The red silk was barely tied to the door when chaos began.
From dawn, the street outside The Whisper Bowl was already blocked. Lanterns swayed from freshly carved beams, the new TWB wooden logo gleaming in the morning sun. The scent of broth, spice, and roasted meat drifted far beyond the alley, pulling people in like a tide.
"Is it open yet?" "I heard nobles eat here." "They say the taste is the same every time!" "Look at the uniforms—so neat!"
The line twisted and doubled back on itself.
Inside, Lian An stood in the center of controlled madness. Her sleeves were tied up, apron spotless, eyes sharp. This was her battlefield.
"Table three—hotpot base ready!" "Five bowls to the left!" "Careful with the trays!"
The twins, now wearing their TWB Head uniforms, ran like practiced swallows—fast, precise, shouting orders louder than people twice their age.
"Don't spill!" "Smile when you greet!" "Say it properly—'Welcome to the Whisper Bowl!'"
