It took Fu Qingsheng quite a while to recover. He hastily ate a couple of bites to alleviate the burning sensation in his mouth, then complained dissatisfactorily, "What kind of soup is this? Why is it so spicy?"
Bai Zepei managed to suppress his laughter, and explained, "This is sour spicy soup, a staple in our home during winter. It helps to warm up the body and ward off the cold."
"Indeed, I feel much comfier now," Qin Kaichang joined in, "The taste isn't bad at all. Sister Bai's culinary skills could rival a professional chef's at a welcome banquet."
Fu Qingsheng clammed up, feeling rather annoyed. He figured that poor folks simply lacked exposure to the finer things in life. A proper soup should be clear and savoury to cut through the grease. Why was this soup so sour and spicy? Could they be playing a prank on him?
