Xiao Tian winced in pain, clutching his head and looking wronged as he got into the car with me. I drove with Xiao Tian, heading to Tangze Source according to the address Mei had provided.
This was the furthest supplier from Mingqing Teahouse; it took us a good 40 minutes to get there. After parking, I told Xiao Tian, "When we go in, just say you want to buy two barrels of spring water. If they ask what it's for, say it's for drinking. Remember, don't let them know where you're from, got it? Also, don't let them handle the delivery—just say you drove here."
Xiao Tian didn't understand all the intricate details, but he obediently nodded, "Don't worry, Wen, I've got this little task covered," and then he went inside.
I sat back in the car, opened the trunk, and lit a cigarette.
