On my way out, I appreciated it once more, longing to be naked to empty myself.
Being straightened, at last I apologized to Guo, only without saying sorry. In a good mood, to my surprise, he not only forgave me but acted as if nothing had happened. Thus I longed more for a bath.
A dim narrow unpaved corridor extended from the left of reception to where the coals were burning. It zigzagged to a dead end, where a stench of urine hit me. The end was Nan’s room, where my suitcase was settled. Holding a long breath, I quickly took off my shoes, pushed the door open and shut it behind me. Mei, who had worked till dawn the previous night, was bending fl atly over the bed. Hearing the sound of unzipping my suitcase, yet still closing her eyes, she said harshly, “Lotus, it has been a long day. Go to have a quick shower. Nan works very early in the morning.”