Chapter 13: Brewing (Part II)

To be perfectly honest, Zhang Maolin’s decision to visit Tao Shouli was not made with any sense of resolve; it was fraught with hesitation and a heavy heart. He knew Tao’s character all too well: Tao was the type of person who could hide ten braids up his sleeve without letting a single strand of hair show. Even with those closest to him, he would rarely reveal his true intentions. Yet, at this moment, no matter how much Zhang wracked his brain or searched high and low, he simply could not find a more suitable confidant.

Zhang first mentioned his plan to his driver, Tao Kan. "I intend to go see your father tonight. How has his mood been lately?" Tao Kan replied immediately, saying his father’s spirits were much better than before. "First, he has learned the full story of my brother-in-law’s accident, and he knows there is really nothing suspicious there, even if he might still have some lingering doubts in his heart. He has no choice but to accept the traffic police department’s final conclusion. Second, the massive sums of money found after my brother-in-law’s death have made the old man furious. He is convinced that Wen Lu must have done many unforgivable things while he was alive, so he feels it isn’t worth grieving or worrying over him."

Tao Kan emphasized to Zhang, "If you are only coming over to console my father about Wen Lu, you might as well save yourself the trip. Our family has already made up our minds; we will not accept a single cent from Xing-Shang Bank, nor will we issue any confusing statements or explanations. Especially Wen Lu’s parents—those two old folks are even more adamant about this!"

As he spoke, Tao Kan’s voice inexplicably grew louder, his tone becoming increasingly agitated and intense.

Zhang quickly interrupted, "Alright, alright! I wasn't even planning on mentioning Wen Lu when I go over later, is that settled?"

In truth, even though Tao Kan’s explanation was quite clear, Zhang remained convinced that a man as deep-thinking as Tao Shouli could not possibly shake off the "shadow" in his heart in such a short time. After all, for many years, Tao had poured more affection into his son-in-law, Wen Lu, than he had into his own son. Zhang was certain of this. That was why he really didn’t want to disturb Tao at such a moment. However, this sudden, important, and highly private matter left him with no one else he could trust enough to speak his mind.

Zhang brought along two bottles of Luzhou Laojiao, which were Tao Shouli’s favorites.

"Oh, Tao Kan must have tipped them off. That rascal!"

The moment Zhang crossed the threshold of the Tao home and saw the colorful spread of dishes on the kitchen table, he made his judgment. Indeed, Tao Shouli had gone to the trouble of preparing a sumptuous meal for him.

Tao looked well, and there was a genuine, unforced smile on his face. Seeing the Luzhou Laojiao in Zhang’s hand, his eyes lit up with delight.

"Haha! Now I won’t have to worry about running out of good wine! Once my dear brother takes his post as the head of the department, I imagine it won’t be hard for me to drink Maotai every month..."

Hearing this cryptic remark, Zhang was too stunned to react; he stood rooted to the spot like a bamboo pole. Even when Tao stepped forward to help him take off his thick down jacket, Zhang remained blank-faced.

"My dear brother, why are you looking so dazed? What’s the matter?!"

Tao Shouli pressed the back of his hand to Zhang’s forehead and said with mock surprise, "No fever. Why are your eyes so glassy? Haha, surely your official appointment documents haven't been approved yet? Don’t go getting yourself into a frenzy like Fan Jin passing the imperial exam, running through the streets in a fit of madness..."

Zhang finally regained some composure and immediately retorted, "It’s not just my eyes that are glassy. I think it’s you, you old fox, who is losing your mind! Where are these nonsense remarks coming from? What 'taking my post'? What post could I possibly be taking and where?!"

Tao Shouli chuckled and said, "Don't play the fool with me! Why go through this charade? Come on, tell me honestly, what brings you here today?"

Zhang ignored the question. He quickly tossed aside his hat and gloves, marched to the bathroom to wash his hands, and sat down at the dining table. He took a sip of wine and a bite of food, his chopsticks flying back and forth.

Tao Shouli watched this uncharacteristic behavior with growing unease. He had never seen Zhang act with such abruptness and wondered if there was something truly unusual about his visit today. Could it be...?

Tao remained full of suspicion until Zhang had finished his meal, set down his chopsticks, and looked at him with a smile.

"Heh heh, Old Tao, you eat too. When you're done, I need you to help me ponder something—perhaps it’s a good thing!"

"Oh, no you don't. Don’t keep me in suspense, Secretary! Tell me what’s on your mind first, then I’ll eat. Otherwise, I won’t be able to hold my bowl with something weighing on my heart!" Tao insisted stubbornly.

Zhang glanced at him sideways, pulled a small stool closer to the television, and said, "You eat first. We’ll talk after I watch the evening news! I have plenty of time today. In fact, I might just stay the night; I was just worrying about where to find breakfast tomorrow, so why don’t you take care of that for me too?"

Zhang gave Tao a mischievous grin and turned his back to watch the television.

"This old guy, you’re being stubborn! Don’t try to whet my appetite on purpose. Once this moment passes, even if you beg me to listen, I won’t bother."

Tao Shouli sat at the table, sipping his drink alone. He knew perfectly well that the reason Zhang had gulped down his food was because he had a serious matter to discuss. Their decades-long friendship had fostered an intuitive, silent understanding between the two men.

...

When the news ended and the familiar, crisp melody of the weather forecast began, Tao Shouli cleared his throat pointedly.

Zhang turned around and smiled at him. "How time flies. The countdown to Macau’s return has already begun. The news keeps showing scenes of the streets over there. Good! Maybe when we retire, we’ll have a chance to go see it."

"Yes, there will certainly be a chance. Especially for you—the opportunities will be plentiful! Once you take that top position, with meetings today, field research tomorrow, and inspections the day after, you’ll be free to roam the world at will! With perfectly good excuses, all in the name of work, of course. Heh heh..."

Tao Shouli maintained his exaggerated expression.

"Old Tao, stop your endless rambling! I didn’t come here to listen to your jokes; I really have something to discuss with you."

Zhang switched off the TV and fixed him with a solemn gaze.