After the talk with the busybody ghost, Jiang Li led Little Brother He to where his father was transferred. They had to take a cab to go there since only one person was allowed to be in the same transport as the patient. His mother took that spot.
He didn't stay for long. A bit relieved that most of the issues had been taken care of, Mother He showed him a weak smile and told him to go back to the university. Jiang Li nodded, leaving only after telling the two to not overwork themselves and that Father He would surely recover.
"Damn, this tiring day is not yet over." When he got back to the dorms, it was already past 12 pm.
One of the blunders he committed was to not eat anything before leaving the hospital. This could be blamed on him being too distracted by all the talks he had with so many people, a tricky ghost included.
Forgetfulness was really a sly enemy that strikes people from time to time. All his roommates were asleep and there was also no food there. Left with no choice, he went out in his green checkered jacket, bringing only his phone and wallet with him.
'I'm being escorted by a pretty-faced white lady.' Looking at the other shadow next to his, a sarcastic laugh almost escaped out of his lips. He walked for fifteen minutes before finding a food stall still doing business at this ungodly hour.
"Hello, handsome lad. What would you like to order?" asked the smiling scrawny boss. Tiredness was evident from the old man's face, but his smile did not appear any less sincere and warm.
He nodded to the boss then ordered, "Just a bowl of noodles."
"What drinks would you like? Tea, soft drinks, or coffee?" While scooping a serving from the huge pot, the old man didn't forget to ask.
Looking at the small whiteboard next to the counter, he wryly smiled, 'This boss sure is interesting. Who offered drinks for free?'
"Plain water." Jiang Li took a seat at the leftmost table since it was the nearest vacant.
Jiang Li looked around for some time. The business was not bad. Under the illumination of the streetlight directly above the stall, he could see that three out of the five tables surrounding the counter were full of people busily eating their noodles.
Not even more than thirty seconds passed and the food arrived. He thanked the kind boss who personally served it. When he noticed a pair of chopsticks was even delivered together with the noodles, he couldn't help throwing the smiling old man another glance.
"... Great." He murmured while holding the chopsticks. "There are really all sorts of crazies in this world. What an eye-opener." Only he knew how he interpreted the boss' kindness as craziness. Those nearby furrowed their brows at him.
"Boss Chen is simply kind. You are the absurd one."
He turned to his head and saw the one who spoke was a skinny woman wearing a T-shirt and a pair of jeans. It's midnight but she was wearing something so odd on her head. Eyes on that red cap, he said, "... I'm quite sure you're weirder than me. "
The woman was seated on a stool facing the counter and indeed had a cap which she pulled down to hide her face. A bit dumbfounded, she said, "... If it's about my cap, then I am most aware of it. But shouldn't you be asking first who I am and why I'm butting into your business."
Jiang Li only replied, "No need, the only explanation is that there are really all sorts of crazy people in this world."
After that, he ignored the woman and focused on what was on his table. He hadn't eaten anything for supper. Compare to food, what was entertaining somebody who wanted to play mysterious? Five words, none of his goddamn business!
The man didn't bat an eye nor raise his head even after he felt that somebody carrying her bowl of noodles onto his table. Seeing him like this, the cap-wearing woman also didn't speak and quietly savor her order. However, in her mind, when she saw him stand up and ask for seconds, she was wondering if this was a hidden side of the rising star vocalist.
'He didn't attend the first meeting I called up. If not for my sudden whim to try Boss Chen's craftmanship, I won't run into him tonight. Just what has starved him so much?'