Chunshen, in front of the National Guest Bookstore.
Chen Guobin was carrying a bucket of water, a car-wash towel draped over his shoulder. He circled a black BMW X5, working up a sweat.
"Brother Bin, you're driving a BMW worth over two million, and you're still washing it yourself?"
Wang the Bald from the photo studio next door chimed in, cracking open sunflower seeds as he spoke with a teasing smile.
"My son bought the car, but I have to pay to wash it. Gotta save where you should and spend where you must."
Chen Guobin replied loudly, a smile on his face.
"Brother Bin, no offense, but what are you saving money for? To buy a house and find a wife for Xiaosen? Does he even need that?"
Wang the Bald pressed on with a chuckle.
'Buy a house and find a wife for Xiaosen?'
Chen Guobin froze at the words, his hands stopping their motion. A strange wave of negativity washed over him.
