Ah!” The little boy called out, hastily lifting the dirty hem of his clothes. His somewhat dull expression gradually became lively, and he nodded gratefully to the old woman before running away quickly.
The boy had long since disappeared, and whether he would buy a steamed bun was another matter entirely.
Gazing at the flowing sunlight in the sky and the surrounding life, Xu Wanzhi closed his eyes for a moment and walked silently.
What was he angry about? Was it Qu Xiaojue, the old woman, the child beggar, or perhaps himself?
Qu Xiaojue was unsure why he had suddenly asked, “Is there reason in fate?” Even if one were to say that men believe in fate, she didn’t think her husband believed in it. Pausing for a moment, she saw him suddenly slump, his face filled with melancholy, and a faint sadness swept across her heart. She spoke to comfort him, “Isn’t it good to say you have a good fate?”
Xu Wanzhi pursed his lips in a smile, saying nothing.
Qu Xiaojue suddenly felt a strange sensation. She would have preferred him to say something that would make her uncomfortable, rather than see him smile like this. She stared at him, slowly forming a smile, no longer pursuing the matter. Instead, she reached out and grabbed his hand, with a hint of indulgence: “Xiao Jiang Lou ahead makes the freshest fish. Since we’re here, let’s go try it.”
Xiao Jiang Lou was bustling with customers, lively and noisy.
Many women would enter and immediately slap the table, shouting, “Waiter, bring a spicy fresh fish dish and a pot of spirits!” Immediately, a young waitress would swing her sweat towel and respond loudly, “Coming!” then rush to serve the dishes as everyone busied themselves.
Seeing such a fresh and vibrant scene, Xu Wanzhi’s mood softened, and he unconsciously raised his eyebrows. Qu Xiaojue thought he, as a man who loved peace, was not used to such liveliness, so she led him upstairs, explaining, “Although Xiao Jiang Lou is full of common people, many wealthy families also enjoy this lively atmosphere and come to savor it carefully. Don’t worry, it’s very clean.”
