pulled Ji Shenyu into his embrace, holding him by the waist and back, pressing the back of his head. The other's nose bumped against his chin, cold, and his lips faintly brushed against his neck, as soft as ever.

Ji Shenyu struggled but couldn't break free, cursing "psycho" and "bastard," repeating these two words over and over.

Eventually, he grew tired. His arms dropped, and he closed his eyes. He mumbled, "Thank you."

Ding Hanbai should have said, "You're welcome," but for some reason, his mind went blank, and he ended up saying, "It's nothing."