Flowers bloom in twain, each on its own stem.
Cheng Su and Ning Ge, along with the others, hadn't anticipated that a small storm was brewing and would soon sweep toward their jam factory. One was recovering from illness, while the other was—well, courting a girl.
Speaking of which, Ning Ge, following his new 'girlfriend' Cao Xiaojuan, arrived at her home to find a man squatting by the door, puffing on a water pipe. He looked to be in his fifties, with hair greying at the temples, and whether from hard work or another cause, his age was difficult to discern.
Upon seeing Ning Ge, he paused, a flicker of caution darting across his eyes, which then shifted to appraisal.
"Girlie, why're you back, and who's this?" he asked Cao Xiaojuan.
Blushing, Cao Xiaojuan responded, "Dad, this is my boyfriend, Ge Ling." She gave Ning Ge a tug.
Ning Ge stumbled slightly and plastered on a smile, saying, "Uncle, hello there, I'm Ge Ling. Just call me Little Ge."
