A lazy afternoon

The sun returned over Nanning, warming the city again after a week long cold spell hit Southern China. I went out to campus to read in the park, bringing the collection of contemporary Chinese short stories I borrowed from the library last week (or is it two weeks already?). I drove my bicycle towards a quiet spot and stretched out on the grass.
The book I'm reading contains stories from daily life, sometimes boring, sometimes interesting, but they lift the curtain somewhat on what Chinese people are really thinking when talking to someone. It can be radically different, and more often than not I'm taken by surprise when I find out, if at all. Like there is no direct way of saying no, saying yes or giving compliments is often just a way of hiding a more critical opinion. While you read and hear a lot of optimism about the future of China, a recent study revealed that less and less Chinese people are happy, despite the economic boom. The current tension on the Korean peninsula surely doesn't help either.
Lying on the grass enjoying the sunshine, I didn't notice any of that though, when a girl approached me, smiling broadly and asking me if she could sit down and chat. Of course I didn't hesitate to agree, and immediately her peers followed suit, so I was quickly encircled by a group of 9 boys and girls who all fired questions at me while taking out their phones to take pictures. I've gotten pretty used to this scenario, and can't really be bothered by it. In fact I quite like it, as it gives me ample opportunity to practice some Chinese smalltalk and even make friends. I had my camera in my bag, so I could ask one of the boys to return the favour.