As Xiao Yan immersed himself in a world of delicious food, trying to numb his shame by satisfying his taste buds, two familiar figures made their way through the bustling crowd and arrived outside the Xiao Archway.
Leading the way was a young girl in a pale green dress, her ethereal grace like a blue-green lotus quietly unfolding its petals. It was Xun'er. Behind her followed Xiao Mei, looking both reluctant and curious.
Xun'er's gaze passed over the ridiculous clown, who was still performing his heart out in an attempt to sell discount coupons, and settled directly on Xiao Yan atop the wooden platform, his face gleaming with grease and his cheeks stuffed full.
There was not a trace of mockery in her eyes, only barely suppressed amusement and tenderness. She lightly lifted her skirt and walked gracefully up to the platform, calling softly in a voice as clear and sweet as spring water.
"Brother Xiao Yan."
That call seemed to carry a touch of magic, instantly pulling Xiao Yan out of his self-imposed "just keep eating" cocoon. He jerked his head up, and the moment he saw Xun'er's exquisitely beautiful smiling face, his entire body froze.
A moment later, an inexplicable excitement replaced his earlier numbness. He gulped down the food in his mouth in a few quick swallows and, without even bothering to wipe his lips, jumped straight off the wooden platform and rushed into the food preparation area behind it.
Under the stunned gazes of the workers, Xiao Yan seemed to transform into a crazed chef, his hands moving so fast they left afterimages. A layer of roasted meat, a layer of lettuce, a layer of fried egg, then another thick layer of roasted meat...
He kept piling on layers, muttering all the while, as though building