We entered the house and I asked of the patient. "There's no need to rush," said Mr. Wang, "You have all traveled far to come here. Please enjoy a meal first!" He led us into a dining hall inside where a table, laid full of sumptuous appetizers: mantis shrimp, peanuts, and jellyfish salad, was waiting for us. There were two men already seated at the table, who introduced themselves both as Lius. We chatted and exchanged greetings as more dishes came from the kitchen. Our hosts tried their earnest to entertain us, their chopsticks waltzing around the table to fill our plates and bowls with delicacies. Out of respect for them, Lin Feng and I returned the gesture, picking food for them as well, although Yuan Chongxi, in his usual tactless manner, continued wolfing down his food and drinks. Halfway through the food, drinks, and merriment, we felt a strong and overwhelming heaviness falling upon us and everything went dark... I was awoken to the voice of somebody whispering
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