David followed the man through the back streets of Beijing. The city was dark as the sun was still rising and the people were waking up and beginning their day. The man entered a restaurant and David followed suit. Inside he smelled the aroma of meat and delicious flavors in the air. He saw that it was a noodle restaurant that was just opening and there were only 3 people in there, one was the chef and the other two were customers who were all at the counter. The chef looked at the man and shouted out to him.

“Hey, Shībài zhě.” He shouted out and waved to the man. “I was wondering when you would show up.”

“Hey Wu, how’s it going.” The man answered as he sat at a table close to the counter. “Can I get the usual?”

“Sure thing.” The chef said as he came closer and saw the man’s condition. “Did you finally get fired?”

“No, just ran into some trouble.” The man answered.

“Is that trouble following you?”

“I think so.”

“Try not to bring trouble to my doorstep. I’ll get your food.”

The man turned back to David, who was trying to pull back a chair. The man kicked the chair from under the table. David was able to sit down on the chair and he looked back at the man. Both of them looked at each other for a while before finally David spoke up.

“Is your name Shībài zhě?” David asked. “It’s what that man just said.”

“You can call me that.” Shībài zhě said. “And what about you?”

“My name is David.” He answered.

“Ok, David. How and why are you doing this?”

“What? No, I don’t know what’s happening to me. One second, I’m in my bed going to sleep and the next I’m some sort of ghost on the other side of the world.”

 “Hmm.” Shībài zhě stroked his chin as he looked and examined David.

He had dark and flat hair which was ruffled up. He had a small nose and ears but big eyes with a greenish-blue color. His build was small and scrawny with very little muscle and a slim body but with potential for improvement if he started to work out. He was wearing blue pajamas while barefoot.

Shībài zhě took a long time to think during which his food arrived. He had ordered dumplings along with some noodles on the side. He picked up a pair of chopsticks and looked back up at David.

“You said the other side of the world.” Shībài zhě said. “Do you mean America?”

“Yeah. I’m from New York.” David answered.

“And you don’t know what’s happening to you.”

David shook his head.

“Alright then. Since that mysterious force is keeping you close to me, Why don’t you stick with me until we can find out just what’s happening to you.”

“Really?” David answered. “Are you sure I won’t be a problem?”

“It’s ok kid.” Shībài zhě said. “If no one can see you and you can go through things, it won’t be much a hassle to go around with you. And I can use some company.” He handed another pair of chopsticks to David.

“Thank you,” David answered, with a happy expression. “But I don’t think I can eat anything in this form.”

“Alright then.” Shībài zhě said as he retracted the chopsticks. “Just wait a minute while I finish this food.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. zhě.” David said as he extended his hand.

“Nice to meet you too, kid.” Shībài zhě answered and they were able to touch each other as they shook hands for the first time.