Once more he studied the names on the party list. Wang Feng, Lu Tonghao and his wife Ruru, Zhou Kejia and his wife Liping. The Zhous had telephoned earlier to say that they might not be able to come due to a meeting at East China Normal University Still, he’d better prepare for all of them.

The telephone on the filing cabinet rang. He went over and picked up the receiver.

“Chen’s residence.”

“Congratulations, Comrade Chief Inspector Chen!” Lu said. “Ah, I can smell the wonderful smell in your new kitchen.”

“You’d better not be calling to say you’re delayed, Overseas Chinese Lu. I’m counting on you.”

“Of course we are coming. It’s only that the beggar’s chicken needs a few more minutes in the oven. The best chicken in Shanghai, I guarantee. Nothing but Yellow Mountains pine needles used to cook it, so you’ll savor its special flavor. Don’t worry. We wouldn’t miss your housewarming party for the world, you lucky fellow.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t forget to put some beer in your refrigerator. And glasses, too. It’ll make a huge difference.”

“I’ve put in half a dozen bottles already. Qingdao and Bud. And the Shaoxing rice wine will not be warmed until the moment of your arrival, right?”

“Now you may count yourself as half a gourmet. More than half, perhaps. You’re certainly learning fast.”

The comment was pure Lu. Even from the other end of line, Chen could hear in Lu’s voice his characteristic excitement over the prospect of a dinner. Lu seldom talked for a couple of minutes without bringing the conversation around to his favorite subject-food.