January 23, the 29th of the twelfth lunar month, a little after 6 p.m.
In a luxurious office on the second floor of a tea shop in Citong City, a middle-aged man of commanding appearance was sitting at the head of a multifunctional tea table, making tea. Across from him sat another middle-aged man with thinning hair and a somewhat gaunt face.
Had Xiang Kun been there, he would have recognized this latter man—it was "Brother Chu" Chu Xiuwen, whom he'd met in Tongshi Town.
His visit to Citong City this time had of course nothing to do with Xiang Kun. He was visiting an old friend before the lunar new year.
