The office workers, glancing at the time, began wiping their mouths and standing up to leave.
A few dropped coins into the little tip jar at the register, still chuckling as they left.
"Best lunch break I've had all year..." one muttered. "Tomorrow, I'm bringing my manager."
As the chatter faded and the last few customers trickled out, a calm finally settled over Wanwei Lou.
The sun had shifted, casting warmer shadows across the tables. Mianmian exhaled and reached under the counter, flipping the small sign she'd hung on a hook earlier.
BREAK TIME – Back at 3:30pm
She locked the front door, adjusted the curtains slightly to shade the dining area, and turned toward the kitchen.
The silence was golden.
Dishes clinked as she cleared the tables. Each bowl, each chopstick, each teacup was washed and stacked carefully.
Her fingers moved quickly but gently no clattering.
In the kitchen, she checked the pot of broth still simmering and gave it a small stir.
