After opening the stall and arranging a few things, Shen Anran informed her mother that she was going to buy ingredients for that day's menu. Liu Meilan allowed her to go while she continued setting up the shop, arranging and cleaning.
Shen Anran walked into the section of the market that sold fishery and sea products. She entered the dry goods area and scanned basket after basket carefully. Vendors called out to her from different directions.
"Ah girl, what do you want? Come, I will give you a good price!" one auntie shouted.
Shen Anran smiled bashfully and waved her hand, indicating she didn't see what she needed. The auntie only sold crabs, shrimps, and prawns. Shen Anran made a mental note to visit her another time.
Just then, her eyes landed on what she had been searching for.
Anchovies.
At the same time, Li Yichen spotted them too.
"Anchovies," he muttered excitedly under his breath.
He walked briskly toward the shed where they were displayed. Shen Anran also increased her pace. She noticed there were only a few kilograms left, and she intended to buy 2 kg.
Li Yichen also wanted 2 kg.
Without hesitation, they both grabbed the same sack at the same time.
The seller and nearby buyers stared in shock as the two strangers clutched the remaining bag of anchovies together.
It wasn't entirely their fault. Coming from the future, neither of them knew there were more bags stored behind.
Li Yichen glanced at Shen Anran.
She glared at him and shook the bag, signaling for him to release it.
He narrowed his eyes and tightened his grip. Why should he let go? He saw it first.
She pulled harder.
He held firmer.
After several seconds of silent tugging, Shen Anran grew tired and loosened her grip.
At the exact same moment, Li Yichen also decided to let go.
The sack dropped to the ground.
The anchovies did not spill out, but a few inside broke.
The stall owner immediately shouted,
"Aiya! What are you two doing?! This is not a playground! If you break it, you must buy it! Don't fight in my stall!"
She was half excited that her goods were so desirable, yet half worried they might create a scene and walk away without paying.
Both Shen Anran and Li Yichen were startled.
Shen Anran looked at Li Yichen with profound irritation. In that moment, he had officially become her enemy.
Li Yichen was equally irritated. He didn't understand why she had suddenly released the bag. Didn't she want it?
He was about to speak when he heard her apologize.
"Auntie, I'm sorry for this. It wasn't my intention to disrupt your morning market. Please weigh it and tell me the price. I will buy it."
Her tone was soft but sincere. She gave a small bow.
She wore blue jeans and a slightly faded jean jacket. Though simple and a little worn, it suited her well. Strands of hair had fallen lightly across her face, making her look unexpectedly gentle.
"Aiya…" The auntie softened slightly but kept her composure. "Fine. It's 30 cents per kilogram."
"Yes, auntie," Shen Anran replied, reaching into her small bag for money.
The anchovies were dried, salted, and sun-cured. They were silvery on top and well-preserved — attractive and high quality. That was why both of them had rushed for it.
The auntie measured the anchovies while nearby sellers watched curiously.
"Four kilograms in total," she announced.
Shen Anran's heart skipped. She had only planned to buy 2 kg. There were still other ingredients she needed.
At that moment, Li Yichen examined the anchovies again. The quality truly was excellent.
"Auntie," he said after a brief pause, "I'll buy 2 kilograms."
Shen Anran still disliked him, but she was relieved to hear that.
The auntie frowned at him and looked at Shen Anran. She was about to say there were other bags available, but Shen Anran nodded, signaling she agreed to share.
The auntie sighed and remeasured, separating the anchovies evenly. She placed 2 kg into separate nylon bags, then opened a new sack and added extra pieces to make up for the broken ones.
Both of them thanked her sincerely.
They bowed politely.
Then they looked at each other with visible hostility.
Shen Anran shot him a sharp glance before walking toward the peanut shed a meter away.
Li Yichen sighed and followed in the same direction.
The seller watched them and shook her head, assuming they had come together. At least she had made her sale.
—
Shen Anran carefully selected roasted, skinless peanuts — split halves, the kind best suited for mixing with spicy caramelized anchovies. They were dry, crunchy, and evenly sized.
After paying, she bought chili peppers and other seasonings before heading back to her stall. The earlier scuffle had wasted time, so she hurried.
Li Yichen purchased peanuts from another stall, then went to buy pork. Afterwards, he returned to his stall.
When he arrived, his aunt had already set up and prepared milk tea. He thanked her and went inside to prepare the ingredients.
While he washed and sorted everything, Wang Shulan served milk tea and steamed buns to customers. Later, she sat at the side recording the day's entries into the record book.
After the customers left, she cleaned the tables, washed her hands, and went to check on Li Yichen.
He had finished washing the ingredients and sat down when she told him to. He began giving instructions. Although he had never prepared this dish before, he remembered clearly the method from his dreams.
Wang Shulan followed his instructions carefully.
However, when she caramelized the sugar, it burned slightly, giving the dish a bitter taste.
She tried again.
Same result.
Worry crept into her face. She felt embarrassed for wasting ingredients.
Li Yichen also felt the loss but said nothing. Instead, he gently asked to try making it himself.
She agreed.
He carefully repeated the process. This time, the sugar caramelized perfectly, coating the anchovies and peanuts evenly.
Soon, the entire stall was filled with a sweet and spicy fragrance.
Wang Shulan swallowed unconsciously, tempted by the aroma.
She hurried to put out the "Now Open" sign.
At the same time, Liu Meilan was also putting out her own sign across the way.
Their eyes met.
For a few seconds, they stared at each other, both feeling something difficult to describe.
Then their children called them, and they turned away.
—
At her stall, Shen Anran was pleased to see her mother serving meat buns with soy milk. Seven customers were already eating.
She greeted them politely, and they greeted her back. Some wondered whether she or her mother was the owner.
She went to Liu Meilan and thanked her.
Her mother only laughed and helped her finish preparing the remaining ingredients.
After everything was ready, Liu Meilan stepped out to put up their "Now Open" sign.
Across from her, she saw Wang Shulan was doing the same.