Shortly, the table was full of steaming food in many colors. The richness of the color, the nutrition seemed to show the decency of life. Its smell was satisfying. People sat steadily. Some were excited. The chopsticks moved at diff erent speeds. The ceramic spoons were clinking. The two men were drinking baijiu. The bowls and plates were getting emptier and emptier. The dregs that were thrown on the table with chewed white rice and a tiny bit of green, created a mess as ugly as spit. When the stomachs of the guests were satisfi ed, to Mang’s astonishment, Sang took out a stack of red notes wrapped with an elastic band from a zipped pocket of her yellow nylon coat.