As he waited for Jiutiao Meijie, the pot bubbled cheerfully, and its fragrance filled the entire flat.
Jiutiao Meijie arrived promptly at eight o'clock.
"Finally, you're here. I'm starving," Dubian Che said as he opened the door.
Jiutiao Meijie wore a simple short-sleeved top tucked into her skirt, accentuating her graceful waistline.
She sat down by the low table and glanced at the array of dishes: "After you called me, I didn't eat anything. If it's not delicious and disappoints me, you're going to have to dance as a punishment."
"Smell this aroma," Dubian Che gestured towards the hotpot invitingly.
Jiutiao Meijie's small, delicate nose sniffed: "It's just so-so."
"Smell it carefully."
She sniffed again: "I don't see what's so special about rice paddy duck."
"Duck or no duck doesn't matter; it's all filled with my love," Dubian Che said.
Jiutiao Meijie gave Dubian Che a sideways glance and picked up the glass he had prepared for her: "Pour me a drink, and add some ice."
