The sounds of slurping were incessant as Niu San squatted amidst the crowd, cradling a large bowl and hungrily sipping the porridge within.
The millet and sorghum porridge was thin, mixed with wild greens, seed pods of radishes, and eggs with sweet potatoes and Chinese yams.
Yet even so, Niu San ate while crying, for it was truly delicious beyond measure, the best thing he had ever tasted in his life.
Licking the bowl clean with his tongue, Niu San emerged from the squatting crowd and timidly made his way toward the porridge stand.
Though he was emaciated beyond recognition, his tall stature still drew the attention of the nearby village militia.
"What are you doing! Stand there!" Several militiamen from Ox Heart Village pointed their spears at Niu San, speaking with stern authority.
They couldn't help but be strict; indeed, they too were scared—where did this group of disaster-stricken people come from all of a sudden?
