Lin begins to recover rapidly, treated with an herbal drug that also heals his arthritis. He is soon well enough to be sent to an officer's political training program in Shenyang, where he went to college. Geng Yang has been discharged from the army and is waiting for his release from the hospital. The hospital director allows Lin, Geng Yang and Manna to leave the hospital grounds for dinner in a restaurant as long as the three of them stay together.
Geng Yang suggests that Lin buy off Shuyu to get his divorce. Lin does not think the money will move Shuyu, but believes he could probably bribe her brother, who she would listen to, to change his mind about the divorce. Lin decides to offer Bensheng 2,000 yuan, more than eighteen.....
