A big bowl of rice noodles, topped with a fragrant layer of braised chicken chunks, and sprinkled generously with cilantro, finished off with two heaping spoonfuls of dried chili peppers. The man ate with great gusto, feeling his whole body relax. Then he chased it down with a large gulp of ice-cold beer, almost shouting out his delight.
Yan Huihong wiped the corner of his mouth inelegantly with the back of his hand, then strolled out of "Liu Ji Rice Noodle Shop," one hand supporting his waist and the other patting his stomach. He didn't get far before leaning against a utility pole by the roadside, pulling out a cigarette. He lit it with a satisfied grin, puffing away while exchanging playful glances with the girls in the hair salon across the street.
