It was getting colder and colder these days. The temperature in Wuhan was now minus three. The thermometer I had just bought had exploded. I spent my days drinking hot tea and reading the news in my antique shop. I declined any new business. 

On that day, I had prepared a teapot and some lamb stew. Li Mazi came in, wearing a long military coat. 

He rubbed his hands and grabbed a bowl and a pair of chopsticks. Then, he competed against me during the meal. After a while, he was full. “Hey brother, have you accepted any cases these days?” 

I laughed and said, “Why did you come here?’ 

Li Mazi dropped his arms alongside his body. “Ru Xue went back to her mother’s house.” 

I took a sip of hot tea. “It’s no wonder you’ve suddenly remembered me. I haven’t taken any cases these days. It’s freezing outside, so I don’t want to leave my cozy shop.” 

Li Mazi wasn’t pleased and tried to teach me a fond lesson. “Because it’s cold, you need to stretch your body! Come here, come here. I’m going to get you a job.” Then, he told me the story.

Two days ago, Li Mazi took Ru Xue to have spicy hotpot. After they had finished eating, they wanted to leave. That was when the family seated at the table...