In this short scene, the narrator and his friend, Meihuan, arrive at the desert village where they are stationed. They are greeted by Lin Xiumin, who tells them that he has just returned from a trip to the Red Sea. He is surprised to see that Lin is much thinner and darker than before, and that his hair has grown longer. He also notices that Lin has lost his touch with nature and is in a trance. He asks Lin if he is in love with her, and she tells him that she does not like him very much. She invites him to have some fun, and he agrees to do so