Chapter One: Spicy Enough to Hear the World Speak

“This place has no name, no ratings, and not even a payment QR code. If I hadn't followed the smell in, I'd think it was an urban legend.” Comments raced up the screen. NO PAYMENT CODE IS THE REAL HORROR. DROP THE ADDRESS! IT'S NOT ON THE MAP. THE OWNER LOOKS LIKE HE WANTS TO CALL THE POLICE. The elderly man behind the counter did look that way—if the look in his clouded eyes had not said that he would rather throw Su Li and her phone into the rain himself. “Wen Jiu,” he said, giving his name. “The noodles aren't for you.” “I'll pay.” “You can't afford them.” “Then I'll give you publicity.” “You can afford that even less.”