In July 2004, Zhang Ziwen had been in military school for only one month and ten days. This day happened to be the weekend, and the heat was unbearable. The scorching sun hung high in the sky, heating the ashphalt road outside the navy academy to the point it seemed to be giving off steam. Ziwen had received two days off as a special favor from one of the seniors at the academy. These days off meant he could enjoy a vast array of delicious food and chilled beers. It meant he could visit the quaint little flower shop again and see the beautiful and tender Li Xiu. Though he hoped to be showered by her endless affection...