The next day, Li Xiu strolled over to the village chief’s house.
The chief’s home was situated in a prime location right at the very center of Xiaoshan Village; it was a courtyard of modest size—neither too big nor too small—just right.
Li Xiu gently pushed open the half-ajar gate and saw Li Daqing lounging comfortably on a rattan chair in the courtyard. With his eyes closed and the corners of his mouth slightly curled, he looked for all the world like a Maitreya Buddha. In his hand, he held a coarse porcelain teacup steady, taking small, measured sips that made a rhythmic "slurping" sound. His face, though etched with the ravines of time, was full of contentment, as if he were enjoying the finest moments of a lifetime.
Chapter 88