The group of young boys each received a small piece of dried beef. After tasting it, they nodded in approval, their faces full of satisfaction. "This is so delicious, it's even better than the dried beef we can buy here. Second Brother, has your father gone to the capital? What is he doing there? My father has never been to the capital."
The boys paused to look at Su Li, their curiosity piqued. "Second Brother, what is this maroon-colored square wrapped in white paper? It looks delicious too, can we have some?"
Su Li watched the boys, their faces filled with anticipation. It reminded him of his own childhood, and he found it impossible to deny their request. He placed the piece of hawthorn cake he had unwrapped on the table, then, using a classmate's ruler as a makeshift knife, he cut it into many tiny pieces.
