He’d suggested meeting after work near a station downtown. Shoji had arrived this evening at the agreed time, but Liyun was nowhere to be seen. His mind wandered as he smoked, then someone bumped into him. The cigarette between Shoji’s fingers slipped. A bald man carrying a beaten-up leather briefcase bowed to him.

‘I’m sorry,’ he said. ‘I wasn’t paying attention.’

‘It’s all right,’ Shoji said. The cigarette was almost finished anyway.

The man left after bowing a few more times. Shoji moved his fingers, feeling uneasy that his hand was empty. He shoved his hand into his pocket, intending to fish for his cigarette pack. But then he saw Liyun. She was in an elegant black dress with her hair up in a chignon.

‘Sorry I’m late,’ she said, her breathing uneven. ‘Have you been waiting for long?’

‘Not really, I just arrived,’ he lied. ‘Shall we go?’

She nodded. ‘Where are you taking me? I realised this morning it wasn’t a good idea to ask you to surprise me because I had no clue what kind of dress I should wear.’

He pretended to look her over. ‘You must be a clairvoyant. I can’t think of anything more fitting.’

Liyun laughed. She circled her hand around his arm. ‘Now, will you do the honour of telling me what kind of place you’re taking me to?’

20 Smoked Beef Brisket

CHAPTER 20

SMOKED BEEF BRISKET

The restaurant Shoji had in mind was ten minutes’ walk from the station. The building had a modern design, painted in black and white, and bore a placard that read ‘The Roast Yard’. He thought the chic eatery might appeal to a young woman like Liyun. Most importantly, the restaurant served great smoked meat. Shoji had only been there twice, once with Yoshioka and another time on his own after he received a bonus. The place was fancy, something to be saved for special occasions. A birthday celebration surely warranted that.

They arrived. A pleasant, smoky smell wafted in the air. There was a relaxing outdoor seating area on the ground floor, with contemporary chill-out music playing in the background. The restaurant was bustling with customers. Luckily, Shoji had made a reservation.

A lanky waiter in a white shirt and black apron welcomed them. The man’s hair was coiffed to perfection. Shoji could imagine him combing it in front of a mirror, checking himself many times before letting out a satisfied sigh. Somehow, the waiter reminded him of Mr Sato and his white-gloved fingers.

‘This is a great place,’ Liyun whispered. ‘I can’t believe I’ve never heard of it.’

‘It’s quite new,’ Shoji said.