The off-road vehicle, subsidized by metal credits, stopped on the quiet street.
He Ao, holding his granddaughter's hand, stood in front of a tightly shut door.
At this moment, Jia Xi had changed into new clothes, swapping her cartoon pajamas and compromise outfit for a white tee, tea-colored shorts, and a set of children's clothing complete with light brown mid-top Martin boots.
These were what He Ao had bought for her on the way over, at a small children's clothing store by the roadside.
Jia Xi had been working out with her grandfather since she was young, and the muscles under her pale, exposed calves, tense in the night, were solid.
A breeze brushed the faces of the young and the old as they waited briefly, but He Ao received no response.
Thus, he stretched out his hand and pressed the doorbell again.
"Who is it?"
This time, at last, there was an answer, a slightly hesitant voice resounded through the intercom.
"Buying medicine."
