Chapter 15: Reminiscent

The food street was some distance from Eastsea Academy, and the three of them walked a full 30 minutes to get there.

It wasn't a wide street, and stores sprouted upwards on both sides. As soon as they reached the mouth of the street, their noses were assaulted with the fragrance of a variety of different snacks and appetizing scents.

"Let's eat that skewered beef first. It's boiled to tenderness. Having it with some rice is simply heavenly." As a landlord of Eastsea City, Xie Xie volunteered the introduction.

Alright!" Tang Wulin grinned; he was already starting to feel hungry.

The stewed beef dish was a signature delicacy in Eastsea City, meticulously prepared by boiling the meat in a light brown-colored earthen jar. After the meat was cleaned, thin slices of onions and ginger were added, with the jar's purpose being to trap the moisture and preserve the flavors throughout the stewing process. Once the meat changed color, around ten different spices were carefully sprinkled in, enhancing the depth of the dish. The stew was left to simmer for a long period, transforming the meat into tender, flavorful pieces. The mixture of spices and meat created a perfect harmony of savory, sweet, and pungent flavors. It was a well-known dish, loved by many in the city.

The shop, though small, had an unmistakable charm. A long cooking table stood just outside, where the aroma of the stewed beef filled the air. Dozens of little flames flickered beneath earthen jars, each one containing the savory stew. The lids of the jars vibrated gently with the steam, releasing a sweet, fragrant scent that enticed passersby. The soft, rhythmic humming from the jars created a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that made it difficult for anyone to pass by without stopping to take a deep breath.

Inside the shop were five modest square tables, each one capable of seating around four people. Though the space was limited, the atmosphere was warm, and by now, half of the tables were already occupied. The cool mid-autumn air outside only seemed to heighten the warmth of the shop and the delicious aroma that invited customers in. It was the perfect place to seek refuge from the fall chill.

Gu Yue couldn't help but express her surprise as she followed Xie Xie into the shop. "I'm surprised that a rich young master like you would eat at a roadside shop!"

Xie Xie didn't bother to argue this time. Instead, he simply nodded toward her. "The stewed beef here used to be my mother's favorite, and I used to come here often with her," he said, his voice soft but filled with warmth as he walked toward the table furthest inside the shop.

Tang Wulin, nudging Gu Yue playfully, followed Xie Xie inside and took a seat opposite him. As he did so, the three of them noticed a familiar figure sitting near their table, enjoying his own bowl of stewed beef. It was Shun Lee, whom they bid farewell a while ago, while appeared completely at ease in the cozy, humble shop.

Xie Xie blinked in surprise before walking toward the table. "Shun Lee?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "How do you know about this place?"

Shun Lee, who had been quietly savoring his meal, looked up at Xie Xie with a small grin. "Oh, I come here every once in a while," he said with a light chuckle. "I go for walks around the street, trying different kinds of food. This place has the best stewed beef, and I've made it a routine."

Tang Wulin's eyes lit up with curiosity. "That sounds great! Can I join you on your walks sometime?"

Shun Lee raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Sure, the more the merrier. It's always fun to explore new places to eat."

As the two boys continued to chat, Gu Yue simply shook her head with a smile, finding their conversation amusing. She leaned back in her chair, looking around the cozy shop, appreciating the warmth and familiarity of the place.

Just as the conversation settled, the shop owner, Uncle Li, approached their table with a cheerful grin on his face. "Xie Xie, you brought friends today! The usual dishes, of course?" he asked, his voice filled with warmth.

Xie Xie smiled and nodded. "Yes, Uncle Li. Thank you."

Uncle Li patted Xie Xie's head affectionately, much like a loving uncle would. "Here you go," he said, setting down three steaming portions of stewed beef, accompanied by three bowls of rice and two vegetable side dishes. "The side dishes are on the house for the guests."

Tang Wulin looked at Xie Xie with wide eyes. Xie Xie, the boy who was usually so particular about cleanliness, was being patted on the head by the shop owner without a hint of discomfort. In fact, he was grinning, not at all bothered by the unceremonious gesture. It was a side of Xie Xie they had never seen before.

"Thanks, Uncle Li," Xie Xie said, his tone warm and genuine.

Both Tang Wulin and Gu Yue exchanged surprised glances, realizing that they had just witnessed a side of their friend they never expected to see. The usual serious and pristine Xie Xie was clearly comfortable here, in this humble roadside shop.

Gu Yue showed a shocked expression to Xie Xie. "I'm surprised that a rich young master like you would eat at a roadside shop!"

Xie Xie didn't bother to argue with her this time round. "The stewed beef from this shop used to be my mother's favourite, and I ventured here occasionally."

Xie Xie looked at the group and raised an eyebrow. "What are you waiting for? Hurry up and eat." As he spoke, he lifted the lid of the earthen jar, and a thick wave of savory fragrance burst forth, instantly enveloping the small table. The broth inside the jar was a rich dark gold, the color of aged honey. Small chunks of beef floated within, each piece so tender that when Xie Xie poked one with his chopsticks, it fell apart effortlessly.

He carefully picked up a piece of beef and placed it delicately on top of his rice, taking a bite. His face lit up immediately with pure contentment. The flavors of the dish were clearly more than just satisfying—it was something he genuinely enjoyed.

Tang Wulin had been waiting for this moment, his patience wearing thin. He followed Xie Xie's lead, taking a piece of beef and rice for himself. The moment the food hit his tongue, he couldn't help but let out a satisfied sigh.

"This is delicious," Tang Wulin said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. The broth was rich with the taste of slow-cooked beef, blending perfectly with the rice. The saltiness was balanced by the natural sweetness of the meat, and the tender beef melted in his mouth. It was simple, yet perfect in its execution.

Gu Yue watched them both, clearly skeptical about the exaggerated expressions on their faces. She leaned back in her seat, her arms crossed as she observed the two boys with suspicion. "You two are acting like it's some kind of miracle food," she remarked, her tone slightly sarcastic.

Shun Lee, who had been quietly enjoying his own meal, chuckled at her response. He picked up a piece of beef with his chopsticks and placed it onto her plate. "They're not exaggerating," he said with a playful grin. "It really is that good."

Gu Yue raised an eyebrow, still doubtful, but reluctantly took a bite of the beef. Her eyes widened slightly as the flavors hit her tongue. The rich, savory taste of the beef was accompanied by the perfect amount of seasoning, and she couldn't help but smile, albeit a little smugly. "I suppose it's not bad," she admitted, the corners of her mouth twitching upward.

Xie Xie, catching her reaction, waved his hands enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling. "Told you! It's the best!" Without hesitation, he called over to the shop owner. "Uncle Li! Ten more sets, please! My friend here can put away food like no one else!"

Shun Lee laughed at Xie Xie's enthusiasm. "You know he's right," he teased, glancing at Tang Wulin with a knowing smirk. "Wulin's the 'Food God' of the school. I've seen him eat a mountain of food in one sitting."

Tang Wulin's face flushed slightly, and he immediately tried to brush it off. "I'm not that bad..." he muttered, although his embarrassment was clear. He could already feel Shun Lee's teasing energy building, and the last thing he wanted was to be the subject of more jokes.

But it was too late. Shun Lee leaned forward, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "Wulin, you really should let people know the truth! The 'Food God' title suits you perfectly." He wiggled his eyebrows mischievously, clearly enjoying the moment.

Tang Wulin tried to ignore Shun Lee's teasing, focusing instead on his meal. He knew from experience that the more he reacted, the more Shun Lee would play along. So, he merely thanked Xie Xie with a grin. "Thank You."

Xie Xie misunderstood Tang Wulin's words, assuming that he was thanking him for the food. He gave a nonchalant shrug. "what's up?"

However, Tang Wulin, sensing Xie Xie's misunderstanding, cleared his throat and corrected him with a small laugh. "No, I meant I'm thanking you for bringing me to this place. You knew about it all along." He paused, before adding helplessly, "By the way, I've been meaning to ask… Why is your name 'Xie Xie'? It's so… simple."

Xie Xie's smile faltered slightly, and he looked down at the table. "My mother gave me this name. She said she chose it because it was a reminder of a chance encounter in her life that brought her happiness—my father and her meeting. That was the best thing that ever happened to her, but..." His voice trailed off as the memories of his mother came rushing back.

Tang Wulin's face softened as he realized the weight behind Xie Xie's words. "Your mother?"

Xie Xie's hands gripped his chopsticks tightly, and his face grew paler. "My father was always busy with work. Even when my mother was seriously ill, he didn't come home. In her final moments, she only wanted to see him one last time... but he came too late." Xie Xie's voice cracked slightly as he continued, his eyes reddening with emotion. "I can't forget that night. Her tears. The regret in her eyes when she let go of my hand. I hate him. I hate him for that. I hate my name, too. If it weren't for that 'chance encounter,' my mother wouldn't have..."

His words were raw and filled with an unspoken pain that hung in the air. Xie Xie suddenly dropped his head onto the table, his shoulders shaking slightly.

At that moment, Uncle Li approached the table, placing another round of freshly prepared stewed beef jars in front of them. As he did so, he paused, noticing the somber atmosphere at the table. With a sigh, he spoke while his voice was heavy with empathy. "This child... he's been coming here for years. His mother loved this place, and after she passed, he came by himself, holding onto her memory. I can't blame him for carrying that sadness. It's rare for him to be here with friends. I'm glad to see him happy for once."

Tang Wulin patted Xie Xie's back lightly. Gu Yue, however, sat in the same position, staring ahead at the crying Xie Xie. Her eyes seemingly filling with something.

"Hey, don't cry. I'll take back back my words and let you treat me today then." Gu Yue kicked across at Xie Xie.

As Xie Xie continued to wipe away his tears, a rare, soft look came over Shun Lee's face. He stared blankly at the table, his chopsticks momentarily forgotten in his hand. The jovial atmosphere around him faded, replaced by something deeper. His gaze drifted to the bowl of rice before him, but his thoughts seemed far away, lost in a past that neither Tang Wulin nor Xie Xie had seen.

There was a shadow in Shun Lee's eyes, a glimmer of something painful that made his usual carefree demeanor seem almost fragile. His fingers tightened around his chopsticks as if trying to grasp hold of something from the past, something he didn't want to let go of. A soft sigh escaped his lips, almost imperceptible, but in that moment, it seemed as if he, too, had been struck by the heaviness of Xie Xie's story.

The warmth of the room felt suddenly colder to Shun Lee, and his thoughts wandered back to his family, to memories he'd buried long ago. The laughter of his younger sibling, the tenderness of a mother who always believed in him, and the stoic presence of his father—once so solid, so strong. But those moments were gone now. In their place was the cruel weight of absence. He shook his head slightly, his fingers twitching as if trying to shake off the melancholy.

As the others continued to talk and makes Xie Xie forgot his pain, Shun Lee's expression was shrouded by overwhelming sadness as his gaze returned to the table before slowly his face blank. He didn't notice that Gu Yue had been quietly watching him all along, her sharp eyes noticing the shift in his demeanor. But choose to keep quiet and the atmosphere broke with Xie Xie's voice, muffled by the remnants of his tears.

"Don't I reek of money's stench!" Xie Xie muttered bitterly, his face scrunching up in frustration.

Shun Lee's eyes flicked toward him, before slowly his lips quirking into a faint, mischievous smile. "You don't just reek of money, you're drowning in your own arrogance. One of these days, that pride will suffocate you," he teased, his tone light, though there was an edge of truth in his words.

Xie Xie scowled and crossed his arms, a bit aggrieved. "You guys never take my side! I'm always the one getting picked on!" he huffed, a pout forming on his face as he glanced at Tang Wulin, who only shrugged helplessly.

Gu Yue's lips curled in amusement as she leaned back in her seat. "So this brat loves bearing grudges," she said, her voice laced with sarcasm.

Xie Xie glared at her, leaning in closer. "We were born the same year! You're only a few months younger than me, yet you still call me a brat? What does that make you, bratty girl?"

Gu Yue's eyes flicked to him, and without missing a beat, she opened a fresh jar of stewed beef and began to eat, not even looking at him. "I won't fight with someone who's just cried," she stated matter-of-factly, her tone flat but oddly soothing.

Xie Xie snorted in disbelief, rolling his eyes. "You're impossible," he muttered under his breath, but his annoyance didn't last long. The warmth of their banter, despite the occasional jabs, filled the air once more. And Shun Lee, still lost in his own thoughts, couldn't help but give a small, wistful smile. The comfort of friends, even in the face of their flaws, seemed to be enough to chase away the lingering shadows.

But Gu Yue, keen as ever, noticed that the wistful look on Shun Lee's face had not entirely vanished. She raised an eyebrow but decided not to mention it. Instead, she kicked Xie Xie lightly under the table. "Hey, don't cry. As I said, I'll take back my words and let you treat me today then," she said, her voice warm despite her teasing.

The conversation continued, the sounds of laughter and playful insults filling the room, but for a brief moment, Shun Lee's distant expression returned, unnoticed by the others—though perhaps not entirely by Gu Yue.

As the group of friends left the stewed beef shop with smiles, Uncle Li gazed at their figures and sighed. "Kids these days have such a large appetite!."

The meal of stewed beef had not only brought Tang Wulin and his friends warmth, but had unknowingly knitted strong bonds between the them although Shun Lee might argue otherwise.