On the edge of the sprawling city stands the all-night Forgetting River Noodle Shop.
The owner, Old Yu, has wrinkles deeper than ocean trenches etched into his face. He simmers a broth where fishy savoriness mingles with the scent of decay.
His business license was issued by the underworld; half his customers are living, and half are dead.
A woman in a damp qipao orders a bowl of “Soul-Guiding Noodles.” In the broth, she sees the hand that pushed her into the sea.
A boy reeking of smoke asks for a “Never-Extinguishing Lamp,” hoping to burn away the remorse he never got to voice during the fire.
A wealthy man in a sharp suit clutches moldy spirit money, hoping to buy back the conscience he fed to the crocodiles...
“The living eat noodles to fill their stomachs; the dead eat noodles to settle their hearts.” Old Yu taps the stove. Smoke blurs the eyes that see through the divide between life and death. “Got too much on your mind? Careful you don't choke and turn into a vengeful ghost. This shop doesn't offer deliverance. We only turn your obsessions into cash.”
As another soul-guiding lamp is added to the shrine niche, the sea breeze sweeps ashes from beneath the stove.
A new customer pushes open the creaking wooden door. Water drips from their clothes, winding across the greasy floor into a glistening river.
“Boss,” says the swaying shadow beneath the dim lamp. “Can I pawn my regrets? I'll pay double in life energy.”
Welcome to the Forgetting River branch. We buy your obsessions, but you're responsible for the consequences.
