Early the next morning, Li Ping'an woke up.
Niu Niu and Kitten were nowhere to be seen, but breakfast had been left for him in the pot.
Earlier, he had vaguely heard Kitten say she was taking Old Ox out to sell noodles.
After breakfast, Li Ping'an stayed in the room until noon.
Then he felt he ought to check on the noodle stall. In truth, he was hungry.
He could not be bothered to make lunch, either.
He went out and asked around.
He easily found out where Old Ox and Kitten were selling noodles.
From a distance, he saw Little Girl and Zhang Er bustling about.
Li Ping'an walked over.
Zhang Er froze when he saw him, then hurried to greet him.
"Mr. Li, it's been a long time."
Li Ping'an glanced at him. "Are you working here?"
"...Yes."
Zhang Er felt somewhat uneasy.
"Thank you for your hard work."
"It's nothing, it's nothing," Zhang Er hurriedly said. "I've only got a bit of muscle to offer, that's all."
Little Girl ran over, wearing a loose, stained outfit.
"What brings Big Ping'an here?"
"I came out for a stroll."
"Have you eaten?"
"Then this fairy will go make you a bowl of noodles."
"How's business today?"
"Very good!"
Li Ping'an glanced around. Nearly all the seats at the few tables were occupied.
Before long, a porter asked him whether anyone was sitting on the stool opposite him.
Li Ping'an shook his head, signaling that he could sit wherever he liked.
Some people even held their bowls and squatted on the ground, slurping down their noodles.
They wiped their mouths, paid, and left.
Li Ping'an quickly finished his noodles and made room for those waiting behind him.
It seemed Kitten and Old Ox had quite a knack for business.