The next day dawned.

Chen Changsheng went into the streets early that morning. He hadn’t forgotten yesterday’s promise to buy Lihua some fish.

However, there really weren’t many places selling fish in Qingshan City. Probably because there weren’t many lakes or rivers nearby. He searched for a long time before finding a street vendor and bought two small Green Fish.

“Two fish for ten coins, here you go.”

Chen Changsheng took the fish from the seller and walked on.

Suddenly, he felt like eating noodles.

One of the three famous things in Qingshan City: Baixiang Noodles.

Doctor Wang from the medicine shop years ago had truly brought honor to Qingshan City. People said by now, Baixiang Noodles had spread beyond Abyss River, even reaching the royal kitchens.

The noodle shop owner, Doctor Wang’s son, was old now, looking much older. His own child, quite grown, was helping out today.

But his wife wasn’t there this time.

“One bowl of noodles, less spicy,” Chen Changsheng said.

“Find a seat, sir. The noodles will be ready soon.”

“Okay.”

Chen Changsheng hung his fish nearby and waited a short while before the noodles arrived.

The one who brought them was Manager Wang’s son, about eighteen or nineteen, strong and healthy.

“Enjoy your meal, sir.”

Chen Changsheng pulled out his chopsticks and tapped them on the table, then started eating.

He found it strange; the noodle shop seemed quieter today.

Fewer people than before. Back then, the whole place would be packed, with people even squatting outside to eat.

Chen Changsheng called him over and asked, “Fewer noodle eaters now?”

Wang Xingsheng paused, then answered, “Fewer than before.”

“Why is that?” Chen Changsheng asked.

Wang Xingsheng sighed. “Others sell Baixiang Noodles now too. Some figured out the recipe, made it taste even better. So our business shrank.”

“So that’s how…”

That made sense. After all, noodles are for everyone. People who knew medicine well could guess the ingredients after a few bites. Slowly, it wasn’t a secret anymore.

Wang Xingsheng, seeing him unfamiliar and having free time, sat down beside him. “Sir, when did you last visit our noodle shop? I don’t think I’ve seen you before.”

Chen Changsheng said, “A very long time ago. Back then, your father and mother were running the shop.”

“My mother…” Wang Xingsheng stopped, eyeing him. “Then sir, you must’ve eaten here when you were just a kid.”

Chen Changsheng paused. “Why do you say that?”

Wang Xingsheng hesitated, then smiled. “Never mind.”

“Where’s that brat gone? Come knead the dough now!”

“Coming!”

Wang Xingsheng quickly said, “My father’s calling. Enjoy eating, sir. More noodles if you’re still hungry?”

Chen Changsheng nodded, signaling him to go.

After Wang Xingsheng left, Chen Changsheng silently figured things out using his fingers.

Slowly, his frown smoothed. He understood the situation.

‘That’s somewhat good…’

No wonder Wang Xingsheng had said what he did.

It turned out, ten years ago, Manager Wang’s wife was out walking when she encountered a runaway horse carriage. She couldn’t dodge in time, and the horse broke both her legs. Though her life was saved, she was permanently disabled, unable to stand. For these past ten-plus years, she stayed home to recover, no longer helping at the shop.

Seeing they remained busy inside, Chen Changsheng didn’t think further and just ate his noodles.

The taste was actually much better than before.

The spices were just right too.

It filled him very well.

Chen Changsheng wondered if he should take some noodles home for Lihua. But he had fish now; extra noodles might be too much for her. So he dropped the idea.

However, Ruyi might like some.

Seeing how she ate yesterday, she probably didn’t eat properly most days.

Chen Changsheng increasingly felt his feelings were more like a father’s. It was odd, but he understood. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

After all, he had watched Ruyi grow up, even if many years passed in between.

Finishing his noodles, Chen Changsheng called over the helper, Wang Xingsheng.

“More noodles, sir?” Wang Xingsheng asked.

Chen Changsheng said, “Can I take one bowl to go?”

Wang Xingsheng replied, “Of course! But please bring the bowl back next time you come. Also, we need a small deposit for the bowl. Small business, hope it’s okay, sir.”

“That’s fine.”

Chen Changsheng paid for two bowls plus the bowl deposit. Then he asked, “How’s your mother’s legs? Better?”

Wang Xingsheng froze, then said, “Better than before.”

Chen Changsheng said, “I had some past acquaintance with your grandfather long ago. Happen to know a bit of medicine too. If it’s convenient, you could bring your mother to my place. It’s at Chuanfeng Alley. Your father probably knows.”

Wang Xingsheng froze again. He wanted to ask more, but the man had already carried the noodles out of the shop.

He blinked, puzzled, then quickly went to find his father.

“Dad! Dad!”

Manager Wang glanced at him. “What’s the rush?”

“There was a guest just now…”

Wang Xingsheng told his father everything.

Manager Wang paused upon hearing it.

“Grandfather’s old friend…” He thought hard. “Let me think… I can’t recall immediately.”

Wang Xingsheng blinked. “Dad, didn’t you tell me Grandpa died young? That man looked very young! Barely older than me! How could he know Grandpa?”

Manager Wang suddenly stopped. “Wait. You just now… where did he say he lived?”

“He said Chuanfeng Alley. He also said you’d know.”

“Aiya!” Manager Wang smacked the table. “It might really be your grandfather’s friend! And our family’s benefactor, even!”

Wang Xingsheng gaped. “Benefactor?”

Manager Wang said, “Hurry up and finish. We need to close early today! Your grandfather’s old friend deserves a visit.”

“Oh… Okay…”

Wang Xingsheng felt curious, but mostly confused.

He just thought that man looked too young to have known Grandpa.

.

.

Chen Changsheng carried the noodles back to the courtyard.

Even before entering, he saw Ruyi directing two craftsmen installing a new door.

Chen Changsheng asked, “Didn’t you say fix the bolt? Why replace the whole door?”

Ruyi said, “This one is too old. Time for a change.”

Chen Changsheng glanced at the discarded door. The wood rot was obvious. A new one was indeed better.

He then handed the noodles to her.

“Brought noodles back on the way.”

Ruyi took them and said, “My effort wasn’t wasted.”

“Little respect for elders.” Chen Changsheng shook his head with a helpless smile.

Ruyi giggled, then spotted the fish in his hand. “Fish for dinner?”

Chen Changsheng shook his head. “For Lihua.”

Ruyi looked at Lihua napping on the nearby table. “Huh,” she remarked, “Uncle Chen, you spoil this cat! No wonder it’s so fat.”

Lihua slowly opened her sleepy eyes and looked at Ruyi.

“?”

You! Saying bad things again!