As the week’s classes wrapped up on Friday evening, Ning Chu carried a delivery box into the rental apartment, walking in just behind Wen Yang.

“What did you buy?”

“Nothing much, just some daily necessities.”

Wen Yang didn’t pay much attention and sank into the sofa, looking down at his phone to plan the items for his weekend market stall.

He said to Ning Chu, “I need to go out in a bit to get some wholesale goods. I’ll set up a stall outside tonight for a couple of hours and might be back a little late.”

“Where are you …