Xiao Man was happy to see Wei Zhenqing. Seeing a familiar face in a strange place was always a comfort. She enthusiastically invited him to have lunch with them.
Wei Zhenqing was starving, so he didn't stand on ceremony. He sat down and made small talk with Xiao Man, asking if she was getting used to things. He mentioned the climate here was drier and hotter than in Wancheng, and the sun was especially vicious. He advised her not to go out unless necessary, or a pretty, fair-skinned girl like her might get tanned as dark as charcoal. Then he added with a laugh, "I thought the chief was just engaging in wishful thinking. I didn't think the elders back home would let you come out here. After all, this godforsaken place is no fun... I can't believe he actually pulled it off."
Gu Shaojun shot him a sidelong glance. "I'm not you. That's why I have a wife, and you don't!"
