In the haziness of his dream, Cha Xiaodao remembered the four stiff paws lying side by side on the cool mat, the smoke rings spreading underneath the ceiling along with the ceiling fan, and he had an impression of sparks and crying children.
He slowly opened his eyes, a hint of mustiness hitting his nose. The room contained nothing but a hard bed and an octagonal table, the smooth grey plaster on the walls seemed rather oppressive.
The door creaked open, and Li Yan entered with a broad sword box on his back, his upright figure completely blocking the sunlight at the doorway.
He looked around and laughed, "Of all the rooms for convicted officers to reside in, yours is the worst."
Li Yan found a place to sit, facing Cha Xiaodao who was on the bed.
"How are the Hao couple doing?"
