The front building's renovation was entirely in the style of the Republican era: the walls were adorned with wooden wainscoting, and the staircase bannister was intricately carved with patterns, winding upwards in a twisty path.
The entire building was decorated in old-fashioned furnishings, giving off an air of solemnity while enhancing the coldness and darkness in the midst of winter.
Sheng Tang followed the staircase up and saw her younger brother standing on the south side of the second floor. He first reached out to knock on the door softly and spoke in a low voice, "Sis?"
There was no response.
Then, he gently pressed his ear against the door.
After listening for a while, he raised his hand, hesitating whether to turn the doorknob directly or knock again.
Sheng Tang's voice came from behind him, "Zong?"
Sheng Zong was thoroughly startled.
He thought Sheng Tang was in the room; hearing her voice suddenly behind him nearly scared him out of his wits.
