A middle-aged woman was walking past the small restaurant but stopped in her tracks when she smelt something delicious. "Aiyoo, I didn't know there was a restaurant here. It smells delicious. I want ramen too." Saying that she sat on an empty chair next to Xue Lin.
"Coming up!" The man replied happily.
'So, this guy was looking for customers and he used me to lure more customers. Not a bad idea. This guy is more cunning than I thought.' Xue Lin looked at the bowl of noodles. 'Still, he cooks well. Why hasn't this place become popular, I wonder? But first, I should finish soon and order another bowl.' Then, she once again started eating.
Slurp!
'This is so good.' Xue Lin felt like she was in heaven. The combination of the vegetables with the noodles was great. The mix of spices was accurate.
Before the second customer could get one bowl, Xue Lin finished her food and said, "Another bowl," with a poker face.
The middle-aged man was surprised before chuckling. "It's good that you have a big appetite at such a young age. Coming right away."
A group of high school boys who hadn't had breakfast in the morning passed by and halted from the smell of ramen. "Hey, I didn't know there was a shop like that. I'm starving." One of them said.
His friend said, "We still have time left. Let's check the dishes here."
The boys sat down on the empty chairs. Their other friend sat next to Xue Lin and saw two empty bowls beside her. He was astonished and signaled his friends. His friends' jaws dropped as they saw the small girl finishing the third bowl of ramen and asking for more.
When Xue Lin emptied her fifth bowl, a small group of people has already gathered around to eat ramen. Not only did the smell of food attract them but also the small girl who was eating non-stop. It perked their interest as they thought that the food was good enough to make a girl this hungry.
Xue Lin opened her wallet to give the cook money but the middle-aged man shook his head. "Because of you, I got so many customers for the first time. I won't take any money from you. Next time, bring your friends."
With a filled stomach, Xue Lin's mood lifted. Her pale face looked radiant. She bowed deeply and said, "Thank you for the delicious meal. I'll come back again." After that, she turned around and left.
The distance between her neighborhood and the bank was an hour by foot. Anyone would take the bus or car to go there. But Xue Lin walked. She took small steps and walked neither fast nor slow. She looked around and became familiar with the newly developed areas which she hadn't seen before. She felt slightly tired and stopped to buy mango juice and she would drink while walking. Never stopping the movement in her legs.
When she reached the bank, it was already nine o'clock. The bank was open and the security guards gave her a familiar friendly smile. "Miss Lin! It's been two years! How are you doing?"
Xue Lin gave them a warm smile. "I'm fine. How are you all doing?"
"We are fine as always. When did you come back?"
"A few days ago. Where is the Manager?" Xue Lin looked around and saw many familiar faces. They greeted her with a friendly smile. She smiled back at them.
The guard answered, "Sir is in his office. Please go inside."
Xue Lin walked on as she greeted others and finally knocked on the door of the Manager's room and she entered.
"Miss Lin, good morning." The manager looked surprised seeing her. He didn't think that she would come here today.
Xue Lin bowed. "Good morning, sorry I came without notifying you. I lost all my contact numbers."
The Manager professionally said, "It's perfectly all right. You're our customer. Whatever you need, you only have to ask and we are at your service."
Xue Lin nodded. "Have you prepared what I asked for?"
"It will take three weeks to get your new credit card and as for your checkbook, it's ready." The Manager opened a drawer and gave her a package.
"Thank you very much." Xue Lin took the package. 'I never thought that I would end up having a checkbook in this digital era.' She knew that it would take time to get a credit card and so she asked for a checkbook alongside.