Chapter 42: Delicious Noodles

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The night was as dark as ink. Thick clouds veiled the moonlight, leaving only a faint, glimmering trace that lent an air of mystery and unease to the road leading toward the snack street.

Inside the car, Yun Qiuya, Wen Yun’an, and Wen Wan’er sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. An ineffable, suffocating atmosphere permeated the air.

Yun Qiuya’s gaze drifted periodically to her slender legs, where the tight black silk stockings shimmered with a seductive luster under the dim light. Yet, her mind had long since drifted back to that morning—the image of that tear-stained face haunting her thoughts.

At dawn, when the first ray of sunlight pierced through the curtains, Wanru had been standing anxiously by the bed, her eyes red and swollen, tears welling in her lids. When Yun Qiuya woke up and saw her in such a state, an ominous premonition stirred in her heart. She asked why Wanru was so devastated, only to realize with a jolt that her trousers had been changed into shorts. A conspicuous bandage was tightly wrapped around her inner thigh, just above the knee, as if recounting the harrowing encounter of the previous night.

Yun Qiuya was already accustomed to such things; she knew He Lingfeng had been there, and that everything was related to him. She did not pry, simply offering a faint smile to comfort Wanru: "A new day has come, and am I not still alive? No matter what happens, as long as there is life, there is hope."

But Wanru’s tears fell like beads from a broken string. She sobbed silently, eventually breaking into a wail, berating herself for failing to look after Yun Qiuya. She had never imagined He Lingfeng could be so heartless. Piecing together the truth of the previous night from Wanru’s words, Yun Qiuya felt a surge of rage and grief, yet she maintained a calm smile. She consoled Wanru, saying that a beast is a beast, and she would surely deal with him herself.

Despite the bandage hiding the wound, Yun Qiuya could still feel the waves of pain. Yet, compared to the agony of falling from the 27th floor, what was this? She sneered, her eyes filled with resolve and cold determination.

Breaking from her reverie, Yun Qiuya’s hand tightened involuntarily, shredding the silk stocking on her leg. The gesture shattered the oppressive silence of the car. In the front seats, Wen Yun’an and Wen Wan’er heard the sound from behind and let out a soft sigh, but said nothing.

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The car fell back into silence, broken only by the hum of the engine. Yun Qiuya looked out the window at the blurred night scenery. The car wove through the bustling streets, past flickering neon lights and clamoring crowds, before finally coming to a stop in front of a dilapidated courtyard.

It was far from the city’s cacophony, a forgotten corner where only a few dim streetlamps illuminated the mottled walls at the entrance. The courtyard was modest and plain, lacking any grand sign; only a scrap of paper stood nearby, with "Beef Noodles" scribbled in crooked characters, signaling the existence of a noodle shop.

Wen Yun’an cast a skeptical glance at Wen Wan’er, his eyes full of doubt. Wen Wan’er smiled and explained, "Qiuya and I come here often. The owner is quite a character—only a few years older than us, but with a very unique personality. Besides, this place only serves regulars, and they only prepare a limited number of bowls each day. Once they’re sold out, they close."

Wen Yun’an was only half-convinced, muttering, "How good can noodles in a run-down courtyard like this possibly be?"

By then, Yun Qiuya had stepped out of the car. She had swapped her high heels for a pair of light sneakers, and the black silk stockings were gone, revealing legs as white and smooth as jade. She walked with a light step, taking the lead, while Wen Wan’er and Wen Yun’an followed closely behind. Because of the long period of bed rest, Yun Qiuya’s legs appeared even thinner; her calves and thighs were nearly the same thickness. Watching this, Wen Wan’er felt a pang of sorrow and choked back a sob.

As the three walked along the path, the scent of meat broth began to permeate the air. Just then, a figure crouching on the ground caught their attention. The person was lean, dressed in a loose black T-shirt and light blue jeans—an androgynous style that looked both casual and effortless. Her hair was cropped into a short, practical buzz cut. She kept her head down, and on her slender hands, the fingernails were painted a striking red. She held a cigarette between her fingers.

Hearing their footsteps, the woman looked up, revealing a delicate face with a bright smile, white teeth, and red lips. Seeing the three of them, she pressed the cigarette butt into the ground, grinding it out before tossing it away.

"Qiuya, Wan’er, long time no see!" the woman stood up and greeted them warmly.

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Her voice was crisp and melodious, contrasting sharply with her casual attire, carrying a sense of long-missed familiarity. Yun Qiuya and Wen Wan’er smiled and stepped forward to embrace her.

"Indeed, it has been a long time, Ajie," Yun Qiuya remarked with emotion. "Your little shop is just the same as ever; nothing has changed."

The woman laughed. "If it changed, it wouldn't be good—how would you find me then?" She led the three inside. Though the shop was humble, it was clean and tidy. Several hand-painted menus hung on the walls, full of artistic flair. Potted green plants sat in the corners, adding a touch of vitality to the weathered space.

Once inside, the woman retreated to the kitchen to get busy.

"Is she the only one here?" Wen Yun’an couldn't help but ask.

"Yes, she’s the owner and the server," Wen Wan’er said with a mysterious air. "Wait and see—her noodles are unparalleled!"

Wen Yun’an listened with growing interest, a sense of respect for Ajie rising within him. He glanced around and noticed that every table in the shop held a small vase filled with wildflowers. Though inconspicuous, they added a sense of warmth and romance to the simple space.

Before long, three steaming bowls of beef noodles were placed on the table.

"The noodles were chewy and smooth, the beef was succulent and flavorful, and the broth was rich without being greasy—a taste one could never forget."

"Worth the trip!" Wen Yun’an praised as he ate. When he finished, there were no other guests in the shop. Ajie sat across from them, watching with a maternal smile as they enjoyed their meal.