Chapter Six - Henri CarmelOn the Friday evening that the telephone call came, Xu Bo had been home every night for two weeks. Naturally, Li Yang was in great spirits and was busy pandering to her only child's every need in an attempt to stabilise the situation. When the ayi agency rang, it was Xu Bo who answered the call.
“Mother,” he yelled from the lounge, as Yang pegged up washing on the balcony airer, “Lao ban, your boss.”
Li Yang dashed to pick up the telephone receiver, smoothing down her hair as she went, forgetting completely that the caller wouldn't be able to see her.
“Wei?” she said, using the customary Chinese response, “What is it?”
Xu Bo watched his mother as she listened intently to the speaker, nodding occasionally and writing down an address, replying to every question
