On the afternoon of June 27th, Rui Xiaodan visited Ding Yuanying just before dinner.
As soon as Ding Yuanying saw her, he politely invited her inside.
The nearing July heat made the room even hotter. Rui Xiaodan confidently sat on the sofa in the east room, placing her bag on one corner. She apologized, "Mr. Ding, I was rude the other day. Please forgive me. I've been busy with the audio system and haven't had time to look for a new place for you. I'm sorry."
Ding Yuanying sat on the other side of the corner sofa and replied amiably, "No problem. This is fine as it is."
Rui Xiaodan said, "I've ordered a sound system using Le Sheng flagship components and Slec amplifiers, modeled after your setup. Do you think this configuration will work?"
Ding Yuanying responded, "Le Sheng is the top Hi-Fi brand in China, and their flagship components are top-notch. Slec is also a highly respected brand, often called the Rolls-Royce of audiophile equipment. Your configuration is excellent. Just make sure the speaker enclosures aren't too large to avoid false low frequencies since the original sound's volume is already sufficient."
Rui Xiaodan laughed, "I've never seen 'the Rolls-Royce of audiophiles' mentioned in magazines, but I often see 'the Rolls-Royce for the poor.' Mr. Ding, there's no need to avoid anything. The more you beat around the bush, the more you remind me that I'm not wealthy."
Ding Yuanying felt a bit embarrassed.
Rui Xiaodan continued, "Besides the speakers, I'd like to replicate your audio rack. I'll need to visit you again for this. If you don't mind, I'll bring them over to take a look someday."
Ding Yuanying said, "Sure. If you need it, I still have the original blueprints and data stored on my computer. You can take them as a reference."
Rui Xiaodan was delighted, "You still have those? That's great!"
Ding Yuanying said, "It's just a little hobby of mine." He then turned on his laptop, found a disk, and quickly copied the blueprints and data onto it.
Rui Xiaodan checked the time and immediately called Ye Xiaoming to arrange to bring him the disk. She said over the phone, "I'll come by with Mr. Ding later. If you have any questions, you can ask him directly."
After hanging up, Rui Xiaodan sincerely said, "Mr. Ding, I'm here today to invite you to dinner. I've already made a reservation and invited a few cultured friends to join us. There's no other meaning—just that I was rude the other day, and a meal together would smooth things over."
Ding Yuanying earnestly replied, "I'm the one who's been troubling you all here. I should be thanking you. I can't accept this invitation. I'll treat you all another time."
Rui Xiaodan then took out the "Notice of Suspension and Reflection for Rui Xiaodan" and handed it to him, saying, "I know it's hard to invite you, but maybe this will work?"
Ding Yuanying took the notice and read it:
Notice of Suspension and Reflection for Rui Xiaodan
After investigation and verification by the Discipline Inspection Commission of the Ancient City Public Security Bureau, it has been determined that Comrade Rui Xiaodan of the Criminal Police Brigade neglected her duties, used a public vehicle for personal purposes, and seriously derelicted her duties due to personal audio system purchase issues. The following disciplinary actions are imposed:
Public criticism, requiring a deep written self-examination.Suspension for 15 days for reflection.Half-month salary suspension, six-month bonus deduction, and disqualification from annual awards.
Ancient City Public Security Bureau Discipline Inspection Commission
June 23, 1996
After reading, Ding Yuanying thought for a moment and said, "Alright, I'll go with you."
Ding Yuanying's calm tone felt more like, "Alright, I'll indulge you," to Rui Xiaodan, which made her feel a sense of condescending tolerance.
Rui Xiaodan put the disk into her bag, stood up, and said, "I'll wait for you downstairs." She then left.
Ding Yuanying took 2,000 yuan in cash and a pack of cigarettes and followed her downstairs.