Chen Ji gripped the reins, carefully observing Mrs. Lu: fine crow's feet had already formed at the corners of her eyes, strands of gray mixed with her black hair, and her face bore the weariness from exposure to the elements.
He had never seen Mrs. Lu without her veil before; not only was she covering a scar on her nose, but she was also deliberately concealing her identity and face, with a black veil separating mother and son.
That black veil was not like a paper window that could be pierced easily; it was a hurdle that neither of them could overcome.
Chen Ji pondered for a long time before tentatively asking, "How did you know your son was in Yingkou?"
Mrs. Lu answered seriously, "Ah Di told me."
Chen Ji was puzzled, as this unresolved question led to a new one: "Who is Ah Di?"
Mrs. Lu tightened the reins and glanced at him with confusion, then became wary: "Don't you know? Didn't you say you were familiar with me? How could you not know who my Ah Di is?"
