The evening market was bustling once again.
People just off work, walking their dogs, and those fully equipped for race walking... The gentle breeze by the river blew, carrying the dry heat of the summer with a hint of moist air. Several young men and women zoomed past on their electric scooters, but when they stopped, they couldn't find a crowded spot no matter where they looked.
And look at those selling watermelons—a senior citizen here, a young lad there, and over there, an auntie... None of them were the usual stall owners!
Not to mention the usual parking spot for the small bosses' pickups, which had already been taken over by someone selling a basket of peaches.
Everyone looked here and there, finally setting their sights on a thoughtful-looking braised food vendor at the counter and cautiously asked:
"Boss, may I ask about the young lady who often sells vegetables here with her pickup, didn't she come today?"