A Warm Breakfast and Unexpected Treats

“One order of steamed rice noodle rolls with egg, and a bowl of braised pork congee, please.”

Having deposited her money, Bai Xia hurried back from the bank to the city’s old neighborhood, rushing to her favorite breakfast stall. The early morning air was filled with the steam rising from the bamboo steamers, casting a warm glow over the owner’s amiable face.

This little stall was Bai Xia’s go-to spot. She often had her breakfast and late dinners here after school. The middle-aged couple who ran the place made delicious rice noodle rolls and braised pork congee that was soft and flavorful, all at a very affordable price.

Most importantly, the owners knew her well, sometimes even adding an extra egg to her order, making her difficult life just a bit easier.

“Are you up so early, Little White?” The owner deftly mixed the rice batter, smiling as he added an extra egg to the pan, then slid the tray into the steamer. “Aren’t students supposed to sleep in on weekends?”

“Not really, Uncle,” Bai Xia replied with a sheepish grin, scratching her head. “I don’t have time to sleep late. I have to go to work afterward.”

The owner sighed, scooping a large bowl of pork congee and setting it in front of Bai Xia. After a moment, he retrieved the heavily seasoned, freshly steamed rice noodle rolls and placed them on her table.

Aware of Bai Xia’s situation, the owner knew she was a student who also worked to pay for her living expenses. This was why he and his wife always looked out for her.

“Thanks, Uncle!”

Bai Xia’s eyes lit up as she looked at the heaping bowl of pork congee and the rice noodle rolls with an extra egg. Indeed, life had been hard, but kind moments like this made it a bit brighter.

After a night of hunger, she finally had a hot meal. As she opened her disposable chopsticks, Bai Xia began to eat heartily, her small stomach rumbling with hunger. She pulled out her phone and opened her chat with Mo Bai.

[Xia: Mo Ge, I’m sending you the money back now.]
[Xia: Transferring 570 yuan.]

Of course, Bai Xia hadn’t forgotten her promise to treat her good classmate to a milk tea. After all, if it weren’t for Mo Bai’s help, she might not even be sitting here, enjoying a peaceful breakfast.

So, she had to properly thank him! Besides, now that she had this much money, a little indulgence wouldn’t hurt. Plus, she no longer had to spend money on chicken blood and duck blood, saving her a significant amount.

Thinking about it, aside from the difficulty in feeding, there were some advantages too. Although being bound was a bit embarrassing… she wouldn’t admit it.

Her small fingers danced across the phone screen, quickly typing a message.

[Xia: Don’t worry, Mo Ge. I’ll definitely treat you to the most expensive milk tea on Monday.]

After sending the message, Bai Xia stretched contentedly and continued her breakfast. The sunlight streaming through the small eatery’s door bathed her in a warm, golden light, making the young-looking Bai Xia feel that her future wasn’t as bleak as she had imagined. All she needed to do now was go to the market and buy some vegetables.

“What should I have for lunch?”

As she scooped up the congee with her spoon, Bai Xia pondered what to treat herself to for lunch. Usually, she ate frugally and carefully planned her grocery shopping, but now that she had this money, she wasn’t sure how to spend it. Maybe she could eat out? Honestly, she couldn’t remember the last time she had a meal outside. But in the Imperial Capital, a single meal could cost 100 to 200 yuan, and she was still a bit hesitant. However, with her current situation, she didn’t need to worry about that anymore. Maybe she could consider eating out in the evening?

After some thought, Bai Xia decided to check out the market first. If she wanted to eat out, she could always do that in the evening. After all, the streets were always filled with the aroma of grilled lamb skewers, tempting her every time she passed by.

“Bye, Uncle!”

After finishing her rice noodle rolls and the last spoonful of congee, Bai Xia paid with her phone, remembering to buy a soy milk to drink on her way. Unlike the high-end neighborhood where Mo Bai lived, the old neighborhood had its own lively market. The cold, sterile shelves of supermarkets were replaced by the lively shouts of vendors and the occasional haggling of early morning shoppers.

This was the unique charm of the old neighborhood. And compared to the expensive, pre-packaged ingredients in supermarkets, Bai Xia preferred the hustle and bustle of the market.

With a soy milk in hand, she strolled through the market, her eyes scanning for interesting ingredients. It was a rare treat, so she wanted to pick something special.

Maybe she could try some beef?

Bai Xia’s steps paused in front of a meat stall, her gaze falling on the neatly packaged cuts of beef. Mo Bai had mentioned that he liked beef steak, but just how good was it?

“How much is this?”

With her years of shopping experience, Bai Xia quickly spotted a beautifully marbled piece of steak, though the price made her hesitate. She had heard that high-end steaks were expensive.

“You’ve got great taste, kid!” The owner smiled, opening the display case. “This is Australian grass-fed beef, 120 yuan per pound. Would you like me to cut you a piece?”

120 yuan per pound? That seemed quite reasonable… Wait a second, did he say 120 per pound?!?

Bai Xia choked, nearly spitting out her soy milk. “One… one hundred twenty per pound?”

“One twenty is actually quite affordable. This is imported, you know.” Noticing the shock on the young customer’s face, the owner wasn’t surprised. After all, how many families in the old neighborhood could afford steak?

120 per pound… This beef must be gold-plated or something!

Although she had more money now, this was still too expensive! Usually, the beef she bought was only 20 to 30 yuan per pound.

After some thought, Bai Xia decided to buy a small piece to try. She was curious to taste the famous beef steak.

But just as she was about to leave the market, the sound of sirens filled the air, echoing through the streets.