The vendor who had been deliberately mocked still appeared indifferent, sitting there with a duckbill cap on, his spread of fruit not selling well, seemingly deaf to the sarcasm of others.
Abiao was growing increasingly suspicious of this person.
Fearing to startle the snake by beating the grass, he sent the people around him farther away and stood smoking alone in a corner, talking on the phone with his girlfriend in a casual manner, seemingly occupied with their conversation. The vendor glanced at Abiao several times. Abiao was facing sideways, and it wasn't clear if the vendor could see him properly. After observing for a while and seeming to conclude Abiao was just another passerby, the vendor packed up his goods and stood up.
As the vendor started to move, Abiao tensed for a second, although on the surface he continued his phone conversation nonchalantly.
