From somewhere out of sight came the sound of unhurried footsteps.
Liuxian walked back in and looked at Guiying first, the way he always did, that brief assessing glance that took in everything without appearing to.
"Sit down Little Xian," Doctor Gu said, already pulling out a fresh chart. "Your turn."
Liuxian sat.
"When did you last have a proper checkup?" Doctor Gu asked, settling back into his chair.
"Six months ago," Liuxian said.
"And your gastritis?"
Liuxian was quiet for a fraction of a second. "Manageable."
Doctor Gu looked at him with the flat patience of someone who had known this person for thirty three years and was not impressed by that answer. "Manageable meaning you are taking your medication consistently, or manageable meaning you are ignoring it and hoping it resolves itself?"
Liuxian said nothing.
"That is what I thought." Doctor Gu made a note. "Are you eating on schedule?"
"When I can."
