The sun outside was intense, its rays so bright as to be blinding. Sitting in the apartment lobby, Director Zhang couldn't shake off the feeling of being enveloped by darkness. As noon approached, his wife and daughter glanced at the time and busied themselves in the kitchen, preparing lunch. They knew he was troubled, but neither of them asked him about it, allowing him to ponder on his own.
"Ding-dong... Ding-dong..." The doorbell suddenly rang out.
Engrossed in deep thought, Director Zhang was startled by the sound, which, at that moment, seemed as menacing as a death knell, causing his heart to race with uncertainty about whether the person ringing the doorbell was friend or foe.
He stood up and walked to the door, peering through the peephole. Seeing Su Xiaoyue standing outside, he finally relaxed and then opened the door of the apartment.
"Director Zhang."
When he opened the door, Su Xiaoyue greeted him politely.
