In Slipping Away Hutong

Did you see that? says Dr Minchen Chow.

Green crocs! says Professor Lanpo Jia. In the Institute! Who do suppose it was?

I don't know, says Dr Minchen Chow. But the other pair of shoes looked like those of Dr Zhu Min.

Professor Lanpo Jia's eyes widen.

You don't mean.....? says Professor Lanpo Jia.

The honoured guest, says Dr Minchen Chow.

The green crocs and the shoes of Dr Zhu Min have now disappeared from the top of the stairwell. Professor Lanpo Jia and Dr Minchen Chow climb the remaining few stairs.

Look on the bright side, says Dr Minchen Chow.

What is that? says Professor Lanpo Jia.

We have had prior warning, says Dr Minchen Chow.

Indeed, says Professor Lanpo Jia.

.........

In the tea room Rosamunda is sniffling.

It's Arthur, says Rosamunda. I used to be this nice girl called Rosie. Carefree. Until he told me I was dangerous.

I'll give him dangerous, says Margaret. Wait till he comes back.

That's if he comes back, says Professor Mee-mann Chang.

Why wouldn't he? says Rosie.

Beijing traffic, says Professor Mee-mann Chang.

Arthur lives a charmed life, sniffs Rosie.

He does? says Professor Mee-mann Chang. Note to self: another worth-questioning person.

Doctor Zhu Min and Gaius enter the tea room.

At last! says Professor Mee-mann Chang. Where were you? The tea has gone cold.

She glances at Gaius, her eyes sliding down to his crocs, and up again.

This is Gaius Plinius Secundus, our honoured guest, says Dr Zhu Min.

And you must be Professor Mee-mann Chang, says Gaius. I'm delighted to meet the namesake of the sarcopterygian fish Meemannia, and the therapod dinosaur Sinovenator Changii.

Professor Mee-mann Chang is also delighted, and inclined to forgive him his footwear.

She proffers the very last plum.

.........

Hutongs are old alleys, lined with walled courtyards and shops. Their names are intriguing.

Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street, Goldfish Hutong, South Gong and Drum Lane, Coloured Glaze Factory Street, Slipping Away Hutong, Lingjing, Curtain Storehouse.

In Slipping Away Hutong, Arthur is pedalling slowly.

Sikong Shu is explaining the name.

Arthur is only half listening. He has seen a familiar bicycle, abandoned outside a bar.