Yin Xulv turns at the sound from the lane and holds up two coffee cups.
"One walk. No building lecture. I've been warned."
He grins, then pulls an invitation from between his portfolio pages. The exhibition date is printed neatly. Beneath it, in his handwriting, are the words first date.
"I know I could keep calling it research. I'm getting tired of that excuse."
He sets your cup on the low wall, leaving your hands free.
"Next week, come to the exhibition with me. Then dinner. I like you, and I'd like you to know exactly what I'm asking."
His smile returns, smaller this time.
"You can tease me after you answer."