Just as he was feeling somewhat puzzled, the waiter, while calling out "Noodles coming up," placed the bowl in front of him.
The tone was so eager it was almost affectionate.
Miao Liangfang was taken aback.
He had occasionally eaten here in the past, but being poorly dressed often earned him cold stares; this was the first time he had been treated so kindly.
Amidst his confusion, Miao Liangfang was about to speak when the young waiter, carrying an empty tray, dashed back into the diner.
He sat there, dumbstruck for a moment, then could only pick up his chopsticks and push down the myriad of suspicions in his heart for now.
The meal was tasteless to him, and after he finished the soup, Miao Liangfang placed the empty bowl on the table, walked with his cane to where the owner was cutting noodles at the entrance, and from his bosom, he fished out two shiny copper coins.
The owner laughed and said, "Someone has already paid your silver for you—no need to pay, Doctor Miao!"