"Of course," Huai Shi nodded, "she used to be very beautiful, and now she must be even more so."
"Have you two decided what she'll wear when she comes?"
The store clerk chattered on, asking, "If you ask me, a white dress would look lovely on her. You could pair it with a sunhat and sunglasses... What about high-heeled sandals? Do you think she'd like those? And would she want stockings? Black? White? Nude-colored? Any preference for the length? And..."
THUMP!
Suddenly, a thudding sound came from beneath the counter.
The clerk's face twitched, her smile becoming strained, as she shrank back, pushed away by the old store manager.
"This is your tea."
The dignified old store manager smiled as he brought over a tray, a teapot, teacups, and two servings of pastries.
"Well then, I wish you a pleasant journey, Mr. Huai Shi."
He took a step back, nodding with a full-hearted blessing, "And I congratulate you on reuniting with your friend. I shall not disturb you further."
