"Can a simple bowl of noodles spark chaos, mischief, and a strange twist of fate?"
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———
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Mei's Pov:
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The scent of spices wrapped around me as I wandered through Héng's market, tasting skewers, biting into buns and savoring the blend of flavors on my tongue, transporting me to different corners of the market. When I reached a noodle vendor, I slowed my pace watching as the vendor spiced a bowl of noodles with vegetables, rich sauce spilling over the sides.
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I couldn't resist the pull.
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I chose a bowl of noodles, watching with a grin as the vendor heaped on vegetables, meat and sauce.
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With my prize in hand, I wove through the crowd, eyes darting for a quiet spot to savor my treasure. I should've been watching where I was going, but the market's liveliness was too intoxicating. Before I knew it —Bam! a tall figure bumped into me, my noodles went flying, scattering across the ground.
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I gasped, looking up just in time to see the expression of pure horror flash across his face.
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"My sincerest apologies, I didn't see you there," he mumbled, hurriedly blotting the mess with a handkerchief.
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"You—" The word escaped before I even registered who stood before me.
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"You again?"
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His face shifted from horror to a sheepish smile as he gently dabbed a stray spot of sauce on my cheek. "It seems fate insists on our meetings being… messy."
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"You think?" I shot back, rolling my eyes, I tossed his soiled handkerchief back at him, hovering between laughter and tears.
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Closing my eyes, I inhaled slowly, willing my frustration to ebb. "not... today," I muttered under my breath, tightening my grip. "Not today." I recited the words like a mantra.
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He shook his head, sighing as he pulled a coin pouch from his belt. "Let me at least cover another bowl. It's the least I can do."
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My ears perked at that. Good start.
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He gestured toward the bustling stalls. "So, which one has the... richest noodles?"
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I squinted, sizing him up. No one just offers to replace noodles at Héng prices.
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He had the look of someone who was more than just comfortable, dressed just a notch above the crowd but trying to blend in. A fine line between polished and trying-too-hard-to-be-common, a man who probably thought himself a big deal. Probably one of those types raised on promises of greatness or a sizable inheritance. Not that I cared—my stomach was growling, and he was offering to pay.
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A glint of mischief sparked in me as I considered the possibilities. "Maybe," I said, a slow smile creeping in, "there's another way you could make up for this."
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I stepped closer, enjoying how he flushed slightly under my gaze, encouraging me further. "Just so you know, I drive a hard bargain. Hope you're ready to pay… whatever price I name."
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Cheng's Pov:
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I regarded her warily. This woman was impossible. Here I was, offering a new meal to make up for... alright, mostly my fault, but she played a part, too! Yet she gave me this mischievous look, stepping closer. Does she not understand personal space? Just tell her to step back, Cheng. No—if I do that, she'll think she's getting to me. Just try to play along, replace her meal and leave, simple as that.
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"I fear what scheme you've cooked up in that mind of yours." I muttered, clearing my throat and glancing away, unsettled by her proximity. "Very well, woman, name your terms."
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"In addition to a new bowl, your debt includes a small bottle of baijiu to pair with it. After all, your clumsiness did ruin my sampling experience!" She looked at me smugly, her eyes practically sparkling with satisfaction.
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Before I could protest, she seized my wrist and tugged me toward a nearby vendor. Steam rose from bowls set out on woven mats, and the vendor's eyes gleamed at the sight of us. "Two servings—and a bottle of baijiu, if you please!" she ordered, swinging my arm in a way that I'm sure she thought was playful.
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I shot her an exasperated look, already wondering what trouble she'd drag me into next. But… I didn't pull away. Adventure was promised, after all.
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The vendor quickly plated two generous portions, steam curling up from the bowls. She nudged me, a grin in her eyes. "See anything that appeals?"
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I frowned, glancing over the rustic setup. "I hardly think eating street food is fitting—"
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Before I could finish, she deftly twirled a mound of noodles on her chopsticks and waved them under my nose, the aroma undeniably tempting. I opened my mouth to object—only for her to slip the noodles past my lips with alarming speed.
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I startled, cheeks bulging as I chewed, helpless against the flavor bursting on my tongue. A mix of spices and savory richness flooded my senses, washing away any protest. "These… these are simply divine," I mumbled, the words escaping around the mouthful.
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- Mei laughed at his reaction. "See, taste good doesn't it? But that's quite enough stealing from my portion, order your own."
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He shot her a sly look, attempting to snatch more noodles. "It might not taste as good as yours — aaah!" His hand was slapped away playfully.
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Their giggles and good-natured ribbing echoed through the alley, attracting curious onlookers to the pair.
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"Keep your hands far from my food!" Mei grinned. "Go on then- order your's." Their joyous childish quarrel and laughter sounded through the stall amid shaking heads, fellow patrons delighted by the pair's playful antics.
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As dusk fell, the market emptied gradually, vendors packing up their wares for the night. Mei and Cheng still lingered on the stoop of the now-quiet food stall. Mei, sipped baijiu lazily while watching the few stragglers hurrying home.
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"Look there - that man's hat is way too big for his head!" Mei chuckled, nudging Cheng's arm. He smiled. "And that woman's sash could clothe an entire village. Their fashion give the courtiers a run for extravagance."
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Silence fell as they observed the fading bustle, each relaxing in the other's company. After a time, Mei tilted her head consideringly. "Ehh what's your name?"
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"Cheng"
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"Tell me, what does it signify?"
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Cheng pondered. "Cheng means succeed, accomplish.' My father hoped I would carry our family's dynasty to new heights."
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Ah! I was right. Mei thought, smiling at the confirmation of her theory.
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He gazed at Mei curiously. "And yours?"
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She smiled. "Mei, it represents grace, beauty. My mother said I entered this world with such poise and charm, I had to bear that name."
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"You don't appear—"
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Mei flashed him a bold, challenging look, her eyes daring him to finish his statement and Cheng couldn't help but smirk in return.
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As the night deepened its embrace, a distant song began to play, gently filling the quiet streets with its melody.
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She smiled as she silently handed him the bottle of baijiu, a quiet offer in her gesture. He waved it off, his smile turning wry and self-deprecating. "Baijiu and I," he began with a light chuckle, "have a bit of an... unpleasant history."
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Her laughter faded, replaced by a mocking sympathy that danced in her eyes. "There happen to be so many things you can't do~ first street food, now this," she teased, her tone sharp yet playful.
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Mei tipped back the last drops of baijiu, gazing out at the darkened streets. "It seems the market has fully closed for the night," she remarked quietly.
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Cheng nodded, rising and stretching limbs grown stiff from idleness. "Then I suppose it's time for this mysterious stranger to take his leave." His lips quirked as he glanced at her. "Perhaps our paths will cross again... in a less chaotic manner."
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Mei responded with a smile.
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Bowing a little, Cheng slipped into the darkness, vanishing swiftly and silently. Mei watched him go, wondering the other surprises the city and its people might hold.
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