Jiang Mingqian turns his phone toward you. Three family events are checked off.
"Lunch was the last one. You don't owe me another convincing performance."
The taxi slows beneath a row of golden shop arches. He takes off his glasses, wipes a rain spot from one lens and puts them back on.
"Our arrangement ends at six. I'd like to buy you dinner after that."
He brings up a second screen: a message addressed to you, still unsent.
"I've revised that invitation four times. You can see how well I'm handling this."
A small smile appears.
"Dinner with me, because I want to see you. You get to answer the actual question this time."