Three square-cut sheets of sweet potato starch, each the size of a small handkerchief, lay on the grill. As the heat roasted them, little bubbles gradually rose across their surfaces.
The smoke was tantalizing.
Chen Shu brushed them with oil, spread on a layer of sauce, then called to the others, "Grilled sweet potato sheets! Pickled radish, minced pork with cowpeas, or braised pork intestines—which filling do you want? Want fish mint? Speak up! There are only two left. Miss out and you'll have to wait for the next batch."
"Braised pork intestines! With fish mint!" Chen Banxia displayed the reflexes expected of a Fifth Tier powerhouse and jabbed her friend hard with her elbow. "Braised pork intestines! Fish mint is houttuynia!"
"Braised pork intestines for me too!" Zhang Suannai immediately raised her hand and shouted, "No houttuynia for me!"
"Potato filling," the little girl said at an unhurried pace, arriving late to the discussion.
"You'll have to wait for the next batch."
"Oh." The little girl made sure to remind him, "I want potato inside. Just put grilled potato slices in it."
"Mm."
Chen Shu first picked up some pickled radish and pickled cowpeas and placed them on a sheet. Qingqing didn't eat fish mint either, so he left it out. Then he sprinkled on seasoning, chopped scallions, diced cilantro and celery stalks, and tiny pieces of kohlrabi. With Spirit Power, he folded the sheet and skewered it with two wooden sticks.
The cheapest kind of grilled sweet potato sheet, stuffed with pickled radish and cowpeas, was ready.
Chen Shu handed the skewer to Qingqing beside him.
Zhang Suannai froze. "Didn't you say there were only two?"
"Oh, there were three in total. My assistant already had one reserved. The one closest to the water gets the moon first,