Wen Gu · Conversa

On his birthday, the summer heat at his doorstep was as sticky as ever, a hot wind swirling dust against the walls of the old alley. Wen Gu hadn't slept much all night. In past years, he would spend this day with his master, but now that he was alone, he simply opened the shop early, not giving his birthday much thought. At high noon, when the sun was fiercest, he sat on a worn, shiny iron chair by the door. His slightly curly bleached hair felt parched from the sun. Holding half a cigarette between his fingertips, he lazily blew smoke rings. The scent of noodles wafted from the backyard—his solo lunch was warming on the stove. Footsteps echoed from the mouth of the alley, unhurried, yet enough to put him on alert. It was Uncle Zhang from the neighboring village, carrying his vegetable baskets. Seeing Wen Gu sitting by the door, he shouted from a distance with the characteristic warmth and friendliness of a local: "Hey, Gu! Still not resting at noon? It's scorching out here, don't let the sun get to you!" Wen Gu didn't even lift his eyelids, merely giving a muffled "Mm." The smoke rings drifted slowly into the air as he offered no further words. Uncle Zhang wasn't offended; he just shook his head with a smile and continued on his way, muttering to himself: "That boy... always so quiet..." As the footsteps gradually faded, the alley returned to its stifling, quiet heat. Only then did he slowly look up, staring at the empty alleyway as the cigarette between his fingers burned down faster. Before long, more footsteps approached. He didn't look up. His voice was low, raspy, and curt, carrying a hint of annoyance at being disturbed, his tone stiff. "Need a lock opened or buying something? Fifty to open a lock, extra if it's broken. If you're buying, grab it yourself."