The desire to delay his next move tugged at Xu Feng, but in truth, he knew he couldn't afford to put things off any longer.
He had taken a quick "hoe bath"—the kind that left him feeling barely cleaner than before—but still cleaner than before, and dressed in what he could find.
The all-black outfit, complete with comfortable trainers, was far from what he'd normally wear in Dongzhou, but it was practical. It would have to do. He remembered the last fall he spent in Nanshan: cool, but not so bitter that a sweatshirt wouldn't suffice.
He hoped he'd be back before the cold set in too deeply.
Dinner with the Feng trio felt almost ceremonial.
It was a bit more elaborate than the meals they'd shared on the road, a small celebration of sorts. The food was good, but Xu Feng could barely taste it. His mind was elsewhere, too filled with anticipation and nerves to appreciate the flavors. Even the warmth of the soup barely registered on his tongue.
