The cold wind howled outside, but it was warm and cozy indoors. On the kang table in the east room, a purple-copper charcoal hot pot was bubbling away as the three old gentlemen took off their shoes and sat down.
Xu Qiguang turned and beckoned to Xu Changqing, who had entered a step behind him, and to Shen Weimin, who followed with a pot of warm wine. Then, he glanced over at Mr. Cheng.
Seeing this, Mr. Shi sighed to himself. 'This must be so hard on the boy.' "Come on over," he said. "Your Grandpa Cheng isn't just you two's grand-uncle. He's your real grandfather!"
"Real grandfather?" Xu Changqing faltered. She snapped her gaze to Mr. Shi, then back to Mr. Cheng in disbelief. A moment later, she walked closer, a thoughtful expression on her face.
Behind her, Shen Weimin also stopped in his tracks. He stared at Mr. Shi, his face screaming, 'Did I hear that right?' before his expression smoothed over and he followed Xu Changqing.
