By late morning, the heat rose, baking the open spaces. Without a hat or umbrella, anyone walking outside would feel scorched.
“Is anyone here? One bowl of sweet bean soup, please!”
Shu Rui, cutting fruit in the yard, heard the call. Qing peeked out: “A customer!”
They went out together. It was an elderly woman returning from the market, sweaty from the heat, looking for a place to rest.
The shady elm tree with clean tables and benches was inviting. Seeing the drinks for sale, she ordered a bowl, recalling the morning’s market dealings.
Shu Rui served her, and Qing promptly brought out the sweet bean soup that had been cooled in the well.
Though Shu Rui wasn’t skilled in fancy greetings, he was thorough. He wiped the serving area with a cloth for cleanliness, giving the impression of care.
“Where did you get this fresh celery? It looks just picked this morning.”
Shu Rui casually replied, “This time of year, celery clears heat and soothes the liver—good for cold dishes, stir-fries, or soups.”
The elderly woman nodded. “Yes, later my husband and son will be back from work; it will be perfect with meat.”
She took a ladle of the sweet bean soup. It was mild, not iced, perfect for older people. The beans were soft and filling; the herbs sweetened the soup slightly. It quenched thirst and satisfied hunger after breakfast.
“Your beans are cooked just right,” she remarked.
Shu Rui explained: “I soaked the beans yesterday, cooked them this morning. If it’s too bland, I can add more sugar.”
The woman waved her hand: “I prefer gentle flavors at my age, no ice or sweetness.”
In moments, she finished the bowl, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and refrained from taking a second out of modesty.
“Are you renting this spot, or is it from the old shop? Will you continue tomorrow?”
“We’re from the old shop. It’s not fully repaired yet, but today we set up a table to sell drinks. Tomorrow will be the same.”
“Then I’ll come again when I’m free.”
The shop gradually saw more customers, especially as people returned from the early market.
Shu Rui priced the drinks affordably. Outside, shop-front drink vendors charged higher prices. By the street, his small-stand prices were lower: two coins for pear juice, three for sweet bean soup, and four for winter melon drink.
“Why is your winter melon drink so expensive? Out there, a melon costs one or two coins, enough for four or five bowls!”
A young man scoffed at the price, thinking Shu Rui’s business was dishonest and hoping someone would agree.
Shu Rui remained polite: “Sir, you know your ingredients and the market. Yes, my winter melon drink costs more, but there’s a reason. Four coins today for a taste—small business, careful pricing. Try it and see if it’s worth it.”
Hearing this, the crowd didn’t directly praise him, but their curiosity was piqued. They wanted to taste it for themselves.
Qing watched Shu Rui engage the customers, finding it amusing. When someone ordered, Qing quickly fetched it, fearing they might change their mind.
The bowls were plain, inexpensive ceramic, round and gray, with no decoration. Yet Shu Rui’s winter melon drink, with colorful small tapioca pearls, bright melon pieces, finely chopped hawthorn jelly, and plump raisins, made the simple bowls appear elegant and generous.
“Ah, that looks good! I was just about to have a bowl of winter melon drink myself, but no one recommended it to me,”
The elderly woman who had finished her sweet bean soup wasn’t ready to leave yet. She stretched her neck to watch as Qing carried out the drinks, clearly a little regretful.
The young man who had ordered the winter melon drink eagerly scooped a spoonful of the pearls, drawing the attention of others nearby. When asked how it tasted, he answered with a teasing tone:
“I paid for this taste, so if I tell everyone, they’d be enjoying it for free!”
“You’re quite stingy, young man. Don’t tell me you’re a plant for the shop,” someone teased.
Shu Rui laughed. “Sir, don’t joke. This is a small operation; we can’t afford to hire plants.”
The crowd laughed along, and soon several more customers arrived. The few pre-prepared bowls of winter melon drink sold out immediately.
With plenty of pearls on hand, fresh bowls could be made quickly once the melon was cut and the ingredients prepared.
Qing carried the drinks out, returning two or three times, reporting to Shu Rui at the stove: “The long table is full. Some people didn’t get seats and left.”
Shu Rui looked up. His business wasn’t booming, really; the shaded area under the tree was small, seating only eight. Many who came for drinks were there to rest and cool off, not just to eat. Some lingered over a bowl for minutes; others just took a few sips, stretched their legs, and chatted—some stayed an entire incense stick’s worth of time. There was no reason to rush them.
Shu Rui put down the knife. “The main hall is spacious and clean. If people are willing to come inside, we could serve a few more.”
He wiped his damp hands and prepared to enter the hall.
“You handle the drinks, I’ll take care of the rest. There are still two bowls of winter melon drink left,” Qing said.
Qing went into the hall, set up two tables with stools, and asked waiting customers if they would like to sit inside. He honestly mentioned the hall wasn’t fully repaired yet.
Two patrons agreed, glanced around, and saw that the tables and stools were worn, and the floor had seen better days. Yet it was spotlessly clean; not a speck of dust had settled despite the summer heat. They didn’t care about perfection and happily sat down.
Seeing this, Qing quickly opened the hall’s windows, letting in light and air, making it cooler.
He called to Shu Rui in the small yard: “Ah Shao, one more pear juice and a winter melon drink.”
Shu Rui responded and quickly prepared them.
Around noon, Lu Ling returned with peaches and crisp plums, likely coming to see Shu Rui’s drink stand. He had come from the street market and, at first glance, thought the old shop was empty, but people were inside, bustling about.
“Are you here for some drink…” Qing called, noticing a familiar figure at the door. Realizing it was Lu Ling, he stiffened: “Lu… Lu brother is back?”
Lu Ling, polite as ever, nodded and circled to the back entrance instead.
“The business is so good? Had I known, I wouldn’t have gone to the martial arts school,” he muttered.
Entering the yard, Lu Ling saw Shu Rui busy at the stove, set down the fruit, and approached.
Shu Rui explained: “There are many customers, but they’re just resting and having a drink. With Qing helping out, it’s manageable.”
Lu Ling asked about the martial arts school. Shu Rui explained that he returned at noon, thinking he would just grab a quick meal.
Lu Ling recounted his trial at the school that morning. The familiar instructor wasn’t there, so without a recommendation, it was inconvenient. A martial student suggested he wait while inquiring, leading to a senior administrator finally appearing. They asked routine questions: how long he had practiced, which schools he trained at, and whether he had experience as an instructor.
Having grown up around martial arts schools, Lu Ling knew skill mattered more than credentials. He went straight to the sparring stage. After demonstrating, the two instructors took notice and treated him well, offering tea and courteous words.
“They don’t lack instructors,” Lu Ling said. “Even if I join, I’d start as an assistant instructor, pending the master’s approval in two days.”
Shu Rui blinked. “So strict?”
Lu Ling nodded. “I checked other schools too. None match Zhang Shi Martial School—eight days off per month, better pay. Regular instructors elsewhere earn less than an assistant instructor there.”
Shu Rui said: “No wonder they’re strict. With such treatment, they don’t lack instructors. Even when the school is full, they still interview good candidates, showing they value talent.”
Lu Ling added: “I’ve heard of Zhang Shi Martial School before, with branches in Jizhou, Yuchuan, and even the capital.”
“Then it’s worth your effort to go there,” Shu Rui encouraged.
Lu Ling smiled. “Since you think it’s worthwhile, I’ll give it my all.”
Shu Rui then turned to Qing: “Put down the dishes. I’ll wash them—after half a day, you need a rest.”
Lu Ling, seeing the work, took a towel and bowl to wash in a corner.
In the afternoon, a few more customers came, but Shu Rui had prepared only so much; by early afternoon, everything was sold out. Preparing new ingredients took time, and he still had meals to make for the academy.
He told Qing: “I’ll cook early—braised shrimp for lunch. Eat first, then head home. You’ve been busy all morning.”
Qing wanted to taste Shu Rui’s cooking but declined politely: “My aunt is home. If I don’t return, she’ll be upset. Next time, I’ll eat your food then.”
“Then I’ll give you a day’s wage,” Shu Rui said, knowing Qing had relatives to consider.
Qing refused, but Shu Rui insisted. Finally, Qing accepted, laughing at Shu Rui’s persistence.
Shu Rui invited him inside, poured jasmine tea, and offered a box of hand ointment.
“I heard you were looking for work. When my inn is fully repaired and reopens, I’ll need trustworthy helpers. I’ve had temporary workers before, but matching temperament is tricky. You handled the inn so efficiently before, and we get along—so I thought, would you work here when the inn opens?”
Qing, delighted, hadn’t expected Shu Rui to seriously ask. “How could I refuse! A kind employer like you is rare, and it’s close to my home. I’d never find another place like this.”
Shu Rui laughed and cautioned: “I’m glad, but I can’t reopen the inn immediately. You’ve seen—beds and furnishings aren’t ready. Even ordering from the carpenter takes ten to fifteen days, and funds are tight.”
“I understand. Before it’s ready, I’ll look elsewhere. If I find something better, I won’t hold on to your place. If not, I’ll come back once it’s ready.”
“Agreed?”
Qing nodded, agreeing to wait patiently. “There are many jobs outside, but not all are good. Most shops prefer male workers; few girls can match, so a boy like me is in demand.”
Shu Rui felt a wave of happiness when Qing agreed.
He had only briefly mentioned the matter; wages, holidays, and other details hadn’t even been discussed yet.
After chatting a bit more, Qing left for home in high spirits, his steps light with excitement over the job he had secured with Shu Rui.
At home, his aunt hadn’t left yet, saying she planned to stay one more night in the city.
Seeing Qing return, she frowned, not entirely pleased: “It’s not easy for me to come all the way into town just to see you, yet you’ve been so busy, out for most of the morning. You didn’t even come home for lunch.”
Qing lowered his head and slipped inside to explain: “Earlier, I had some trouble, and my friend helped me a lot. He was busy elsewhere, so I went to lend a hand. That’s why I was delayed.”
Aunt Shan asked instinctively, “What kind of work are you busy with these days, Ah Shao?”
Realizing she might be led astray by what the second brother had said, she quickly shut her mouth.
But Qing replied: “It was warm out, so he made some drinks to sell—they were doing quite well.”
Hearing this, Aunt Shan smiled. “He is indeed quite capable.”
However, Qing’s aunt wasn’t quite pleased. “Second brother, do you take my words to heart? Running about all day, you might neglect proper matters.”
Before, Qing had been timid, but after spending half a day helping Shu Rui, hearing much advice, and forming his own plans, he answered:
“Aunt, I’ve thought about it. Father and eldest brother are always out. Third sister is still little. I don’t want her to marry so soon. I want to stay home and help mother for two more years.”
Aunt Kong’s eyes widened. She pointed at Qing, exclaiming to Aunt Shan: “Look at this child! Such ideas! He refuses to rush into marriage. Youth doesn’t last long! Nowadays, people don’t lack suitors. Wait too long, and when he’s older, no one will even bother introducing him!”
Aunt Shan frowned, feeling uneasy.
Aunt Kong continued: “If you don’t marry, how will you help your mother? Going out only invites trouble and makes her worry! You mustn’t let her fret!”
Qing lowered his gaze and said: “I’ll find work and earn money to help at home.”
Then, anger rising, he looked directly at the one lecturing him: “Aunt, stop blaming me for causing trouble! Ah Shao and Lawyer Meng both said it wasn’t my fault. I’ve always been honest at work. It’s their poor conduct that caused problems! You’re family, why still blame me?”
“You… you!”
Aunt Kong was stunned. She hadn’t expected the usually soft-spoken Qing to speak back so firmly.
“I only said it for your own good! But do you think jobs outside are that easy to find? Life isn’t just about suffering or hardship. Young people like you, if no one wants to hire you, you’ll only get hurt!”
Qing spoke quietly: “I’ve already found work. Ah Shao has a large inn. They think I’m efficient, and even before opening, they wanted to hire me. It’s not like you said, that no one would want me…”
“Good, good! I meddled too much. You have your own mind. I won’t interfere again. I won’t even come by your house!”
Aunt Kong stood up angrily, preparing to leave. Aunt Shan tried to stop her: “Children speak without thinking. Don’t take it to heart.”
Aunt Kong wiped her eyes. “I must leave, or I’ll be in the way. Your second brother thinks the village family isn’t rich enough, yet he has ambition and talent. Someone sees it. I’m just a poor relative, not worth it!”
She left crying, yelling in the alley, drawing the neighbors’ attention.
Aunt Shan felt embarrassed. Qing considered apologizing but, seeing his aunt so unrestrained in the alley, got angry himself and let her go.
Even the young Shan sisters, who usually received small gifts, watched as their aunt carried away six pounds of pork and three pounds of mutton. Despite her anger, she still took the meat.
That evening, Shu Rui returned from delivering meals to the academy and prepared the inn’s dinner.
Counting the morning’s earnings from selling drinks—228 copper coins—and adding 160 coins from the evening meals, he had over 300 coins saved.
Lu Ling washed the rice and followed Shu Rui’s instructions to water the seedlings and scallions with the rice water. Seeing Shu Rui meticulously count small coins, Lu Ling felt a little guilty but stayed quiet.
Pouring the washed rice into the pot, Lu Ling asked, “What’s for dinner tonight?”
Shu Rui, pleased, planned to cook large prawns braised in oil. Fresh seafood can’t be stored long. He chopped garlic finely and stir-fried it over the oyster meat, then placed the pan on a metal rack to roast.
He handed two cloves of garlic to Lu Ling to peel, putting his precious coins away before returning to cook.
Within half an hour, the whole courtyard was filled with a mouthwatering aroma.
“Call Yang’s wife to come eat. She may be unwilling; it’s her father’s birthday tonight, and she has to bring A Xing to celebrate. Or maybe she’s just using that as an excuse,” Shu Rui said, arranging the prawns.
Seeing the abundance of shrimp, he guessed some had been brought by Qing’s aunt. He cooked a pot of braised prawns, but still had leftovers. He sliced ginger and added a bit of rice wine to remove the fishy smell before boiling the rest.
“Not kidding—you should’ve seen her leaving with two boxes and some cloth,” Lu Ling noted, flipping oysters in the pan.
Shu Rui reserved a bowl of prawns for the mother and child, thinking they could add noodles the next day for another tasty meal.
Only Shu Rui and Lu Ling ate dinner. The setting sun cast warm colors across the table as steam mingled with the light.
Lu Ling peeled the shrimp and placed them in Shu Rui’s bowl. The green shrimp, dipped in vinegar, tasted tangy and sweet.
“These oysters are fully cooked,” Shu Rui said, serving thick, plump pieces.
Lu Ling tried one, then stopped.
Shu Rui sipped wine. “Is the flavor not right?”
“It’s fine,” Lu Ling said, meeting Shu Rui’s gaze. “I just don’t need to eat that much.”
Shu Rui flushed. “You’re really particular.”
Lu Ling noticed the boy offering him wine. “Shu Rui… how do you know everything?”
Shu Rui’s eyes widened, face reddening. “Who… who said I know anything?”
Just as Lu Ling was about to speak, a loud commotion erupted from the backyard:
“You heartless wretch! You’ve tricked me so badly!”
“They told me my parents were gone, that I was all alone, miserable, and pitiful—then my wife and daughter came looking for me, crying and cursing, saying I stole her husband…”
“I must’ve been cursed in eight lifetimes! Took pity on you in the snow, and you weren’t frozen to death!”
Shu Rui’s ears perked. Despite the fragrant meal, he set down his bowl and rushed to see what was happening.