The school bell rang sharply, and pupils poured out in lively groups. Some rushed toward the vendors gathered outside the school gates. A few stalls were set up beneath wooden sheds, others under large umbrellas that swayed gently in the breeze. The vendors sold soda, steamed buns, braised meat, sweets, and all sorts of small treats students loved.
Shen Anran's and Li Yichen's stalls were only a few meters away from the school gate. Many students drifted toward Shen Anran's stall, drawn not only by the food but also by the cool shade and pleasant breeze that seemed to linger there.
"Welcome, welcome!" Shen Anran called warmly, her voice bright and inviting.
She had carefully written the day's menu on a blackboard using colorful chalk:
Rice congee — 50 cents
Soy milk — 10 cents
Spicy crispy anchovies with peanuts — 40 cents
Braised pork — 1 yuan
Milk tea — 20 cents
Rice — 40 cents
Takeaway packaging — 5 cents extra
The students crowded around the board, reading eagerly before placing their orders.
"Auntie, I want anchovies! I wonder how it tastes!" one boy said excitedly.
"Auntie, rice with braised pork—and a cup of milk tea too!"
"I feel sick today, so rice congee with braised pork for me."
"Auntie, give me anchovies with congee. I want to try it!"
"One cup of soy milk, please!"
Soon, the stall buzzed with noise and chatter. Nearly all the tables were filled. Shen Anran's smile never faded as she hurried back and forth, calling out orders to her mother, who plated the dishes swiftly and efficiently. The fragrance of braised pork and crispy anchovies filled the air.
Some students, hearing others praise the anchovies, quickly changed their orders.
"It's so good!"
"The peanuts make it even better!"
"I want another serving!"
The compliments came one after another. Shen Anran's cheeks turned pink from the praise. Embarrassed yet deeply happy, she ran into the kitchen for a moment to hide her blushing face, her heart overflowing with contentment.
Liu Meilan laughed heartily as she worked. Hearing customers compliment their food filled her with pride. This life—earned through honest effort—felt deeply satisfying.
At Li Yichen's stall, Wang Shulan served the students while Li Yichen handled the plating. Chen Mingyu had gone to the farm and couldn't come that day.
Although only about half of their tables were filled and their stall wasn't as noisy as Shen Anran's, Wang Shulan still felt content. She earned about two yuan daily, and she carefully saved each coin for future needs.
Before long, their anchovies ran out.
Li Yichen immediately set up the stove and prepared another batch of anchovies with peanuts. The sizzling sound drew curious glances. Students who couldn't wait ordered braised pork with rice instead. Some bought milk tea and left to purchase steamed buns elsewhere.
By eleven o'clock, the area grew quiet as students returned to class.
Li Yichen was pleased. He had nearly sold out the two kilograms of anchovies he had prepared. After counting the money and recording the day's sales, aunt and nephew began washing and cleaning.
At Shen Anran's stall, the anchovies were completely sold out. Only one plate of rice congee remained, along with one plate of rice and four servings of braised pork out of the twenty-four she had prepared.
She felt deeply satisfied.
Later, she discussed hiring a helper with her mother.
"I've been thinking about it too," Liu Meilan admitted. "Business is good, but we're still just starting out. What if something changes…?" She didn't finish the sentence. "We must find someone sincere."
Shen Anran nodded. Finding a trustworthy person would not be easy.
Still, that afternoon, she placed a small sign outside the stall: Helper Needed.
Perhaps in the future, they might even hire two or four helpers.
That very day, Lin Wanru came to visit.
Her husband, Mr. Han, had been bringing Shen Anran's food home frequently, and she had grown fond of it. Feeling bored at home, she decided to visit the stall herself.
"Ah, Wanru!" Liu Meilan greeted warmly, sliding open the glass door. "Walk carefully."
Lin Wanru smiled as she stepped inside.
Shen Anran was washing dishes in the back. After finishing, she stepped out and saw Lin Wanru chatting animatedly with her mother, holding a cup of milk tea. They were gossiping lightly. Liu Meilan mentioned the rumors spreading in the market and the unpleasant conversation she had endured during the cart ride.
"I didn't expect them to be so ignorant," Liu Meilan sighed.
"Auntie," Shen Anran greeted with a gentle smile.
"Ah, Anran! You look tired," Lin Wanru said kindly, studying her small frame. "But you're becoming more beautiful every day."
Shen Anran blushed. "Auntie, if I had known you were coming, I would've saved you some anchovies."
"I came for braised pork, but your mother is being overly cautious," Lin Wanru teased playfully.
"Mother, serve Auntie some pork. She's not that far along," Shen Anran laughed. "I'm going to the market to buy noodles. We need to add something new to the menu."
Liu Meilan reminded her to be careful and listed a few items to buy. Lin Wanru waved goodbye as Shen Anran untied her apron and stepped out.
At the market, Shen Anran stopped at a stall selling dried noodles.
Just as she reached for a bundle—
"You again," a voice said coldly.
She looked up.
"You again," she replied at the exact same moment.
It was Li Yichen.
For some reason neither could explain, hostility flashed in their eyes. Shen Anran didn't understand why she disliked him so much. Li Yichen wondered the same.
They both turned away sharply and began selecting noodles.
When they approached the payment table at the same time, each held ten bundles in their small baskets.
They both snickered at each other, lips curling in mock amusement, which made the shop owner slightly nervous.
After paying, Shen Anran shot him an annoyed glare and left to buy ginger, garlic, chilies, and beef.
Unfortunately—
They met again at the beef stand.
Their eyes locked.
Sparks of silent rivalry crackled between them.