Tom suggests we try Lori’s neighbour, Mrs Tang, again. I almost wimp out, still smarting from Mr Du’s reluctance to talk and the fact the guards escorted us off the premises, but remind myself that this is for Lori, that we have to try everything we can.
As we drive along the length of the block beside her apartment, I can see that the shops all specialize in particular goods. One sells plumbing items, taps and pipes, another soft furnishings, one timber, one Chinese medicine, pet supplies, and window blinds. In front of some shops the proprietor and family are perched on stools, eating noodles and other snacks.
A teenage boy answers the door. Anthony explains who we are and asks if Mrs Tang is at home.
The boy replies and Anthony tells us, ‘This is her son, Martin.’
Martin nods to us, smiling. ‘Nǐ hǎo.’
‘Mrs Tang is at work in Nanchong,’ Anthony says.
They talk some more, and Anthony says, ‘She travels there every Sunday afternoon. She works Monday to Thursday, then comes home late Thursday night.’
‘Lori did some conversation classes with Martin,’ I say to Anthony, ‘so he’ll know her. Can you explain why we’re here? And ask him about the photo project.’
The boy looks concerned, then dismayed as Anthony talks. Martin talks quickly back to him.
‘She was a very good teacher, a good neighbour,’ Anthony says. ‘He wishes you well. His mother will want to see you on Friday. His mother was interested in the project but she was shy.’
‘Lori hasn’t photographed her yet?’ I say.
Martin says not.
I pass a leaflet over.
‘Thank you,’ he says in English, ‘thank you very much. Bye-bye.’
We bring the table, the umbrella and the leaflets we left at Lori’s flat down in the lift and set up our stall. I’m not sure whether it is the after-effect of Mr Du’s reaction but today the passers-by seem more wary, less keen to stop and look, avoiding eye contact and altering their route a little so they don’t pass so close to us.
A group of monks, tall and bulky-framed, with shaved heads, all dressed in ochre robes, pause and talk to Anthony. They look at the leaflet, but none of them recognizes Lori.
