Song Guanchao paid the money, and the old man gave him a quilt.
Seeing it was lunchtime, the old man said, "Why not join an old man like me for lunch, if you don't mind?"
"Just as long as you don't mind me taking advantage of the situation."
"One meal won't ruin me."
The old man said, "We're having hotpot for lunch, come lend a hand."
Song Guanchao followed him into the kitchen, carried a small table, and brought out a small clay stove.
They set the table in the yard, placed the small clay stove properly, and put an aluminum pot on top of it.
The old man added water, and while waiting for it to boil, all the vegetables and meat were ready.
"Do you drink?"
"I do!"
The old man brought out a bottle of local wine and two small wine glasses.
As the temperature dropped, the two huddled around the small stove, basking in the steam.
The old man poured for him, and they each took a shot, warming up immediately.
"Sir, I haven't asked your name yet?"
"Zhong Aimin."
"Nice name."
