Morning Mist and Bamboo Steam

Ming wakes up to the gentle clatter of bicycles outside his window in a bustling neighborhood near Wuhou Shrine. As the morning light filters through the haze, the air carries the scent of fresh jasmine tea from the shop downstairs. He stretches and prepares for his day, the sounds of Chengdu already alive with the hum of activity.

After a quick shower, Ming heads downstairs, greeting Mrs. Liu, the tea shop owner, who hands him a cup of steaming tea—on the house, as always. He sips the tea, savoring its warmth and the buzz of locals discussing news over steaming baskets of dumplings and spicy wontons.