Wu Gui and the others looked out through the van windows at the roadside. When they spotted a grilled-skewer stall, their stomachs began to growl involuntarily. The sound was especially clear in the quiet vehicle.
Ever since escaping from prison, they had not eaten a single hot meal. They had long since grown so hungry that their stomachs were practically stuck to their backs.
Zhao San, who was driving, heard it at once. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly as he slowed down and turned his head toward the people in the back seat.
"You escaped all the way here from the neighboring city. You definitely haven't eaten much along the way, so you must be starving, right?
"Not far ahead, there's an old-established baozi shop that's been open for over a decade. Their baozi taste excellent—thin skins, generous fillings, and juice bursting out with every bite. I'll buy some for you to tide you over."
Wu Gui glanced at his famished underlings beside him, who were swallowing saliva, then nodded.
"Sure. Sorry for the trouble. Try to be quick and don't take too long."
Zhao San said, "No need to be polite. It's only right that I do this. I'll be back soon."
After passing through two intersections, the van came to a steady stop in a roadside parking space.
Zhao San pulled up the handbrake and opened the driver's-side door. After getting out, he pulled up his coat zipper and hurried toward the baozi shop not far away.
The shop's signboard was red, with four large golden characters reading "Zhang Ji Baozi Shop." Under the lights, they were especially eye-catching.
Since it was past mealtime, there were only a few customers inside the baozi shop. An old man was sitting by the window drinking porridge, and there