Chapter 31 Breakfast: Could it be some important person?

It was a breakfast menu that was as big as half a wall.

Lu Fang's mouth dropped open slightly as he watched.

The paper is made of fine, waxed silk, with different sizes of characters and simple drawings arranged on it: a narrow red border about the width of a palm is painted at the top, with white characters on a red background, leaving the words "Yaoji Morning Meal Limited Edition" blank, and an ugly rabbit head drawn next to it. Below are two more lines of text: Yaoji Morning Meal Special Offer, Great Value Set Meals, Convenient Purchase.

Further down, it's roughly divided into three sections from right to left. The rightmost section is "Ten-Worth Value Meal," with the following listed below:

Roasted Chicken Sandwich (Hot) 10 coins/serving (crossed out) 8 coins (bold red text)

Tea-braised chicken eggs (hot) 3 coins/piece (crossed out 2 coins) (bold red text)

Looking around, besides chicken roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), there were also pork fillet roujiamo and stir-fried chicken. You could also choose one of other side dishes like tsao (stuffed tofu), pickled vegetables, or tea-braised chicken. The whole set cost ten coins.

Further down the row, there are also sauerkraut and shredded chicken congee, and white congee with chicken eggs or fried dough twists, also a two-piece set for ten coins.

In the middle is the "Fifteen-Wen Three-Yuan Pass Meal," which is a rice ball rolled with pork floss, shredded pork, or fried chicken, paired with tea-braised chicken, shredded pork, or soy milk, which can be combined as desired.

There's also a three-piece set of roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), chicken eggs, and soy milk.

On the left is "Thirty Wen to Pass the Imperial Examination and Family Reunion," which includes a set meal with five or six dishes. You can choose any main dish from the "Three Scholars" and "Value Meal" options, such as roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), porridge, or zifantuan (sticky rice ball), and add two or three different side dishes. You can also choose any tea soup from the shop.

Next to these three types of meals, the appearance of the food was roughly outlined with ink, and a flame was drawn at the bottom, with a line of small print: You can order one day in advance, pick up and go immediately, saving time and money!

The contents of the menu are secondary. Lu Fang used to buy breakfast from the Yao family like this. Apart from the tea-braised chicken, Yao's soy milk and steamed buns were all sourced from outside and sold, not made by themselves. However, they tasted good and were better than those from the canteen.

Now, a few new dishes have been served that I haven't tried before, and I can give the rice balls a try! He looked at them and pondered which one to eat.

He didn't even glance at the simple two-piece set meals. Regardless of the quality of the dishes, just because of the names of the dishes, such as "Three Scholars Passing the Imperial Examination" and "Passing the Imperial Examination," he was determined to have a good meal!

But what attracted Lu Fang the most was actually the words on the sign.

The calligraphy of Lady Yao was of exceptional quality, written by an unknown author. Judging from the brushstrokes, the calligrapher must have initially imitated Yan Zhenqing's style, but gradually developed their own unique flair. In Lu Fang's eyes, the calligraphy possessed the robust and composed strength of Yan Zhenqing, a fullness that seemed to reside in the bone, imbued with a solemn air. Yet, it was more than that; there was a natural sharpness in the brush, as if boiling blood was contained beneath the ice. The brushwork was neither frivolous, weak, nor delicate; the lines were full and flowing, seemingly serene yet possessing a chilling and powerful spirit.

“Beautiful characters…” Lu Fang was mesmerized.

It wasn't until the morning bell suddenly rang that Lu Fang, Meng Chenglin, and the other two snapped out of their daze at the rare and beautiful calligraphy. They quickly glanced at the childlike drawings next to each type of menu and hurriedly selected their meals.

Each of these little food drawings is drawn with great childlike charm. The brushstrokes are not smooth and there are even breaks in the lines, but they are drawn realistically and accurately. It is a unique style that I have never seen before.

Compared to the skillful calligraphy, the painting seems as innocent as a child's brush. The combination of the two looks strange at first, but after careful appreciation, it becomes more and more pleasing to the eye, as if this is how the menu should be. Like many opposites in the world, black and white, red and green, moonlight reflecting in the abyss, complementing and generating each other, making it unforgettable.

As the morning bell rang louder and louder, the group didn't have time to think much. They casually ordered a few dishes, paid, and squeezed out of the crowd, running away as fast as they could.

Lu Fang grabbed a few copies of the "Triple Crown" exam papers and hid them in his book box. Only after running into the back gate of the Imperial College did he realize that he had been so engrossed in reading the words that he hadn't even spoken to Yao Xiaoniangzi while getting his meal! He hadn't even paid any attention to her!

Lu Fang sat down, panting heavily, and collapsed onto the table, unable to speak and only able to gasp for breath. A sense of bewilderment crept into his heart.

So why did he go to buy breakfast?

Meng Boyuan, along with Lin Weiming and Cheng Shujun, finally arrived before Zhu Bingjin's study. The three of them had just bought breakfast, but Meng Boyuan bought the "Golden List Success Family Feast," while Cheng Shujun and Lin Weiming only ordered two-piece set meals.

It wasn't just the three of them who bought Yao's breakfast in the schoolhouse. They were the first to arrive, but by the time they finished buying, a crowd had already gathered behind them, drawn by the huge menu. However, everyone was too busy looking at the words to notice the menu. Many people were startled by the sudden sound of the morning bell and ran away without buying anything. Others simply bought the simplest dish and left without having time to look at it more.

Yao Ruyi was stunned on the spot.

She watched as more and more people gathered in front of the shop, excitedly thinking that today's breakfast would probably be sold out soon! Unexpectedly, more and more people came, but they were all focused on looking at the menu on the wall. They were not only engrossed in looking at it, but also discussing it with each other, and some even picked up their hands to gesture.

After they had seen enough, the bell rang, and everyone scattered like birds and beasts, leaving not a single one behind.

Her menu was indeed very successful and eye-catching, but although people were attracted by her big signboard, she actually sold less than usual!

She glanced sideways at Lin Wen'an, who had just gone back to change his clothes, then looked down at her breakfast, which was wrapped tightly in a quilt but still mostly unsold, and didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

What a blunder! She should have asked her grandfather to write it. She never expected that her beautiful handwriting would actually ruin her business!

Oh no, there's still so much left.

Yao Ruyi was inevitably a little frustrated. She sat by the open window and watched as fewer and fewer students dwindled in the alley. The morning bell had already rung, and the students who hadn't made it through the back gate had no interest in buying breakfast. They were all yelling and shouting as they swept past her like a whirlwind.

Seeing her sighing and holding her face, Lin Wen'an strolled over and asked, "What's wrong?" He glanced at the large basket covered by a thick quilt in front of her and guessed right away, "...Business is bad?"

Yao Ruyi shook her head. This was her business, and her idea. Lin Wen'an hadn't done anything wrong; he was already very kind. He had spent the whole night writing for her, expending a lot of energy. How could she blame him for having such good handwriting? She shouldn't complain to him either. She should do her own work and take responsibility for her own actions! What was the big deal? It was just a temporary slowdown in sales. She could make up for today's losses tomorrow!

My grandmother once said that the sky wouldn't fall, and besides, she was so short that even if it did, it wouldn't be her turn to hold it up.

That mean grandma, she's always making fun of her for being short.

If she hadn't been sick, she would definitely have grown taller!

Raised by her grandmother, who was quick to anger, quick to eat, and quick to cry, Yao Ruyi, like her grandmother, had a strong heart. Her melancholy was fleeting. After all, if she couldn't let go of things, she would have jumped off a building long ago in her past life, given her frail body.

When she turned around again, she was all smiles. Seeing that Lin Wen'an was dressed unusually today, she asked in surprise, "Second Uncle, are you going out?"

Since returning, Lin Wen'an has been wearing old cotton clothes and robes, all of which are plain and without any decoration, even more plain than Yao Ruyi's. Perhaps it is because his mother has just finished the three-year mourning period.

But today was different. After having breakfast, he went back to change his clothes, even combing his hair. He wore a dark three-beam crown with a gauze covering, a faded green square-necked robe with wide sleeves, a worn leather belt around his waist, and a silk pouch embroidered with silver fish hanging from the belt.

Although it was obvious at a glance that the clothes were old and from many years ago, they were made of silk and satin, with Hague silver thread embroidered on the collar, cuffs and hem. The shoes were black leather boots with upturned toes and black silver belt hooks on the leather straps.

This garment must have looked beautiful when it was first made.

When Lin Wen'an heard her question, he didn't say much. He just lowered his eyes and looked at the basket covering her with a quilt again: "No, we have guests."

Yao Ruyi found it rather strange. After Lin Wen'an returned, many people came to see him, but he didn't change his clothes. He was also indifferent to those who came to his door, and he would return all the gifts they brought, not keeping a single one.

But today he wore extra formal clothes to wait for him!

Could it be some important person?

Yao Ruyi hurriedly asked, "Should we prepare some good tea and snacks for Second Uncle?"

Lin Wen'an pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "No need, ordinary coarse tea will do. That fellow probably can't appreciate good tea anyway."

"That fellow"? It sounds rather familiar. Could it be an old friend or acquaintance he met before leaving the capital?

Yao Ruyi suppressed her curiosity and nodded without asking any further questions. As instructed, she brewed a pot of fine black tea, warmed the tea in a thermos, then wandered around the shop and picked out two or three rolls of hard fruit leather, placing them on a rough earthenware plate.

In winter, her shop doesn't usually sell any good tea snacks. Since the customer is drinking coarse tea, he must be of similar social status to her family, an ordinary person. He might be eating hawthorn candy while drinking tea... It's a bit hard, but it should be acceptable, right?

She prepared the tea for Lin Wen'an and brought it to the courtyard. She then turned her head and asked, "When will Second Uncle's guests arrive? This thermos will cool down in two hours at most. I'll come and change the tea accordingly."

Lin Wen'an glanced at the fruit leather, paused, but said nothing. He thanked him and replied, "I don't know yet."

Yao Ruyi looked at him with a puzzled expression.

To everyone's surprise, he said, "I just feel that, counting the days, it should be around this time by now, and he should be arriving soon."

Yao Ruyi: "..." Isn't this a bit too hasty?

So… Liao Ma's brain really is beyond her comprehension? Yao Ruyi thought to herself, silently putting away her tray and turning to go back to the shop. After all, breakfast was losing money, so she needed to pay even more attention to the shop's business.

"As one wishes."

As she turned to leave, Lin Wen'an called her back.

Yao Ruyi stopped in her tracks, meeting his deep, calm eyes: "Don't worry, for the breakfasts that haven't been sold yet, just leave them warm with some charcoal. When the people arrive, I think it won't be difficult to sell them all."

***

Inside the Imperial Academy, another examination is being held today.

As soon as the students entered the school, they were locked in their dormitories with their seating arrangements disrupted, and they had to write furiously. They would have to take exams all day long, one in the morning and another in the afternoon.

The morning exam, which had lasted for an hour, finally came to an end.

As the sun rose higher into the sky, it was still quite warm today. The sunlight was so bright that it made the eaves of the Imperial College in the distance reflect light so intensely that they looked as if a child had casually smeared gold ink on them, making them all gleam together.

The shadows of the corridor nearby were dappled, casting a golden shimmer on the ground and also casting long shadows of students rushing out of the examination rooms.

Cheng Shujun and Lin Weiming only came out packing their books after the morning exam ended.

As soon as they came out, they saw Meng Boyuan leaning lazily against a magnolia tree. He had already handed in his paper sometime earlier and was yawning as he waited for Cheng Shujun and Lin Weiming to come out.

The test questions were extremely difficult and obscure, and both Cheng Lin and Meng Boyuan looked pale and exhausted after answering them. Only Meng Boyuan remained calm, as he had naturally not answered any of the questions.

Meng Boyuan said confidently, "As soon as I saw that question, I felt like I had seen it before. If it weren't for Zhu Dabing's terrible question, I would have eaten the paper! Rather than sitting there scratching my head and starving, I might as well just write a few lines and hand it in to eat breakfast. They come here and say they're going to give me a test, and I haven't even finished my breakfast yet."

Ever since he broke ties with his father, he's fearless and lives with extraordinary abandon. Besides, Zhu Bing's threat to sue him to the Chancellor and expel him from school failed; instead, Chancellor Feng gave him a mild reprimand: "Zhu Bing, what can I say to you? I remember you're not some imperial relative, yet you're always looking for trouble. The students of the Imperial Academy are all the Emperor's disciples; what right do you have to make decisions for the Emperor? Aren't you afraid the Censorate will impeach you?"

Zhu Bing was slinked away by Feng Jijiu.

When Meng Boyuan heard about this, he was also puzzled. Feng Jijiu was not exactly a clean and upright person, so why was he suddenly upholding justice? But in any case, Meng Boyuan had received a royal decree, and today he walked with his head held high, no longer afraid of Zhu Bing's harassment!

Cheng Shujun and Lin Weiming couldn't be as carefree as him. Their only consolation today was that they had bought Yao Xiaoniangzi's breakfast this morning and finished their "value-for-money simple meal" shortly after arriving at the school.

As always, Yao Xiaoniangzi's food was delicious. Lin Weiming and Cheng Shujun both chose glutinous rice balls with tea-braised chicken today. The tea-braised chicken was exceptional; perhaps because Yao Xiaoniangzi's braising broth had become increasingly rich and her skills had improved, her braised chicken was truly exceptional. Lin Weiming had also tried the chicken his father bought from outside, but it was nowhere near as delicious as Yao Xiaoniangzi's.

This is the first time I've seen the Yao family sell glutinous rice balls. They flatten glutinous rice, sprinkle it with minced pork, dried radish, and minced sausage, then add two cucumber strips and sprinkle some sesame seeds. They skillfully use clean reed leaves to wrap the rice into long, plump balls. Even after opening the reed leaves, the rice grains won't fall apart. You can hold it directly in your hand and eat it. It's warm for your hands and stomach in winter, and it's very convenient.

This thing looks a bit clumsy at first glance, but it tastes pretty good.

The glutinous rice is white and steaming hot. It's sweet and soft when you bite into it, followed by the crispness of the filling, the salty aroma of the pork floss, and the crunchy dried radish. The filling and rice in the rice ball are perfectly matched, and it's not greasy at all. You'll feel full very quickly.

He and Cheng Shujun were pleasantly surprised after finishing their meal. It looked ordinary, but it was very substantial. For a family like theirs that wasn't well-off, it was just the right amount of food!

Delicious, filling, and cheap.

They had just wiped their mouths clean and were discussing buying more purple rice balls tomorrow when Zhu Bing came in with a dark face and immediately announced that he was going to the examination room without giving them any prior notice.

Looking back now, it seems that what sustained them through the exam was the rice ball they hastily ate. The rice ball was indeed substantial, and even after half a day of exams, they didn't feel too hungry. Their stomachs were still warm, and their hands didn't gradually become cold and stiff when they wrote.

"How did you solve the problem?" Lin Weiming and Cheng Shujun walked down the steps side by side, and Lin Weiming nudged Cheng Shujun's arm. After finishing the exam today, Lin Weiming was really uneasy. He had a premonition that he would get the lowest grade, "戌".

Instead of answering, Cheng Shujun asked, "And you?"

"First, they went on to talk about the evolution of the official salt system from the Tang to the Song dynasties, then praised the emperor's wise reforms. But Lao Tzu advocated non-interference and the idea of ​​wealth being stored among the people. Now, the government's ban on private salt and the promotion of official salt are all to protect the country's tax revenue and support border defense expenses, especially now that the Liao Dynasty is weak and the Jin people are arrogant, this source of revenue absolutely cannot be cut off. This... is simply self-contradictory! I couldn't make this up anymore. Moreover, Meng Si is right, this question is obviously from Zhu Dabing again, almost exactly the same as the previous question about the tea permit method, just a different name for the same thing!"

Lin Weiming rubbed his temples and smiled bitterly. He was usually very good at writing policy essays, but now he had written one in a mess. As he wrote, he couldn't even make sense of it himself, which was really painful. As he spoke, he painfully scratched his head, becoming more and more annoyed: "Besides, I think the government-run system is wise. There is no right or wrong between the two approaches, they are just not suitable for each other."

“I agree with you,” Cheng Shujun said calmly, his sleeves tucked into his sleeves. “I’ll be frank: this method contradicts the principle of ‘a wise ruler regulating the people’s livelihood.’ The principles of sages are good, but what system remains unchanged for three thousand years? Applying ancient doctrines to contemporary affairs is like trying to find a lost sword by marking the boat – what’s there to discuss?”

As the two were talking, they suddenly noticed Meng Boyuan pulling out a roasted sausage and chewing on it. Lin Weiming glanced at one and then at the other, his eyelids twitching: "Could it be that one of you gentlemen submitted a blank exam paper, and the other used hundreds of words in his answer sheet to subtly satirize Zhu Dabing?"

“Indeed.” Meng Boyuan shrugged.

"It's not exactly euphemistic," Cheng Shujun said, dusting off his robes. "In the end, I wrote 'utter nonsense, a waste of time' on this topic."

Lin Weiming remained silent for a while, then gave the two of them a thumbs up.

I should have known he would write it like that!

Now, I feel like a complete fool for obediently answering exam questions and worrying myself sick.

"I'm hungry, let's go! Who cares about these exam questions! It's not like it's the prefectural exam. If you do well on the questions set by Zhu Dabing, you should go see a doctor to check your brain and see if you've damaged it from studying! Since it's still early, shall we climb over the wall? Go to Chenji? Go to Fanlou? Or maybe go to Nanxunmen for mutton?"

Meng Boyuan, eager to try again, patted the bulging money pouch at his waist and said to the two men, "My mother secretly slipped me a string of cash. I'll treat you to a good meal today. We'll go out the back door and then climb over the low wall in the backyard of the Cheng family. I guarantee Old Xiang won't find us."

Cheng Shujun shook his head and said, "I'm not going. I have a poetry exam this afternoon. Even though Dr. Zhu isn't setting the questions, I still have to take it."

Meng Boyuan said, "Just come back after you finish eating."

"There won't be any seats at Shenji at this hour, and Fanlou is getting more and more expensive these days, so I don't want to go there. Let's go to Nanxunmen instead." Lin Weiming pinched the new fat on his belly and sighed, "I can't eat at Shenji every day anymore, my belly has grown so big."

“Winter is coming, it’s normal to gain weight!” Meng Boyuan patted his soft belly. “Look, I’ve got a roll around too.”

"Should we still go to Chenji? What if we don't get a seat?"

"Then let's go to Chenji's duck shop and order two roasted ducks, then go to Yao Xiaoniangzi's to buy some mixed vegetables to cook, egg pancakes, and roasted sausages, and finally bring them all back to Cheng's house to eat. Anyway, Sister-in-law Cheng is always kind and gentle, she won't mind us climbing over the wall, and might even brew a pot of jujube tea to go with the meal! Master Cheng, don't you think so?"

There was another exam in the afternoon, and Cheng Shujun was reluctant to skip school at noon. But when he heard that they were going to the general store, he swallowed back the refusal that almost escaped his lips. He suppressed the slight excitement in his heart and glanced at the two of them: "Fine, fine, but if you two dare to flip through my books with your greasy hands again, you won't even be allowed to enter the door next time."

"Cheng Da, how can you be so heartless? Have you forgotten the vows we made back then?" Meng Boyuan, with her little finger raised, made a rough, whimpering sound like a black bear spirit disguised as Diao Chan, and was about to fall into Cheng Shujun's arms. "You heartless man! I will haunt you even as a ghost!"

"Get away from me!" Cheng Shujun pushed him away with all his might.

Meng Boyuan laughed heartily.

The three of them laughed and chased each other, and knowing the way well, they slipped to the back of a latrine near the back gate of the Imperial College. Holding their noses, they stepped on an overturned, broken latrine bucket, and skillfully climbed the wall and then jumped down one after another.

After jumping down, I landed right on the back wall of the Liu Family Study.

Between the Liu family's house and the Imperial Academy's wall was a ditch. The three men stealthily hid in the dry, deep ditch, bending low, preparing to silently circle back into the alley. Suddenly, they heard the faint voice of Liu the Registrar coming from the tightly closed window behind the Liu family's wall:

"My lord, do you think that man is truly returning to the capital by imperial decree? The winter solstice has passed, and I haven't seen him receive any guests. Last night, he was even helping Dr. Yao's granddaughter run her general store. If he has truly been entrusted with an important task by the Emperor, why would he be so self-degrading? Do you think he might just be bluffing?"

"So what if it's just a bluff?"

“If he were just bluffing, why would my lord and I have to beg him so lowly? And why would your nephew have to wait so long in the Ministry of Revenue for the selection of an official? I had already made all the arrangements, just waiting for that stubborn rock in the latrine to finish his hundred-day term before I would be dismissed. Who knew... that would ruin your plans, sir?”

"Don't rush, Xiuji, you're just too impatient. How many times have I taught you? Why is this person returning to the capital? Does the Emperor intend to use him? Or is this just a scheme to protect Yao Qizhao's official position? For us, there's no need to rush. Things will work out if we wait. Even if Yao Qizhao's official position is protected, there are other candidates. If Yao Qizhao can't be moved, we'll find other options. We don't have to hang ourselves on one tree."

After a long silence, a voice from inside said, "Don't say I didn't give you a heads-up. Xiuji, have you ever thought about why Yao Qizhao was demoted back then? Was it really because of the Deng family? In my opinion, not entirely. During the years Yao Qizhao was the Chancellor, he exposed every dirty trick in the Imperial Academy, replacing countless officials. Didn't these officials have connections and powerful backers? How many people did he offend! Even without the Deng family, someone would have found a pretext to bring him down."

Moreover… the Emperor is a wise and pragmatic man. What does it mean to be pragmatic? What does it mean to be wise? It means that in this court, there cannot be only one voice, nor can there be only one faction. The Emperor needs to use those from humble backgrounds, and he needs to use those from obedient aristocratic families; not to mention, he needs to use honest officials, corrupt officials, gentlemen, and even scoundrels. Yao Qizhao was demoted because he didn't know how to be an official, not because he could be reinstated by a powerful patron. Do you understand? Therefore, there is no need to rush things. Before the situation is clear, we must not make any rash moves. We must keep our strength hidden and wait for good news.”

"This... Thank you for your guidance, sir. Your insight is truly remarkable. This humble official has been enlightened, as if hearing celestial music and having his senses cleared!"

"No need for flattery, do you really understand?"

"Uh... I understand a little, I understand a little."

"..."

"I really don't know what I was thinking when I chose you as my disciple..." After a barely audible sigh, the man continued, "...Never mind, but you should still keep an eye on that Lin fellow. If he makes any moves, come and discuss it with me immediately."

"Yes, yes, yes, I understand!"

The three men turned pale upon hearing this, their legs trembling as they squatted in the ditch, yet a strange, irrepressible excitement welled up within them. They exchanged a glance, their eyes hardening, feeling as if they had become the brave and fearless heroes from the storybook, burdened with a great secret.

Meng Boyuan nodded his chin slightly forward, and Lin Weiming and Cheng Shujun also nodded solemnly. They held their breath and crawled out of the ditch.

Fortunately, the three were extremely experienced in skipping school and did not make a sound the whole way. Their hearts were in their throats the whole time, fearing that they would be discovered. Finally, they climbed out of the Liu family's drain using both hands and feet and hurriedly slipped to the Yao family's general store across the street.

Meng Boyuan never forgot the kindness Yao Ruyi had shown him with a cake, especially since he had once worked as a shop assistant for the Yao family. Now that he had learned about the inside story and the conspiracies of those corrupt officials, he was determined to inform Yao Ruyi. He mustered all his strength and rushed forward without looking around. He lifted the thick curtain and started shouting as soon as he entered.

"Young Lady Yao! Something terrible has happened!"

Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly froze on the spot.

Cheng Shujun and Lin Weiming, who were following behind, were also running very fast. They couldn't stop in time and crashed heavily into Meng Boyuan's back one after another.

Lin Weiming's nose hurt from the impact, and he was about to scold Meng Boyuan for stopping there for no reason when he looked up and broke out in a cold sweat.

Two unsheathed longswords were crossed and placed across Meng Boyuan's chest, firmly blocking him at the door and preventing him from taking another step closer.

Two strong and burly constables, wearing turbans with swastika patterns on their heads and red brocade jackets and black gauze vests, were glaring fiercely at the three of them.

"How dare you! The Prefect is here! You shall all be silent!"

————————

I posted it ahead of schedule again! Praise me!

——————

One day, Ruyi was going out to buy goods and taught Lin Wen'an how to provide smiling service while minding the shop.

Ruyi: When guests arrive, you should do this [starry eyes], this [sprinkling flowers], this [cheer up], come on, looking my eyes! Repeat after me.

Lin Wen-an (trying to engage his facial muscles): [rolls eyes] Like this [rolls eyes] Like this [rolls eyes] Like this?

Ruyi: ...What's the difference?