“I’d like a braised chicken and rice,” Xixi said, looking at the menu. “And a sweet tofu pudding. This roujiamo is that bread and meat thing, right? I’ll have one. Also, a plate of Yangzhou fried rice. What do you want to eat, Lulu?”
“I’ll eat your leftovers, honey.” Lulu turned to Yabemiya. “That’s all.”
“Okay,” Yabemiya said, and walked to the next customer.
“I’d like a braised chicken and rice, a roujiamo, a sweet tofu pudding, and a savory tofu pudding,” Robert said, looking at Yabemiya.
“I’m sorry, sir, but one person can only order one tofu pudding.”“We’re a party of two,” Roberit said, pointing at Rood.
“It’s too much, Depu— a roujiamo is enough for me,” Rood said. He almost gave away who they were.
“No. Of course you should try this tofu pudding that is driving people crazy.”
Yabemiya nodded. “Okay, please wait a moment.” She went back into the kitchen.
“Did you see the two lovebirds, Boss?” Yabemiya said. “They are really sweet on each other.”
“They’re pouring dog food 1 ?” Mag turned to look, and saw a big guy brushing a girl’s bangs with his big hand. He was so envious.
Sally was using the dishwasher. She was happy when she saw them, but she never showed it.“Pouring dog food? What is that?” Yabemiya asked as she put two bowls of braised chicken on the tray.
“Um,” Mag said, “when a couple show affection towards each other, they may trigger envy, jealousy, and self-pity among single people. They’re pouring dog food. It’s a saying from where I’m from.”
“Oh.” Yabemiya nodded. “But why dog food?”
“Because we call single people single dogs.”
“I see.” Yabemiya smiled, and went back to work.
Suddenly, Mag spotted Rood among the customers. He had a good memory, so he recognized that Food Association staff member right away. The man sitting opposite him is well-dressed. He is probably his boss.
What are they doing here? Mag frowned. They suspect I am cheating?
They can go ahead and investigate all they want. I have a clear conscience.
Yabemiya was serving quickly, and Sally had become very good at clearing and cleaning tables.
There’re only three of them, but they’re a well-oiled machine, Robert thought, looking at Mag juggling several dishes in the kitchen.
“Your braised chicken and rice, roujiamo, sweet tofu pudding, and savory tofu pudding. Enjoy your meal,” Yabemiya said with a smile.
Robert nodded. “Thank you.” He was already totally attracted by the food.
The pleasant smells were tickling his nose, making his mouth water. How did he make them? They smell so good!
“Do you want to eat the sweet tofu pudding or the savory one?” Robert asked Rood.
“Either flavor is fine with me.”
“I’ll have the savory one, then.” Obviously, he liked the savory one better.
Rood’s eyes were glued to the roujiamo. He had never smelled anything so aromatic.
He had been to almost every restaurant in the Aden Square, but no food in those restaurants had ever whetted his appetite so much. His stomach had been rumbling ever since he saw other people eat, and now that the food was in front of him, he could barely resist his craving for food.
“I don’t think it will be good…” Rood said stubbornly, but brought the roujiamo to his mouth and took a bite in spite of himself.
The bread was soft, the meat was tender, and the juice seeped out. His taste buds started cheering.
Rood felt like he was in heaven; he was completely enslaved by the food.
This is so good! This is divine! This food is from heaven! It should rank first! Rood thought. 300 copper coins each is not expensive at all! Now, he didn’t care if the owner here was hiring these people; he didn’t care if the owner was cheating, either. A voice was screaming in his head, “Roujiamo! Roujiamo! Roujiamo!”
