As we spoke, steam kept rising from the stove, until at one point, Shopkeeper Tang stood up and said, “I’m sorry, but it seems that the buns are ready.”

“Go ahead.” I waved my hand.

While Shopkeeper Tang went to work on his buns, Xiaotao whispered to me, “Was he lying?”

“No,” I answered. “Every word he said was the truth.”

Shopkeeper Tang placed a dozen buns on a big plate, then sliced some cucumber, cooked a dish of peanuts and prepared a pot of rice wine. He then served them all neatly on the table and asked us, “Would both of you like to join me? I’ll get you two pairs of chopsticks right away.”

“No, no, no! We’re good!” We both quickly stopped him.

“Then do you mind if I eat while answering your questions?”

“Please go ahead.”

Shopkeeper Tang then proceeded to bite into a bun with relish. He savored the taste in his mouth and took a sip of wine.

“Do you like buns that much, Mr....