Two days later, Shen Niantang finished her work early, packed her canvas bag, and got ready to head to the town for her appointment. The sky had cleared, with sunlight spilling over the bluestone pavement and the air still carrying the fresh, earthy scent after the rain. She boarded a bus; the cabin was sparsely populated, and the wooden seats were a bit hard, but she paid them no mind, simply gazing out the window at the fields flashing by as her thoughts drifted afar.
Arriving in Qingyang Town, Shen Niantang stepped off the bus and headed straight for the State-run Restaurant. From a distance, she spotted Lin Qing standing at the entrance, wearing a faded blue cloth garment with her hands clasped in front of her, looking nervous yet expectant. Catching sight of Shen Niantang, Lin Qing’s eyes lit up as she hurried forward.
"Sister Shen!"
Chapter 101