Lin Li smiled and nodded, then turned to the server and said, "We'll have two bowls of lamb offal soup, with extra cilantro, plus ten skewers of grilled lamb. Add more chili—the spicier, the better... Oh, and two grilled sesame flatbreads."
"Sure. Please wait a moment. The lamb soup will be ready right away, but the lamb skewers will take six or seven minutes. They're best fresh off the grill."
The server swiftly wrote down the order, tucked the menu under his arm, turned toward the kitchen, and called out, "Two lamb offal soups, extra spicy! Ten meat skewers and two flatbreads!" Only then did he hurry away.
Before long, the server came over carrying two large, coarse porcelain bowls.
Steam rose from the lamb offal soup. A thin layer of oil floated on the surface, sprinkled with green cilantro and white scallions, making it especially appetizing.
He gently set the bowls on the table, thoughtfully handed them two pairs of chopsticks and two small dishes, and said, "Your lamb offal soup. Careful, it's hot."
Lin Li picked up his spoon first and scooped up a spoonful of soup, blowing on it before taking a sip. "This is delicious!"
Su Yue also took a small sip. The warm soup slid down her throat, carrying a rich aroma and just the right amount of spice. It instantly warmed her stomach. She could not help narrowing her eyes and nodding. "It really is good."
The two drank their hot soup while waiting for the lamb skewers.
Soon, the lamb skewers, sizzling with oil, were brought over as well. The chunks of lamb on the skewers were large, coated in charred, fragrant cumin and chili powder. Oil dripped onto the plate with a soft sizzling sound.
The two chatted as they ate. By