Du Heng's impression of Lu Zhongjiang was still that from five months ago.
Thin, with a tall, straight back, he always had a slicked-back haircut, the hair wax making his hair shine brightly; an always-smiling and very energetic little old man.
But the man standing before Du Heng now could not be connected in any way with the image he had of Lu Zhongjiang, the Secretary Lu who had helped him grow.
His body was gaunt, and it was obvious he was malnourished. His hair had lost all luster, each strand looking as if it had been scorched—dry, yellow, and split—a complete contrast to the glossy, slicked-back hair he used to have.
Especially his complexion: it was so sallow that at a glance, one might think he was suffering a bout of jaundice. His skin was dull with no signs of vitality, and his lips were a blue-black color.
