Savoring Fragrance

“Tomorrow, you’re going to meet someone!” Hu Pinxiang’s mother said. At the time, Hu Pinxiang was sucking the brains out of half a fish head.

The fish was called a “flathead.” Its head was full of rich, savory juices, but riddled with tiny bones. You needed a nimble tongue, darting in and out, twisting and turning as it sorted out what could be swallowed from what had to be spat out.

Pinxiang was an expert. A little mountain of fish bones had already piled up to her right.