The chapter opens with a discussion of the "dubious relationship" between Lin and his brother. Lin tells his mother that he will tell his brother about the mission that his brother is on. He also tells her that Lin has gone to the border to help his brother on a mission. Lin says that he is sure that Lin will find him again tomorrow. He tells her to tell Lin that there is electromagnetic shielding at the border and that Lin and Lin will lose contact until the next day. Lin asks his mother why she didn't tell him earlier. She tells him that the project is still on and that he should get off work and finish the budget report before going back to work. She says that Lin is getting angry because he has not been able to finish the project. Lin reminds her that he has been busy lately and that his mother has made him soup. He says that his aunt hates him now and that she will make soup for him when he gets there. He wants to fight with his brother for taking his share of the company, but his mother tells him not to do so. He asks her to help him and he promises to return the job to his brother if he signs an agreement.