A Duck and a Gilded Invitation

He was a man in work coveralls, around forty, sun damage across the backs of his hands. He stood outside studying the new sign, then entered carrying the kind of cold that belonged to warehouses. Lin told Shen quietly that his name was Lu Cheng. He had been an engineer on the unit 17 team and now repaired compressors at a logistics park. “Researcher Lin says she's buying me dinner?” Lu sat down, his voice edged with contempt. “Capital handing out charity meals now?” Lin did not answer. Shen simply began cooking. He blanched the duck, then seared it. Sugar darkened to deep amber. Ginger, tangerine peel, preserved plums, and rice wine bloomed together.