The McDonald's restaurant didn't list its hours. It seemed to be open around the clock.
Just inside the entrance were two reception counters. The place was laid out like a bar, with electric guitars and basses hanging on the walls. There was even a sound system and a drum kit on the tiny stage, though they were all so old they looked completely unusable.
Jiang Xueming counted more than thirty customers around the dining tables. About ten were waiting, and another ten or so were eating.
A few workers who had just finished eating wore blissful smiles as they brushed past the group and headed for the exit.
Others walked as they ate, holding burgers and drumsticks. Jiang Xueming gave them a second look.
The food in their hands looked fresh, nothing like some thirty-year-old leftovers or cured meat.
The aroma wafting from the kitchen, the soft sizzle as fries were lifted from the oil, the crisp sound of diners biting through the golden, crispy coating and tearing into the tender white meat—all of it made Bu Liuxing's mouth water. He was so envious he looked ready to twist himself into knots.
"Can we eat the food here? It doesn't look like there's anything wrong with it." Jiang Xueming was quite curious. He and A Xing hadn't brought much food or drink, and the packaged rations in their backpacks would last them four days at most. A Xing's egg tarts wouldn't keep that long, and they couldn't serve as meals anyway.
Officer Nanami kindly reminded them, "You can eat it, but don't eat the meat or drink the Coke. It won't do you any good, but it won't do you any harm, either."
"Come on, come on, come on!" A Xing was already itching to get going. He dashed to