His grandmother died from shock upon learning of the detention, his outgoing son, 13, has become exceptionally sensitive and silent, and his wife's call for her husband's release has grown increasingly stronger with the traditional moon festival, a time for family reunion, only two days away.

"It has been so many days, why don't they release him? How can his grandmother rest in peace?" Zhan's wife, Chen Tingting, told Xinhua in their simple house, which makes the portrait of Zhan's deceased grandmother more prominent.