The narrator tells us that he didn't realize that his friend was so thoughtful. He's worried about his father's health, and he wants to make sure that he doesn't turn into a "greasy and scruffy man" who smells of smoke. He wants to convince his friend to quit smoking, so that he won't fall for someone else. The narrator then tells us about how his friend, Lin Yaodong, was arrested for assaulting a police officer in court, and that he's been taken to the Los Angeles police station to await the outcome of the case. He tells his friend that he did whatever he wanted, but that he almost killed his father because of his friend's influence. He also tells him that his father is leaving the family's property to the family. The two of them have been banned from China, and both have to leave.