But Mei was hesitant to call our young brother Long, who was the best source. Just that if Mei called Long, there could be no secret from our parents. Unlike mother, who was agreeable, father was a thorn. As murder will out, it was unavoidable that sooner or later father would fi nd out whether or not Long had made a deal. Why? Because for the sake of debt due to the new apartment, Long’s every single penny, in and out, was under father’s watch. Mei therefore seldom asked Long for help, not to mention such a large sum of money. Nevertheless, without a better choice, for the fi rst time ever, Mei called Long before the rain poured again in the gathering dusk.