C15 Marketplace of You

"Take care now," the vendor waved as he spoke.

Cang Xu took the spring roll from July and broke off a small piece for Lu Xiaoxiao, who was nestled in his arms. Surprisingly, Lu Xiaoxiao ignored Cang Xu's "thoughtful" gesture and instead reached out with a paw for the larger piece in July's hand.

"Meow~"

"Go ahead, give it to him. This little guy is already so chubby, his appetite is really something," Cang Xu chuckled at Lu Xiaoxiao's greedy demeanor.

Lu Xiaoxiao sniffed the spring roll that July offered—it smelled amazing, much better than the ones from the breakfast shop. Eyeing the golden, crispy spring roll, Lu Xiaoxiao licked his lips, grabbed it with his paw, and leaped to the ground.

"You little rascal, why are you on the ground again?" July remarked, noticing Cang Xu's now-empty arms.

"Must be a reincarnated glutton. Let him be," Cang Xu said, lowering his hand and glancing at Lu Xiaoxiao devouring the spring roll on the ground. He smirked, thinking, "Give him an inch, and he takes a mile. I don't even want to hold you, you little troublemaker."

Passersby gave them curious glances, puzzled by the sight of two well-dressed men standing by the street, waiting for a scruffy cat to finish eating a spring roll.

Lu Xiaoxiao was thoroughly enjoying the treat, biting into the crispy, non-greasy roll filled with delicious stuffing. Before long, he had finished it, leaving crumbs on his whiskers.

"Come here," Cang Xu called, hands behind his back. Lu Xiaoxiao considered ignoring him but then thought better of it. This generous benefactor was key to his future comfort, and pride could take a backseat.

Slowly, Lu Xiaoxiao sauntered over and sat by Cang Xu's feet. "You're filthy..." Cang Xu muttered, pulling a handkerchief from July's coat and roughly wiping Lu Xiaoxiao's face.

"Meow!" Oh my gosh, is this poker-faced guy trying to harm me? It hurts so much, thought Lu Xiaoxiao, scrunching up her cat face.

"Let's go. I'm hungry too. Let's find a café to sit in," Cang Xu said, tossing a handkerchief to July with a dismissive wave.

The Duke... really... July picked up the handkerchief, gave it a few shakes with her fingertips, then tucked it neatly into her jacket, shaking her head with a slight smile.

Lu Xiaoxiao continued to prance around happily, looking left and right. Suddenly, she spotted an old sign: "Old Chen's Clove Wontons." Wow, it's been ages since I've had wontons!

Looking back, she saw Cang Xu and July still strolling leisurely behind her. Anxious, she dashed over to them.

"Meow~" Lu Xiaoxiao ran to Cang Xu's feet, stood up, and gently pawed at his pants.

"Greedy little thing..." Cang Xu murmured, picking up the pleading Lu Xiaoxiao. "Alright, you lead the way."

Cang Xu knew Lu Xiaoxiao loved her freedom, so he let her roam. He trusted she'd always find her way back, like a kite that always returns.

Once on the ground, Lu Xiaoxiao didn't know how to express her gratitude, so she tapped Cang Xu's shoe with her paw and rubbed her head against it.

"Meow~" Lu Xiaoxiao trotted ahead, glancing back at Cang Xu to signal him to follow.

The best-tasting wontons are usually made fresh, and Lu Xiaoxiao was surprised to find that even in this old-time market, every vendor put their heart into their craft. Every snack here was authentically made.

Old Chen's Clove Wontons were no exception. Though just a small roadside stand, it was always bustling. The broth was made from a rich bone stock prepared early each morning, and the signature clove wontons were flavored with a few drops of clove flower extract.

Lu Xiaoxiao watched as the dough was skillfully transformed into various shapes by the vendor. She quickly filled them with a mixture of shrimp and pork, placing them in a basket. After a quick rinse to remove the excess flour, she dropped the wontons into the pot. They tumbled around in the boiling water, resembling fluffy clouds in the sky. Lu Xiaoxiao found the whole process fascinating, her eyes glued to the scene.

"Duke, there's nowhere to sit here," July whispered softly in Cang Xu's ear.

"Just wait a bit. It wants to eat..." Cang Xu replied, leaning against a tree beside the small stall.

"Alright, I'll go stand in line for you," July said, bowing slightly to Cang Xu before striding toward the long queue.