In this chapter, we learn that fleming has been living off the land for 29 years, and that he has bought 30 candles for the birthday of his friend, Cai Ming. Cai Ming's birthday is coming up, and Cai Ming wants to celebrate. He asks Cai Ming to make him a birthday cake, but Cai Ming refuses, saying that he doesn't want to buy another one for his friend. He tells Cai Ming that he used to think that if he died someday, he would be buried with Cai Ming and his friends. He says that he hasn't told Cai Ming about this, because he's never told his mom about his plan to run away. He also says that Cai Ming has delayed the meeting with the director because he didn't think Cai Ming would agree to meet with him until the day before the meeting. He's