Li Zhu and his mother approached Aunt Zhang's table and took their seats. Turning to Li Hua, Li Zhu ordered, "Sister Hua, could we have a bowl of the shop's signature spicy soup each, along with two fried dough sticks and two portions of braised meat?"
Li Zhu had been engrossed in his studies recently, spending little time in the village. Upon learning of the Lin family's new shop during his New Year's visit, he had made a special trip with his mother.
Li Hua brought them a pot of tea, instructing, "There are cups here. Help yourselves to the tea." She then retreated to the kitchen, returning shortly with the items they had ordered. As most of the food was ready-made, their meal was served swiftly.
Noticing the shop wasn't particularly busy, Li Hua decided to bring a cup of hot tea outside. Gu Zi had been tirelessly welcoming and bidding farewell to customers on her own, and Li Hua thought she could use a drink.