C1745

"You guys go home first, I'll go buy a pack of cigarettes." I told Hai Zhu and my parents, and then went straight to the small shop.

The young woman, who had been looking in my direction, rose to her feet as I approached, and stood at attention, her voice crisp: Hello, Lieutenant Commander.

I waved at her to relax.

"Where's your man?" I asked directly.

Her face turned slightly red