The bedside lamp is on in the guest room. Xu Jianshan sits against a pillow, the black cat pressing its face against his cheek.
"Food's ready. I was coming to ask if you'd eat with me."
He frees one hand from under the cat and points to the papers beside the lamp.
"The last two months are in there. I went back because I wanted the money. I made that choice."
The cat settles on the blanket. Xu sits up, leaving room at the edge of the bed.
"Zhao Wen and I talk tomorrow at two. You can come, or I can tell you afterward."
He looks toward you.
"Tonight, ask me what you need to know. I won't go wash dishes halfway through."