After a few laps, he grew used to the low temperature. More and more people streamed in and the sky gradually became brighter. The sun rose and warmed the water, giving it a gorgeous sparkle. He rested at the side of the pool, watching people come and go.

A couple locked in a close embrace, honeymooners maybe. A group of middle-aged men doing their laps. They were probably business travellers. A realisation came to him. It might be rude to turn up unannounced at Liyun’s house, especially considering how they had parted ways. Or she might no longer live there.

Shoji got up, took a towel, and dried himself.

No point in worrying now.

31 I Hope You’re Happy

CHAPTER 31

I HOPE YOU’RE HAPPY

Shoji got out of the taxi carrying the shopping bag from the airport. Holding a piece of paper with Liyun’s address scribbled on it, he went to the lift lobby. Another man was also waiting. He glanced at Shoji before averting his eyes. The lift opened and both of them got in.

Getting off on the sixth floor, Shoji looked for unit twenty-one. He finally found the door between two potted yellow palms. The arching feather-shaped fronds partially covered the door number.

Shoji pressed the doorbell and waited. An elderly woman in a loose floral dress came out, opening the wooden door but leaving the metal grille in front of it remained locked.

He bowed and greeted her in English. ‘I’m Shoji Arai, Liyun’s friend. Is this her house?’

The woman frowned. ‘She asked you to come here?’

Not exactly. Shoji cleared his throat. ‘I’ve travelled from Japan, and I thought I’d drop by to see her, if she still lives here.’

‘Ah, no wonder.’ She unlocked the grille. ‘Please come in. You must be a university friend. I’m Liyun’s mother.’

He nodded obligingly and took his shoes off.

‘Liyun has her own place now, but she still visits me at weekends. You came at the right time. She should be here soon.’

Shoji looked around. The apartment seemed worn but clean and comfortable. An aged leather sofa stood against the wall, taking up half the living room. Facing it was a TV in the middle of a cabinet full of books and decorative statues. The television was turned on, despite the old lady seemingly not watching. Seeing it made Shoji feel nostalgic.

In the corner of the room, he spotted an altar on top of a wooden cabinet. There was a framed photograph of a bespectacled young man, who must be Liyun’s deceased brother.

‘Take a seat,’ the woman said. ‘What would you like to drink? It’s a hot day, isn’t it? What about an iced drink? Honey water, or barley?’

‘Please don’t trouble yourself.’