10 a.m.
Chang Pingsi followed the tour company owner to Zoumadao Police Station.
On the way, the two maintained a light conversation until they saw the blue and white station sign, at which point they involuntarily fell silent.
"No big deal, probably just someone who called the cops, the difficult type, and the police want us to help smooth things over," said the tour company owner, seeming well-versed in these situations.
Chang Pingsi didn't say a word. His company was neither big nor small, not exactly above board but at least an actual business that paid its employees—many small tour agencies had turned into shell companies by then, with seasoned black-market guides simply renting office space to set up their own studios, taking on groups from travel agencies, and keeping profits or losses to themselves.
In comparison, Chang Pingsi's company at least tried to help, with a boss who was willing to show up in person and contacts to call upon.