At dusk, the slanting rays of the western sun spilled across the city streets, gilding the passing pedestrians with a faint layer of gold. People either went out in twos and threes or hurried home.
At the corner of a somewhat shabby old street, pedestrians were sparse. Several stalls, near and far, were busy with their work. Some had lit their lamps and were preparing to open before the night market, while others were packing up, ready to shoulder their loads or push their carts home.
The owners of the nearby stalls chatted and laughed, greeting one another. A sturdy man with slightly graying hair was clearing away tables and stools with a young man, while an old man and a girl pushed over a two-wheeled wooden cart.
"Oh, Uncle Li, you're here."
Hearing the wheel sounds, the man looked up at the approaching cart and people.
"Wait a moment, we'll be done soon."
"Grandpa Li, we'll be finished quickly."
The young man also looked up. When he saw the cart and its occupants—especially when he saw the girl—his movements suddenly became much swifter.
"Hahaha, no rush, no rush. Dong Dong, go help."
"Mm."
The girl answered and walked briskly over to the stall to help tidy up. This was a rather good spot for setting up a stall. After the noodle stall closed during the day, their family's late-night food stall would be set up here in the evening. The two families got along well, so their relationship was naturally close.
Seeing the girl come over to move the stools, the young man became especially attentive.
"Dong Dong, I'll do it. Heh."
"Hey, hey, mind your own work."
Seeing his son cling to her, the sturdy man shook his head helplessly and smiled at the old man. The old