Several battered square tables and long benches stood here. A large pot sat over the stove, porridge bubbling away inside. White steam rose in clouds, carrying the rich fragrance of rice and meat that instantly stirred the most primal appetite.
"This is the grand feast you promised me?"
Dongfang Bubai teased. It was not that she looked down on roadside stalls; she simply had not expected the meal Lin Xuan was treating her to be so homey.
"A grand feast may not necessarily taste good, but the warmth of everyday life is what soothes the heart most."
Lin Xuan found a relatively clean table and sat down. Then he called out to the busy owner, "Old Zhang! Two bowls of porridge, and two baskets of dumplings. Freshly made!"
"Right away! Please wait a moment, Young Master Lin. It'll be ready soon!"
The owner known as Old Zhang heard Lin Xuan's voice and swiftly ladled out two large bowls of porridge before bringing them over.
"Young Master Lin, it's been quite a while since you last came by! This was just cooked—drink it while it's hot!"
Old Zhang set down the bowls, then glanced at Dongfang Bubai. Though her breathtaking beauty and presence left him somewhat intimidated, so much so that he did not dare look at her directly, he still warmly wiped down the table. "This young master is Young Master Lin's friend, right? Have a taste. If it's not good, you don't pay!"
"Thank you."
Dongfang Bubai nodded faintly. Though her expression remained cool, the icy aura that kept others at a distance had softened considerably.
She looked at the steaming bowl of porridge before her.
The white rice had been cooked until soft and split open, dotted with bright green scallions. It looked ordinary enough, but the aroma