The air was filled with a complex yet comforting aroma, one unique to the bustling streets of China, full of the warmth of human presence.
At a nondescript little stall, Lin Yu'an paused. The stall owner, an elderly lady with graying hair, was tending to a charcoal brazier, on which white rice cakes were being grilled.
"These are grilled rice cakes." Lin Yu'an ordered two for his two wives, brushed with sweet chili sauce and sesame sauce.
Aliya received the warm rice cakes, releasing the scent of rice and sauce, and cautiously took a bite. The soft, glutinous texture combined with the salty, sweet, fragrant, and spicy sauce exploded instantly on her taste buds.
"Mmm... delicious!" she remarked indistinctly, her emerald-like eyes lighting up, like a little squirrel discovering a treasure, quickly finishing one.
Emily preferred the simplest version, brushed with a layer of fermented soybean condiment.
