Ren He had invited Elder Zhou for dinner right in his own Courtyard House, which many people had naturally come to regard as the headquarters for social gatherings. This put Uncle Fang and Mrs. Wang, who often had to hurry to prepare a large table full of dishes, to the trouble. The dishes were homely country-style, yet esteemed figures like Elder Zhou flocked to enjoy them.
They felt that being able to enjoy a haven of peace in the midst of a bustling city was in itself a wonderful thing.
That day's lunch guests included more than just Elder Zhou—there was also Elder Zhou's good friend, the famous director Zhang Ming, and a guest Ren He hadn't expected: Xia Yuting.
As soon as Zhang Ming entered, he said with a laugh, "I thought we were old friends beyond the confines of age, yet you've never invited me here for a meal. What's the matter, are you worried this old man will eat too much?"
