***
"He had to go out for something,"
"I see. How about we keep each other company for breakfast?"
Mai Xiaomai had intended to refuse, but felt that to do so would be extremely impolite, so she nodded.
Seeing her agree, Qiao Feiyang's smile grew even brighter, like basking in the spring breeze.
The two of them went down to the hotel's dining room, found a table, and sat down.
Unsure of what to eat, Mai Xiaomai let Qiao Feiyang decide.
The food was served quickly.
"This is Molokhia soup."
Qiao Feiyang explained as he pointed at the pot of soup that Mai Xiaomai had never seen before, "It's a thick, green soup that's quite aromatic. It is made by drying the leaves of Molokhia and cooking them with lamb, chicken, rice, and other ingredients. Molokhia soup, in Arabic, means 'Mulukhiyah.' If you add cream and garlic to the soup after it's ready, it tastes even better. Try it and see if you like it."
"Oh?"
Mai Xiaomai took the bowl of soup he spooned out for her and took a sip.
