"Sure." Tang Wulin immediately nodded.
He was already hungry.
Clay-pot beef was a famous snack in Eastsea City. It was slowly braised in small, yellowish-brown earthenware pots. The beef was washed before going into the pot, with only scallions and ginger added to remove its gaminess. Once the meat changed color, a dozen or so spices went in, and it simmered little by little over a low flame. The pots trapped all the steam and fragrance inside. By the time the lids came off, the beef was tender through and through, the spices had soaked into the meat, and the rich broth was perfect with rice.
The shop wasn't large.
The stove stood outside, with nearly a hundred earthenware pots arranged over rows of low flames. Steam escaped through the gaps, making the lids tremble. With every tremor, a little beef fragrance slipped out, tempting passersby to look over.
There were only five long tables inside, all neatly cleaned. Their corners and the chair backs had been worn glossy, making their age plain at a glance. Most of the seats were already occupied.
Outside, it was late autumn, and the night wind was a little chilly. But the moment they stepped through the door, heat and the aroma of meat washed over their faces, relaxing their whole bodies.
Gu Yue tilted her head to glance at Xie Xie.
"I never thought a rich young master would eat at a roadside shop."
For once, Xie Xie didn't argue with her. He simply walked inside and sat down at the innermost table.
"My mom used to love the clay-pot beef here," he said. "I come here every so often."
His tone was even, as though he were talking about something utterly ordinary.
Tang Wulin nudged Gu Yue's arm, signaling for her to