“Tu Tu, let me try some.” Although the smell was slightly off-putting, the long line suggested it must be delicious. Each took a piece of stinky tofu, bit into it, and found the taste, mixed with sweet bean sauce, to be exquisite. “It’s really good. I didn’t expect something that smells bad could taste so good,” Xiao Tu marveled, enjoying the remaining half in her mouth. Ying Li, with her cheeks full of sweet bean sauce, mumbled, “Mmm, it’s really tasty. Brother Xia, you should try some too.” She handed the stinky tofu to Xia Yu Ye. Looking into her pure, water-like eyes, he couldn’t refuse, opened his thin lips, and took a bite. His brows furrowed at the strange taste. Seeing Xia Yu Ye’s peculiar expression, Xiao Tu couldn’t help but laugh. “Brother Xia, is it good?” a tender voice asked. “Not bad,” Xia Yu Ye replied, his face stiffening.
Eating stinky tofu, the four continued their leisurely stroll. The fragrance of snacks mixed with the scent of jasmine lingered in the air, halting their steps. To their left, the golden characters “Listening to the Water Pavilion” caught their eyes. “The pastries at ‘Listening to the Water Pavilion’ are quite famous. Let’s go and try some,” said Lian Lian, grabbing Ying Li’s hand and entering the shop, leaving the two outside awkwardly. Xiao Tu followed them in.
The decor was the same as before, with flowing streams, famous paintings, and jasmine decorations everywhere. It was here where she once tasted the bitterness of heartache, seeing him with another woman, his doting smile no longer for her. As soon as the four entered, they became the center of attention, their extraordinary attire drawing eyes. They sat down, ordered several plates of pastries, which were as delicious as ever. But why did she find no taste in them? Mechanically, she placed the pastries into her mouth, one after another.
“My father went to the palace for Princess Ying’s wedding banquet three days ago and hasn’t returned. I wonder what happened,” a young boy said, his brows furrowed in deep concern.
“My father went too, and he hasn’t come back after three days,” another noble young man added.
