"The steaming bing had just come out of the oven! Fresh and fragrant bing!" Amid the flickering sparks, the light illuminated an honest, simple face.
"I'll have two bing." A youth dressed in blue scholar's robes approached, fished two copper coins from his clothes with great reluctance, and slapped them onto the bing stall. His clothes were thin, and his body was frail. Perhaps because he feared the cold, he had curled himself into a ball, quickly drawing both hands into his sleeves.
"Coming right up." The honest face strained to squeeze out a smile. This was the best way he could thank the customer for patronizing his business. "Last winter's snow fell for a full three months. This year looks just as grim. Little Scholar, take care of yourself. Don't freeze yourself sick—you'll have to take the imperial exam and become the top scorer someday."
"Thank you for your kind words, Uncle." The youth grinned. "Still, not everyone can become the top scorer."
"I can see how sharp Little Scholar is. You're blessed with great fortune. You'll definitely become the top scorer."
"Then many thanks. If I, Hong Xiu, manage to pass the scholar examination, I'll come back and write an inscription for you, Uncle. As for these bing, we'll rename them Top Scholar Bing."
The youth reached out to take the bing. It was scalding hot, steam rising from it. The youth seemed somewhat afraid and did not dare touch it.
"Little Scholar's skin is so delicate." The uncle looked at the hand he had extended. "Don't be afraid. Eat it while it's hot."
"Then thank you, Uncle." Little Scholar reached out to take the bing.
In the blink of an eye, the youth had seized the bing seller's wrist.
"You're no scholar." The bing seller's gaze was