1
The idea of buying an audio system quickly took root in Rui Xiaodan's mind, growing rapidly like a seed and blossoming within a matter of days into a full-fledged desire. She had never imagined that someone as rational as herself would become so obsessed with a sound system, losing all control. She didn't even know whether it was a psychological reaction or the soul searching for a place to rest. She wrestled with this internal conflict, torn between desire and reason, caught in a cycle of constant struggle.
She found two justifications to defend the purchase: first, she had over fifty thousand yuan in savings, which was more than enough to afford it; second, the audio system was necessary for her spiritual and cultural life. However, the immense psychological barrier before her was the question: what social class could actually afford such an extravagant purchase? For someone like her, it seemed like indulgence.
In the end, her defenses crumbled completely under the pressure of her own psychological needs.
She plunged into researching audio systems, neglecting her work and even abandoning the task of finding a house for Ding Yuanying. For over a week, she took the CD of The Flower of Heaven and visited every audio shop in the old city, repeatedly listening and comparing, hoping to get the best sound quality for the least amount of money.
But in these stores, she still didn't find a sound system like Ding Yuanying's, let alone discuss the prices. Many of the salespeople even doubted whether she was a serious buyer, responding with a cold indifference that made her feel embarrassed.
The audio market had become a battlefield, with too many shops and brands, and the quality varied greatly, making it feel like stepping into a minefield. For consumers who were new to this field, lacking knowledge of audio equipment, distinguishing between good and bad was difficult, and resisting the persuasive sales pitches was almost impossible. Fortunately, Rui Xiaodan had a clear idea of what she wanted in terms of sound quality, and she wasn't swayed by the distracting sales tactics.
After leaving the stores again and again, her understanding of audio systems deepened. She learned to distinguish between Hi-Fi systems and home theaters and became familiar with terms like "rich," "powerful," "smooth," "pure," "deep bass," and "sharp treble." She was now practically an audio enthusiast, and this realization made her aware that the system she was after was likely something she would never find in the old city.
Despite not having made a purchase, her work was deeply affected. During this week, her police car was parked outside a different audio shop every day, and everyone in the audio community knew that the woman driving the police car was the one who was looking for an audio system she couldn't find in the city. Even when questioning suspects or attending case analysis meetings, her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of audio systems. In case records and interrogation notes, there was always a reference to audio systems.
She had used her police car for personal errands and neglected her work in pursuit of an audio system. In the end, she paid the price. For the first time in four years, she made a mistake at work, and it was due to her obsession with purchasing an audio system.
2
That afternoon, a routine meeting was held by the Criminal Investigation Team. Normally, such meetings would be led by the head of the team, but today the director himself was presiding, indicating that something important was at hand. Twenty or so key detectives were seated around an oval conference table, the atmosphere tense and serious. Some listened intently, while others flipped through their notebooks, ready to answer the director's questions. Every time the director paused, there was a complete silence in the room.
Rui Xiaodan sat at the back of the room, further from the director, holding a pen in her right hand and resting her left hand on her notebook, her head slightly lowered as she took notes. However, her mind was far from the meeting; instead, it was consumed by thoughts of audio systems. In her mind, there were speakers, CD players, preamps, power amps, decoders, power supplies, cables, and audio cabinets—along with their brands, quality, prices, colors, and appearances… all the equipment and the sound effects they produced when paired together...
The director continued to speak, his tone growing more severe: "...This clearly shows that there are still problems in our work, and we haven't fully resolved the case. Take the September 13th bank explosion and robbery case, for example. Although we've solved over 300 cases, arrested over 700 criminals, and dismantled several criminal gangs, what does that mean? You may argue that the case is closed, but in reality, it's far from resolved. While most of the criminals have been caught, the three main perpetrators—Huang Fuhai, Wu Jianjun, and Liu Dongchang—are still at large, and the three million yuan in stolen money may never be recovered. This means our conclusion is incomplete."
The September 13th bank explosion was part of a series of crimes committed by the violent criminal gang led by Huang Fuhai. Known as the "Devil King," Huang's gang originally engaged in arms smuggling before turning to violent bank robberies and cash transports. From May 1994 to April 1996, a series of violent crimes shook the old city. The method was always the same—explosions and firearms. These cases sparked widespread public anger, and the media was highly critical of the police. Many jokes mocking the police circulated in society.
The director summarized and evaluated the recent criminal investigation work, and then changed the subject: "Now let's talk about Rui Xiaodan. During work hours, she drove her police car from one audio store to another for over a week. Even the interrogation records and case files contained references to audio systems. The severity of this issue is obvious. So tell me, what exactly is the criminal investigation team supposed to be doing? The bureau has already decided to issue a formal reprimand, suspending her for reflection. The decision has been made. Now, I'd like to hear her explanation."
By this time, Rui Xiaodan had completely zoned out, lost in the world of audio systems. When a colleague sitting next to her noticed she was daydreaming, they gently nudged her with their foot and whispered, "The director asked for your response." She snapped back to reality, quickly stood up, scanned the room, and looked at the director. Without thinking, she said, "The director has identified the core issue, and the analysis is thorough and logical. I fully support the director's plan of action."
Before she could finish her sentence, laughter erupted in the meeting room. Realizing her response was out of place, she awkwardly glanced at the director and quickly sat back down.
The director, clearly frustrated, coldly said, "Rui Xiaodan, stay behind. The meeting is adjourned."
Everyone else left, leaving only the director, the head of the Criminal Investigation Team, and Rui Xiaodan in the room.
The director, in his fifties, of medium height with a balding head, thin frame, and sharp eyes that seemed capable of seeing right through someone, picked up the document containing Rui Xiaodan's disciplinary action and handed it to her. His gaze, intense and unwavering, seemed to search for any sign of understanding in her.
Rui Xiaodan took the document titled Decision to Suspend Rui Xiaodan for Reflection and read it quietly. She had been formally reprimanded, suspended for 15 days for reflection, required to write a self-criticism, have half a month's salary deducted, and lose her annual bonus and qualification for awards for six months. She silently set the document down, placing her gun, handcuffs, badge, and car keys on the desk.
The director casually picked up her gun, checked it briefly, and set it back down.
Rui Xiaodan spoke up, "Director, may I leave now?"
The director, clearly done with the conversation, waved his hand dismissively. As she walked out of the office, she heard him mutter under his breath, "Incredible."
3
Ruixiaodan exited the police station and stood to the right of the spacious area near the gate. Her eyes lingered on the adjacent parking lot, while the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze filled her ears. On the broad avenue in the heart of the ancient city, pedestrians strolled leisurely, and vehicles moved in an orderly manner. The breeze was soft, and the leaves of the towering poplars gleamed in the sunlight, creating a serene painting of summer's charm.
Ruixiaodan was naturally blessed with striking beauty and a graceful figure. Her fair, smooth skin resembled polished jade, while her large eyes, adorned with long, mist-like lashes, shone with crystalline brilliance, radiating intelligence. Her jet-black, glossy hair flowed elegantly. She wore a light blue washed cotton shirt with rolled-up sleeves, revealing slender arms, paired with well-fitted dark jeans and simple, comfortable casual shoes. The understated elegance of her outfit accentuated her already captivating charm with an air of transcendent grace.
After a moment, a red Santana sedan emerged from the parking lot and stopped beside Ruixiaodan. Ouyang Xue stepped out of the car and said, "Done with the meeting? Your turn to drive. I've never been to that shop."
Ruixiaodan got into the car, saying, "Let me use the car for the next half month; I've got the time now." After getting in, she handed Ouyang Xue the suspension order and then drove onto the avenue.
Ouyang Xue glanced at the document and remarked, "Xiaodan, you're obsessed."
Ruixiaodan remained silent.
The car drove for about ten minutes before stopping in front of a shop called Elegant Sound Hi-Fi Audio. Ouyang Xue immediately noticed a large sign next to the shop's entrance that read: "For Sale."
Inside, a sparse selection of audio products—speakers, power amplifiers, and CD players—was on display. Most of the shelves were empty, presenting a bleak picture of struggling business. On the wall directly facing the listening area was a bold line of red text: "Vowing to Fight for Perfection to the Last Man Standing," evoking a sense of tragic determination.
The shop owner, Ye Xiaoming, was in his thirties, with a fair face and ordinary glasses. His demeanor balanced the sharpness of a businessman with the refinement of a scholar. At that moment, he was repairing an amplifier, and the coffee table was cluttered with multimeters, soldering tools, and other electronic parts. The room carried the distinct smell of rosin and solder.
"Boss, I'm back," Ruixiaodan greeted as she entered.
"Come in, have a seat," Ye Xiaoming said warmly, setting aside his work. Confidently, he added, "I knew it. After visiting every audio shop in the city, you'd still end up here. I'm the only one in town specializing in pure music Hi-Fi systems. The sound quality you're looking for is simply unattainable with typical home theater systems."
Ruixiaodan smiled in agreement and sat on the sofa. Ouyang Xue, visiting for the first time, casually browsed the shop's audio products.
Sitting across from Ruixiaodan, Ye Xiaoming's expression turned serious. "I still recommend the Legend flagship speakers paired with the Srek pre-amp and amp and the Selinda signature CD player. This combination is recognized by experts and enthusiasts alike as the best setup in the ten-thousand-yuan range. Legend is the top Hi-Fi speaker brand in China, and its flagship model is a masterpiece. The tweeters are imported from Germany, and the bass drivers use patented automatic cooling technology, capable of handling the most demanding dynamic ranges without ever burning out. These speakers cost 3,900 yuan but deliver sound quality that rivals any Western brand priced at tens of thousands—a fact acknowledged across the audio world."
At that moment, Ouyang Xue pointed to some photos on the wall and interjected, "Boss, is this the company you're talking about? Lin Yufeng is the chairman."
Ye Xiaoming said admiringly, "Yes, that's him. Lin Yufeng is a legendary figure in China's audio industry."
Ouyang Xue smirked. "Quite arrogant and domineering."
Ruixiaodan asked, "Why?"
"Listen to what he said," Ouyang Xue replied, reading aloud, "'Legend's company banner will always bear just six words: Attack, attack, attack.'"
Ruixiaodan laughed, "That's bold, indeed."
Ye Xiaoming confidently added, "Choosing the Legend flagship is absolutely worth it. You've listened to this setup repeatedly; the sound quality speaks for itself. If someone goes through life without hearing this kind of sound, what's the point of living?"
Ruixiaodan replied, "I decided to buy a sound system after hearing one at a friend's place. I've visited every audio shop in the city but haven't heard anything like it. The simplest solution is to replicate my friend's system. Since you're the expert, I'd like you to come check it out and assemble a matching setup for me."
Ye Xiaoming said with certainty, "No need. I know every serious audio enthusiast in this city and their setups. It's all in your head; you've likely idealized the sound because of the environment. This happens to everyone at some point."
Ruixiaodan responded firmly, "Maybe. But if you're serious about this deal, that's the only way to do it."
After a moment of hesitation, Ye Xiaoming asked, "Is your friend wealthy?"
"Yes," Ruixiaodan confirmed. "But what does that have to do with you selling audio equipment?"
Ye Xiaoming explained, "You've seen for yourself; Hi-Fi audio doesn't thrive here. Low-end systems dominate. I'm already selling the shop. If this is a genuine high-end order, it might be worth my while. May I ask, approximately how much does your friend's system cost? What's your budget?"
"That system is worth tens of thousands. My budget is 40,000 yuan. The issue isn't money—it's whether you can replicate it exactly."
Ye Xiaoming, now intrigued, confidently replied, "There are fewer than twenty setups in this city priced over 30,000 yuan, and I know them all. I may even know your friend. Rest assured, I can source anything you want."
Ouyang Xue, impatient by now, said, "Then let's go."
Ye Xiaoming grabbed his keys, locked the shop, and got into the car with them.
As soon as the car started, Ouyang Xue said, "Drop me off at the shop first. Who knows how long this will take. The store's about to get busy, so I won't go with you."
Ruixiaodan agreed, "Alright. I'll join you for dinner after I'm done."
They dropped Ouyang Xue at the Venus Hotel and then drove with Ye Xiaoming to the Nancun residential area. Stopping below Ding Yuanying's building, the two of them went up to the fifth floor.
On the way up, Ye Xiaoming remarked, "I haven't been to this place; I probably don't know them."
Ruixiaodan knocked on the door.
Moments later, the door opened. Ding Yuanying greeted them politely, "Miss Rui, please come in."
After entering, Ruixiaodan said, "Sorry to bother you, Mr. Ding. This is the owner of an audio shop I've invited to look at your system. I'd like to buy a matching setup. I hope you don't mind."
Ding Yuanying replied, "Not at all. Please, make yourselves at home."
As soon as Ye Xiaoming stepped inside and saw the sound system, he froze, stunned. He remained standing, his face a mixture of awe and disbelief. Approaching reverently, he inspected every detail, carefully touching the smooth surfaces and lightly tapping the speaker cabinets.
After thoroughly examining the setup, Ye Xiaoming asked, "Mr. Ding, may I listen to it?"
"Of course," Ding Yuanying replied, powering up the system.
As Sarasate's Zigeunerweisen filled the room, Ruixiaodan felt her soul electrified and submerged, her heart trembling with awe. This was the sound she had been desperately seeking—vivid, moving, pure, and expansive.
After the music ended, Ye Xiaoming stood in silence, seemingly unwilling to leave.
Ruixiaodan asked, "Got a good look?"
Ye Xiaoming snapped out of his reverie. "Yes, I've seen everything clearly."
Ruixiaodan stood and thanked Ding Yuanying, "Mr. Ding, thank you. We'll take our leave now."
Stepping forward, Ye Xiaoming said, "I'm Ye Xiaoming from Elegant Sound Hi-Fi Audio, not far from here. If you have time, please visit my shop. Also, could I borrow Mr. Ding's Mutter violin record for a few days? I promise to return it promptly."
Ruixiaodan thought, This shop owner is sharp—already working to build rapport.
"Sure," Ding Yuanying replied, handing over the record.
Elated, Ye Xiaoming said, "Thank you so much. We'll be going now. Goodbye."
Before leaving, Ye Xiaoming shook Ding Yuanying's hand again and then departed.
4
Ruixiaodan drove Ye Xiaoming back to his audio shop. She had been waiting the entire ride for him to say something, but Ye Xiaoming remained deep in thought, his expression intense and focused.
As they neared the shop, Ye Xiaoming suddenly drew a sharp breath, his face lighting up with realization. "Oh my goodness," he exclaimed.
Ruixiaodan asked casually, "What's up?"
"I just figured it out!" Ye Xiaoming said, his voice animated. "He combined two complete sets of components into a single enclosure. That's why there are eight terminals, and that's how he can drive it like that. Incredible!"
Ruixiaodan blinked, puzzled. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Ye Xiaoming chuckled. "It's all audio tech stuff. But still, you've got a good eye—you know quality when you see it."
When they arrived at the shop, Ye Xiaoming got out to unlock the door, and Ruixiaodan followed him inside.
Placing the Mutter violin record carefully on the coffee table, Ye Xiaoming said confidently, "You're not really friends with this Mr. Ding, are you? Just acquaintances. You don't truly know him. This guy's a real audiophile—absolutely not your average person."
Ruixiaodan thought to herself, Is my ability to read people worse than his? She asked, "How can you tell?"
"It's simple," Ye Xiaoming replied. "You don't understand audio or its intricacies. Just like writing reflects the writer, an audiophile's sound system reflects their personality—their culture, their demeanor, and their financial standing."
Ruixiaodan tilted her head. "Go on."
Pointing at a Legend flagship speaker, Ye Xiaoming explained, "Take this speaker and compare it to his. Both use 5-inch drivers, and their cabinets are of similar size. But this speaker has one woofer, one tweeter, and four terminals. His? Two woofers, two tweeters, and eight terminals. Essentially, it takes two pairs of regular speakers to equal just one of his. That's why he needs two preamps and four power amps to drive it. As far as I know, no manufacturer anywhere in the world has ever produced something like this. They probably haven't even thought of it."
Ruixiaodan asked, "What does that mean?"
Patting the speaker, Ye Xiaoming said, "Let me put it this way. The pinnacle setup for driving this speaker is one preamp and two power amps. Mr. Ding's system? It looks like a single setup, but it's actually two top-tier configurations working together. It's not just a matter of doubling the equipment; it's a reflection of vision, of grandeur."
Ruixiaodan smiled. "So, are you saying people without vision or grandeur aren't worthy of listening to his system?"
"Not exactly," Ye Xiaoming said with a grin. "But your budget won't cut it. You'd need to add at least another zero after that 40,000."
"You mean another few thousand, or do you mean 400,000?"
Instead of answering immediately, Ye Xiaoming went to the back room. He made a couple of calls to dealers in Beijing and Guangzhou, jotting down notes as he listened. When he came back, he said, "I called to confirm a few things—it's my duty to be thorough with clients."
Ruixiaodan asked, "And the verdict?"
Ye Xiaoming replied, "KTA is one of the most renowned speaker brands in the world, with over fifty years of history. A pair of KTA 47 speakers sells for 58,000 yuan—no question about it. Mr. Ding's speakers are effectively two pairs of KTA 47s. Even if you calculate just the components, the cost would be at least 100,000 yuan."
"One pair of small speakers, 100,000 yuan?" Ruixiaodan was stunned.
Ye Xiaoming picked up a power strip and said, "He uses two Arna audio power supplies. Think of it like this—like a glorified version of this strip. One Arna power supply costs 21,000 yuan in Guangzhou and 23,000 yuan in Beijing. A domestic one, on the other hand, costs 400 yuan. Even the best domestic models don't go beyond a few thousand."
"A power strip that costs 20,000 yuan?" Ruixiaodan looked incredulous.
Setting the strip down, Ye Xiaoming scanned his notes. "His CD player is Arna's top-tier split model, priced at 60,000 yuan. Each Arna preamp costs 40,000 yuan, and each power amp is 50,000 yuan. Adding the cables, I'd estimate the total cost at no less than 450,000 yuan. Even with inside connections, it'd still be at least 400,000."
"My God," Ruixiaodan murmured in disbelief, finally understanding why Ye Xiaoming had been so shocked earlier.
Ye Xiaoming added, "My whole shop isn't worth more than 100,000 yuan. I'd have to sell it four times over to afford a setup like his. Even if you wanted to buy it, you wouldn't come to a small shop like mine. And his speakers? Definitely custom-made. You wouldn't find them on the market—not even the KTA 47 components."
Ruixiaodan felt deeply embarrassed. Standing there, neither leaving nor staying seemed appropriate. Her confidence was shaken. The longing in her soul, the mental agony she had endured, and even her suspension from work—all of it had culminated in such a bitterly ironic realization. If Ding Yuanying had sensed her intentions that evening and said "400,000" instead of "a few tens of thousands," none of this would have happened.
Even as she understood why Ding Yuanying had downplayed the price—to avoid showing off in front of a woman—she still silently cursed him in her heart: Smug little jerk!
But Ruixiaodan was someone who had weathered many challenges in life. Her mental fortitude allowed her to quickly regain her composure. She faced reality and calmly asked, "Can I buy the Legend flagship components?"
Ye Xiaoming nodded. "No problem. I'm still an authorized dealer for Legend."
Ruixiaodan said, "If we replicate Mr. Ding's setup using Legend flagship components and Srek preamps and power amps, do you think it's feasible to build custom cabinets?"
After some thought, Ye Xiaoming said, "Plenty of audiophiles build their own cabinets to optimize sound quality. The exterior finish won't match professional standards, but if you're okay with a rougher look and can give me a bit more profit, it's doable. I'll need a skilled carpenter, though, and it'll take some trial and error to get the cabinet volume just right."
Ruixiaodan said, "I don't know the technical details, but you can replicate the design, can't you? Both Legend flagship and KTA 47 use 5-inch drivers. Just match the driver placement, dimensions, and panel thickness to Mr. Ding's setup. I don't care if the finish isn't perfect."
Ye Xiaoming asked, "What's your budget?"
"You're the seller. You tell me," Ruixiaodan said.
After some calculations, Ye Xiaoming said, "Here's my offer. I'll sell you the equipment and speakers at cost price—every penny accounted for—and charge 4,000 yuan for labor. I guarantee you'll be satisfied. It's more work for me, but I'll earn some money and try out new techniques. If you agree, I'll need a 1,000-yuan deposit upfront."
Ruixiaodan nodded. "Deal. Draft a simple contract, and I'll come by tomorrow morning to sign and pay the deposit."
Ye Xiaoming said, "Great. It's a deal."
Ruixiaodan turned to leave. "Then I'll take my leave."
"Wait a moment," Ye Xiaoming called after her.
Ruixiaodan stopped.
Picking up the Mutter violin record, Ye Xiaoming said, "I don't know if you're truly friends with Mr. Ding, but he's definitely going through something tough right now—something big. I just thought you should know."
Ruixiaodan frowned slightly. "What makes you say that?"
Handing her the record, Ye Xiaoming said, "Take a close look at this record."
Ruixiaodan examined the cover and the back but found nothing unusual. When she opened it and looked at the record itself, she noticed a private seal with the characters "Yuanying." She remembered seeing the same seal on Daughter of Heaven.
As she looked at it, Ye Xiaoming brought out several records from his own collection, opening them one by one. Each bore the same "Yuanying" seal.
"These all came from Solitary Island Record Shop," Ye Xiaoming explained. "The shop owner is an audiophile, too. Familiar customers pay 80 yuan per record; retail is 100. They've been selling these for over six months. People in the circle wondered where he got so many collectible records. After seeing Mr. Ding's collection today, I realized the truth. If Mr. Ding's name is Ding Yuanying, then these were his. Marking records with a personal seal means they were cherished possessions. No one would sell them unless they had no other choice."
Ruixiaodan's heart sank. Tears nearly welled up in her eyes. Could Ding Yuanying be in such dire straits that he had to sell off his beloved record collection?
This revelation changed her perception of Ding Yuanying. She recalled Xia Yawen's words: "With my intellect, I can't understand someone like him."
Smiling faintly, she thought to herself, This guy sure has some character.
5
Ruixiaodan left the audio shop and headed to the Nancun residential area. Her emotions were a tangled web of guilt for failing to properly care for her guest and an unexplainable anger that burned quietly within her.
When she reached Ding Yuanying's door, she knocked harder than usual. The sound of her knock was subtly different, perfectly conveying her irritation.
When Ding Yuanying opened the door, Ruixiaodan was about to say, "How could you…" but the words stuck in her throat. How could you what? That question mark was too subtle, too nuanced, a feeling that couldn't easily be put into words.
Ding Yuanying, unsurprised by her irritation, noticed that she didn't seem inclined to come inside. Standing at the doorway, he softly said, "I'm sorry, I…" His voice trailed off as he struggled to find the right words.
Ruixiaodan shot Ding Yuanying a heavy glare, then turned on her heel and walked away in silence. It wasn't until she reached the third floor that she heard the soft click of his door closing.
She returned to the Venus Hotel.
It was still early for dinner, and most of the parking spaces in front of the hotel were empty. Ruixiaodan parked her car, grabbed the keys, and walked into the hotel. Not spotting Ouyang Xue, she went straight up to the second floor.
The second floor had six luxury private dining rooms, and farther in was the general manager's office. A rear door in the office connected to Ouyang Xue's living quarters. At that moment, Ouyang Xue was in her office scolding a duty manager. Ruixiaodan didn't interrupt. She went into Ouyang Xue's quarters, put down her handbag, kicked off her heels, crossed the carpet to grab a can of Coca-Cola, then sank into the sofa, casually tossing her car keys onto the coffee table.
After taking a few sips of the cold soda, she felt significantly refreshed.
Before long, Ouyang Xue came in, changing into slippers. "Did you finalize the audio system?" she asked.
Ruixiaodan sat up, placed the soda on the table, and replied, "Yes, but not that system—I can't afford it."
Ouyang Xue sat across from her. "Four thousand wasn't enough?"
Ruixiaodan lit a cigarette, pulled an ashtray from beneath the table, and recounted everything that had happened that afternoon.
When she mentioned the sound system cost over 400,000 yuan, Ouyang Xue frowned in irritation. "What's with that guy? Is he messing with you? The suspension, the docked pay, the bonuses—who's supposed to take responsibility for that?"
Ruixiaodan exhaled a puff of smoke. "What does that have to do with him? I brought it on myself."
When she got to the part about Ding Yuanying selling his record collection, Ouyang Xue gasped. "What? Seriously?"
When she finished recounting the events, Ruixiaodan sighed apologetically. "He's struggling that much, and I didn't know a thing. How am I supposed to face Yawen about this later?"
Ouyang Xue shrugged. "Honestly, what difference does it make even if you know? At most, you'd mention it to Xia Yawen."
"If he wanted help, would he need us to tell Yawen? Besides, Yawen was only his former employee. If he really wanted to reach out, I doubt it'd be her he'd turn to for a favor."
"So, what's your plan?" Ouyang Xue asked.
"I'll invite him to dinner," Ruixiaodan said after a moment. "I'll find a few cultured people who can drink well to join us. That way, he won't feel disrespected, and I can combine my apology and frustration into one gesture. We'll figure out the rest after."
Ouyang Xue laughed. "Drink until we drop? Not a bad idea!"