A light rain fell on Sunday morning.
The fine rain fell like silk threads, and the white steam spilling from the steamer baskets billowed into a pale dragon in the morning light.
Shen Yuan stepped into the steamed bun shop, one hand in his pocket. The tip of his shoe sent a circle of ripples across a shallow puddle.
The steamed bun shop owner rested one hand on a steamer, his five fingers gripping the wooden handle as steam coiled up along the knotted muscles of his forearm.
The owner fixed Shen Yuan with a piercing gaze.
"What'll it be today?"
The question was like a declaration of war, and a competitive fire instantly ignited in Shen Yuan's eyes.
The gentle breeze stirred the stray strands of Shen Yuan's hair.
"Boss! One of each: vermicelli, pickled vegetable, meat, preserved greens, and vegetable. And a cup of salted soy milk!"
The moment the words left his mouth, a plastic bag came flying with a WHOOSH, the five steamed buns tracing an elegant arc through the steam.
