168 workers

Nanyang Prefecture City, Jingxing Alley, Chen Residence.

The sun had climbed high, and Chen Mu slowly opened his eyes.

A good night's sleep had left him feeling refreshed and comfortable from head to toe!

In the yard, under the newly repaired thatched canopy, Chen Mu laid out his brunch on the square table one by one.

Rice noodle rolls, spring rolls, pan-fried dumplings, Old Qi's meat pies, braised beef, pickled green beans, cold mixed vegetables, medicinal congee— the table was packed full.

Chen Mu bit off half of a meat pie in one go, the subtly salty and fresh filling spreading through his mouth, the rich flavors making him squint his eyes with pleasure. Then with another bite, he stuffed the entire pie into his mouth.

"Delicious!"

He had been back in Nanyang Prefecture City for eight days.