47 A Date 2 (1/2)
QIANMEN STREET
Mao Lu and Chàng Bo walked along the lively Qianmen street. It was very busy and filled with all kinds of tourists and regular Beijingers going about their business. Qianmen Street wasn't too far from Tiananmen square, but it seemed like it hadn't been affected at all by their battle with the Irregularity, and it had no signs of any damage.
Qianmen Street was filled with many old-style-ancient-low-roofed-and-tiled buildings that had been transformed into shops. Tram tracks went down the centre of the bustling street. It wasn't a large shopping centre but rather this shopping district was filled with all kinds of small shops from clothing shops, to shoe shops, to food shops. Nearby were two little lanes, one called Xianyukou (鲜鱼口) and the other called Dazhalan (大栅栏).
These lanes are filled with little stalls selling snacks, also known as snack streets. On these snack streets there are all kinds of food for sale, from Stir-fried liver to boiled lamb tripe. And nearby, a line as long as the street itself could be seen, as many queued up at Quanjude Peking Roast Duck Restaurant.
\”This place reminds me of the markets they have in my Realm. There's this street called Milk way street, it's always filled with people and sells all kinds of things.\” Said Chàng Bo as he admired the place, a familiar feeling welling up inside of him.
\”Yes you can find practically anything on Qianmen street. This place is my favourite shopping area in Beijing, it's not too expensive and filled with authentic food. The best time to come here is in the evening, when the lanterns are all lit up, this place is absolutely stunning.\” Mao Lu said with an excited smile.
\”This way.\” he grabbed Chàng Bo's wrist and pulled him to one of the snack streets, dragging Chàng Bo all the way up to a rather popular stall that was selling fried noodles and Jianbing. When they got to the front of the line Mao Lu smiled and said, \”Aunty[2] I'll have two Jianbing[2] please.\”The old woman at the stall looked up, the moment she saw Mao Lu her old and wrinkled face lit up. \”If it isn't Lu-er! It's been such a long time, you're finally visiting this old lady.\”
Mao Lu smiled softly at the old woman, \”I just didn't have much time before, and your stall is one of the most popular in the area. I didn't want to distract you when you're really busy. I've only come for a small visit Aunty.\”
The old woman sighed a bit as she heard these words. \”I'm just glad you've come to visit.\”
Mao Lu offered her some coins but she pushed his hand away gently, \”Geesh who do you take me for, considering our relationship I won't make you pay. These two Jianbing are on the house.\”
he old woman sighed, \”You're still just as stubborn as the last time I saw you.\” She chuckled as she took his money. As the Jianbing was being made, other workers at the stall stared at Mao Lu curiously, wondering how he was connected to their boss. Chàng Bo was also curious, wondering how Mao Lu knew this old wrinkly small lady. ...In less than a minute Mao Lu had two fresh steaming Jianbing in his hands as he found two bench seats nearby the busy snack street.The sky was still blue, the air still warm, and Qianmen street was still busy. Both Mao Lu and Chàng Bo enjoyed this busy view and pleasant weather as they sat down and bit into their warm crepes.
\”Wow, yumm!!!!\” Chàng Bo exclaimed, \”This is super delicious.\”
\”I know right, it really hits the spot doesn't it.\” Said Mao Lu fondly, his gaze a bit distant.
\”So what's your relationship with that mortal?\” Chàng Bo asked bluntly
\”Wow you really don't hold back do you, you just say whatever's on your mind.\” Mao Lu laughed.
\”I prefer doing things straightforwardly, if I'm curious about something I should just ask, there's no reason to beat around the bush.\” Chàng Bo replied.
\”You're right, I agree, I like straightforward people.\” Mao Lu said calmly as he looked around the busy street. \”Actually a long time ago I used to work here, at this stall. The old lady helped me a lot. You see ages ago her son, Uncle Chen, used to work with my Dad. They were the best of friends, he helped my Dad create this huge restaurant empire, they were partners. And yet... my Dad practically stabbed him in the back. My Dad stole all his shares and basically pushed him out of the company. Leaving him and his family without any money. Despite this though, Aunty and her son Jiang Chen didn't let it get them down. Aunty opened up her food stall here in Qianmen Square and Uncle Chen opened up a small successful coffee house in Guomao. Ironically five years later when my family went bankrupt, my mother died, and my Father went to prison, the only ones that helped me were Aunty and Uncle. They were the only people I could turn to. They didn't hold any grudges or anger towards me, they just welcomed me with open arms., they gave me a home and a place to rest until I was able to stand on my own two feet. It's been eight years since then.\”
Chàng Bo listened quietly, waiting patiently until Mao Lu finished his story. \”It seems like you've been through a lot.\”
\”Been through a lot? Perhaps, perhaps not. Ever since I became a Gatekeeper I realised that my struggles are rather small compared to the struggles of others.\” Mao Lu spoke faintly.
\”Those are very mature words for someone so young.\” Chàng Bo said with a raised brow. \”I'm not that young, I'm nearly 25.\”