Font Size:
“Hey, where are you guys going this late at night?” Old man Jing asked, sitting at the door, visibly concerned as he saw them heading out.
“Oh, we’re going out to grab a bite to eat. Do you want us to bring something back for you?”
“No need, my teeth are all gone, can’t eat anymore. Just make sure to come back early.”
“Got it, Grandpa.”
Yang Xiaolong hopped onto his electric scooter, with Jing Tian riding behind him. They also packed some octopus in a bag and brought along a small grouper.
The seaside was chilly in the evening, with the waves crashing against the rocks. Dim streetlights illuminated the winding paths as the electric scooter glided smoothly, creating an indescribable sense of contentment.
The seafood shack wasn’t too far from where they lived, and it took them about ten minutes to ride there. Contrary to their expectations, it wasn’t as bustling as they had imagined. Most of the patrons were local fishermen who had been out at sea during the day and were now looking to unwind with a drink.
” Brother Xiaolong, let’s stop up ahead. We’ve arrived,” Jing Tian, sitting on the back, pointed towards a brightly lit spot not far away.
“Yeah.”
Upon reaching their destination, Yang Xiaolong parked the scooter. There were quite a few people there tonight, and the owner of the seafood shack was running around, busy as a bee.
“Boss, are the oysters fresh tonight?”
“They’re fresh, don’t worry.”
“And, miss, bring us another dozen beers, make sure they’re icy cold.”
“Hey, hold on a moment.”
Inside the makeshift tent, the stoves roared loudly, and the owner was managing two or three woks at once, occasionally sending bursts of flames into the air. The atmosphere was lively.
“Brother Xiaolong, I’ll take the seafood over to be prepared first. You find a place to sit.”
“Sure.”
Tables were set up haphazardly in the open-air area, and the owner was too busy to pay much attention to them. The arriving customers choose their own seats.
Yang Xiaolong found a quieter corner.
Jing Tian carried the seafood over to the owner, and from her confident demeanor, it seemed like she was a regular here.
” Sister Zhang, Brother Li, looks like you’re busy,” she greeted them.
The landlady was bending over to fetch some beer from the fridge when she heard the voice. At first, she was surprised, but then she broke into a smile and said, “Jing, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you. Where have you been lately?”
The chef who was cooking acknowledged her with a nod and continued to stir the pots.
“I’ll help you,” Jing Tian put down what she was carrying and rushed over. “I’ve been busy with fishing lately. I just got back.”
“Fishing?” Sister Zhang seemed somewhat surprised. “You’ve got some guts, girl.”
“Hehe, I really enjoy it.”
They exchanged a few more words, and Jing Tian helped deliver the beer to the customers’ tables.
She used to work part-time here, coming in to help for a few hours every evening, so she was quite familiar with the owner and the landlady.
After waiting for about fifteen minutes, Jing Tian finally ran back, panting heavily. She was wearing an apron with the “Mrs. Le’s Chicken Essence” logo on it.
“Brother Xiaolong, sorry to keep you waiting.”
“It’s okay, but what’s with your outfit?” Yang Xiaolong was a bit puzzled. Weren’t they here to eat? How did she suddenly become a waitress?
Jing Tian sat down and poured herself a glass of cold water, taking a few sips to catch her breath. She explained, ” Sister Zhang and the others are really busy, so I decided to help out.”
“Oh.”
After settling down, Jing Tian began to describe the local customs and traditions to Yang Xiaolong.
A few minutes later, the landlady brought over two cold dishes.
“Here, your dishes are ready.”
Yang Xiaolong stood up to take a plate.
“Thank you, handsome.” The landlady was quite friendly. After placing the dishes on the table, she added, “Jing, your boyfriend is quite nice.”
Jing Tian’s face suddenly blushed, and she coyly responded, “Sister Zhang, why are you saying that? He’s just a tenant in my house.”
“Oh, my apologies, I forgot for a moment.” Sister Zhang winked at Yang Xiaolong as she spoke.
Yang Xiaolong felt quite awkward on the side, left momentarily speechless by the situation.
Seeing the awkward atmosphere, the landlady changed the subject, saying, “Young man, why don’t you try some of our local specialties? We have cold-tossed jellyfish strips and this refreshing seaweed dish.”
“Sure, thanks, landlady.”
“You’re welcome. The dishes will be ready in a moment.”
After the landlady left in a hurry, the two of them locked eyes.
“Let’s eat; it might get cold soon,” Jing Tian spoke first.
“Yeah, you too. Although this one doesn’t seem to be served hot.”
“Haha, true.”
They began to enjoy their meal, breaking the tension with laughter.
Yang Xiaolong’s remark did help ease the awkward atmosphere somewhat.
The dishes at the seafood shack were indeed quite delicious, and they held up well in terms of both taste and presentation, not falling short compared to high-end restaurants.
“Here come the signature dishes!” The owner arrived, carrying a sizzling iron plate.
“Move aside a bit, be careful of the heat,” Yang Xiaolong and Jing Tian quickly shifted on their small stools.
“Jing, try the iron plate octopus. Does it still taste the same?” The owner placed the dish on the table.
“Yeah,” Jing Tian picked up a piece, took a small bite, and nodded approvingly. ” Brother Li, it’s amazing.”
“You have a sweet tongue,” Brother Li chuckled and then turned to Yang Xiaolong. “My friend, thanks for coming. Have a cigarette.”
Yang Xiaolong waved his hand. “You’re too kind. I don’t smoke.”
“Really?”
“Yes, indeed.”
“Alright then, not smoking is a good thing. I’ve been trying to quit, but it’s not easy.” The owner said, lighting up a cigarette and taking a deep drag, reveling in the enjoyment.
At 9 o’clock in the evening, Yang Xiaolong and Jing Tian had eaten their fill. The seafood shack was a bustling place, with people coming and going in waves.
” Brother Xiaolong, are you full? Do you want a couple more dishes?” Jing Tian asked.
“I’m full, really full.” Yang Xiaolong burped and pointed at the pile of oyster and scallop shells in front of him. “If I eat any more, I don’t think I can even walk.”
“Hehe, as long as you’re full, don’t hold back.”
After finishing their meal, they rested for a while. The evening by the seaside was quite cool, and after sitting for over an hour, they both shivered from the chill, their teeth chattering.
“Jing Tian, let’s head back. It’s getting really cold.”
“Alright, I’ll go say goodbye to them.”
“Okay.”
Yang Xiaolong hopped onto the electric scooter and buttoned up his jacket, feeling the significant temperature difference between day and night by the seaside.
“Ready?”
“Yes.”
They rode back in silence. Jing Tian drank a canned cocktail and her face turned as rosy as a peach. Yang Xiaolong didn’t dare to ride too fast, worried about any potential accidents.
Swaying along, they arrived home, and it was nearly 10 o’clock. The old man had already gone to bed.
Yang Xiaolong parked the scooter, and Jing Tian, on the back, seemed to have either had too much to drink or was simply exhausted. As soon as she got off the scooter, she stumbled, and he had to catch her to prevent a fall.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, just too tired and fell asleep.”
…
Yang Xiaolong was a bit worried, so he helped her stumble back into the house. As soon as he entered, he caught a faint, pleasant aroma. The room was cozy, adorned with various handmade decorations, and even had wind chimes hanging from the ceiling.
“Jing Tian, get some rest soon. I’ll head back now.”
“Okay.”
” Brother Xiaolong.”
Yang Xiaolong turned to leave, but she called him back just as he reached the door.
“What’s up?”
“Don’t forget about tomorrow. Have a pleasant cooperation!” Jing Tian said, extending her hand like a jade finger.
“Pleasant coo…”
Before he could finish his sentence, Jing Tian had already flopped down on the bed and fallen asleep, leaving him both amused and exasperated.