Chapter 220: Take a Step

Thinking of this, Hua Buwan couldn’t help but recall the grilled oysters sold at the bustling night market near her home. They had delicious grilled oysters there too, but the prices were quite different. Back home, they were a single yuan each, and you could get a dozen for twenty or forty yuan—plus, buying a dozen got you another dozen for free. Then again, this place was right by the sea, blessed by its unique geographical advantage, so naturally, the seafood here was cheaper and more affordable.

Beside the grilled oysters was a small stall selling seafood porridge. The owner had carefully simmered a thick porridge base, where plump, white grains of rice bloomed in the pot like fresh flowers. Then, the vendor tossed in petite dried shrimp and meaty little crabs, sprinkling in some ginger to remove any fishiness. He stirred the pot continuously with a large ladle, filling the air with the rich, savory aroma of seafood. This scent was like magic. Anyone passing by couldn’t help but stop in their tracks, casting longing glances at the steaming, fragrant pot. Even Hua Buwan couldn’t remember how long it had been since she last tasted such delicious seafood porridge. Seeing this, she swallowed hard, her mouth watering as she stared fixedly at the tantalizing pot, reluctant to look away.

Looking further down, she saw a dazzling array of mouthwatering seafood delicacies. The first to catch her eye were the fragrant shrimp patties. Hua Buwan stared intently at the vendor making them, unable to tear her gaze away for even a second. He skillfully kneaded the dough, added fresh shrimp meat, and pan-fried the patties right there until they were golden and crispy. The alluring aroma seemed to pierce straight through to one’s soul.

Besides the shrimp patties, there were fish balls frying in hot oil. The golden orbs rolled and danced in the heat with a loud SIZZLE AND POP, releasing a captivating scent. There were also various other seafood dishes—tender, juicy grilled squid, spicy stir-fried crab, and more—creating an overwhelming feast for the eyes.

Hua Buwan’s eyes darted around like they were under a spell, trying to take in every single snack. She marveled inwardly that such a seemingly remote small town hid such a complete and incredibly diverse selection of food. She made up her mind right then and there to eventually taste every snack on this street. No matter the flavor, she would try them all.

The more she thought about it, the more her cravings flared up, making it hard to suppress her desire for the food. She even felt as if all the snacks on the street had come to life, waving at her and calling out, “Come here! Come and taste us!”

Hua Buwan knew very well that if she lingered any longer, she wouldn’t be able to resist taking out her wallet and going on a spending spree, which would be disastrous. So, fighting back her drool, she resolutely turned and walked away.

Meanwhile, the Ling family walked into Chen’s Seafood Shop.