Chapter 9

The dull yet captivating beige color of the traditional architecture exuded an air of tranquility. Delicately-carved antique vases were placed along the corridor outside. Portraits of remarkable imperials across dynasties were hung on the wall. They were separated by calligraphies in between that explained the evolution of the word characters.

"I'm really sorry for the long wait." A tall man pushed open the wooden door with a bamboo tray in his hands. "Here, have a taste of our chocolate mud cakes." He offered them to the people queuing up outside the café.

"How much longer do we have to wait?" asked a young lady in her thick foreign accent as she shifted her weight to her left leg.

She looked a little pissed.

Pursing his lips, he spared a glance at the crowded space inside. Then, he turned around and said, "We're trying our best to be as fast as possible."

"Oh my God! This is amazing!" someone in the line interrupted in a loud voice before the lady could say anything more. "Hey, t