"Take a rest, it's no big deal," he said. "I have good news."
"What?"
"I've been approved for peacekeeping in Africa."
I knew this was his dream, but I could not muster any happiness. It was Africa, war-torn and plagued by epidemics, Black Africa: "How long will you be gone? Which country?"
"Côte d'Ivoire. One year."
"Zuzu, you must be careful."
"Of course," he said. "Fei, what's wrong with you?"
"What's wrong?"
"I've been watching you for a long time. You've got a clouded face, frowning and grimacing, you look like you're about to kill yourself."
"Get lost."
"Hey, I haven't asked you yet, how come you came to Paris on your own without calling me? What are you doing in Paris? It doesn't seem to be because of me, does it?"
At that moment, I remembered what Ode had said. Zuzu's face was in front of my eyes, a young and handsome face, untouched by a trace of hardship, the very picture of an innocent boy.
"Zuzu, it's quite a long story."
"Are you willing to tell me?"
