Xiao Yan could no longer hold back. He snatched the scalding plastic tub from Xiao Yi's hands, not even caring that it burned his fingers. Trembling, he peeled back the lid and used the little plastic fork that came inside-so flimsy it looked as though a little force would snap it-to eagerly twirl up a huge mouthful of golden noodles.
He did not even have time to blow on them before greedily stuffing the whole mouthful into his mouth. That familiar flavor, packed with chemical additives yet utterly wonderful, exploded across his taste buds. The searing heat scorched his mouth, but he paid it no mind.
In that moment, he felt the hollow in his heart, carved out by anger and humiliation, fill completely. He lowered his head and shoveled noodles from the tub with his fork, slurping noisily. Without realizing it, he felt his eyes grow hot.
The instant those piping-hot noodles entered his mouth, the fierce burning made Xiao Yan instinctively suck in cool air, panting, "Hah... hah..."
Yet this tiny torment of the flesh was nothing compared with the familiar deliciousness sweeping through his entire soul. He grimaced from the heat but could not bear to stop, chewing and swallowing great mouthfuls.
At last, he could no longer hold back his hot tears. They slid down his cheeks and dripped into the rich broth still filling half the tub, stirring tiny ripples.
He did not know whether he was crying because it burned, because it tasted so good, or because of this reunion after fifteen years. He sniffled, his voice muffled and thickly nasal.
"Boohoo... what... what is this... it's just... too delicious!"
Watching his disciple with tears and snot streaming down his face, Yao Lao could not help raising his ethereal eyebrows. What divine delicacy could