A Spring Dream in Guangzhou

When Old Tang's call came in, Shi and I were stunned for a moment and reached for the phone at the same time. It was already deep into the night, and in the vast office, the ringing sounded particularly grating. Finally, I pressed the speakerphone button.

Old Tang's voice on the other end of the phone sounded a bit weary: "We made it to the shortlist." Shi and I exchanged glances, feeling relieved but also inexplicably exhausted. The two of us had been waiting here with our nerves taut for nearly 10 hours.

Old Tang continued: "Mr. Liu has already hinted at tomorrow's shortlist results. Shit, this old man can really drink and play. I've arranged what's already the fourth round for him tonight. But, the hostesses at Fushi Club are really beautiful and capable, very capable, haha."