red clay; tuff loam; dark-red paint
since long ago; already; for quite a while; for some time now
to work together (in the same class, workplace, etc.); to be classmates; to sit side by side; (lit.) to put (one's) desks side by side
to fetter; to shackle; to bind
questioner; interrogator; interpellator
comfortably warm; steaming hot (food); piping hot; glowing (with warmth)
leadership conference; summit meeting; top-level conference
age-appropriate (esp. of clothing, hairstyles)
rough-hewn; incomplete; unrefined; still in the process of being formed
composed expression; clear face
to be embarrassed for a reply
unpreparedness; falsehood; Chinese "Emptiness" constellation (one of the 28 mansions)
commander; general; leader
flight; running away; absconding; elopement
vacant post; vacancy; post in name only
living flesh; flesh and blood; physical body of Buddha or a bodhisattva
heartlessness; hardness of heart; coldheartedness; insentient; inanimate
load; baggage; cargo; burden; responsibility
lacking cargo; in ballast
central city; major city (in a region)
ratio; proportion; percentage
to introduce oneself; to announce oneself (e.g. as the person sought); to come forward (e.g. as a witness, with a claim, etc.)
illegitimate child; bastard; love child
paper; note; document; bill
statement; account (of something); declaration; allegation
lifeboat; friend in need; helping hand; timely help
alternately; by turns; one after the other
individuality; personality; quirk; idiosyncrasy; character; individual characteristic