Xin Fat Man plucked a segment of green, sugar and vinegar garlic from the small dish in Zheng Qing's hands, stuffed it into his mouth, crunched a few bites, and then raised his head, looking at the young student with teary eyes. He repeated the question he had asked many times:
"Have you seen my gerbil?"
"Eat quickly, the buns aren't tasty when they're cold." Zheng Qing avoided the question Fat Man cared about the most, muttering vaguely, and then lowered his head, sipping congee in small mouthfuls.
Just then, a thick scarlet curtain behind them was yanked open with a 'whoosh'.
