The line of five moved quickly, and soon it was Zhao Jun's turn.
When he saw Zhao Jun standing at the window, Zhao Youcai barely lifted his eyelids. As if he didn't even recognize his own son, he asked, "What'll it be?"
"Two flower rolls and an order of chicken and potato stew," Zhao Jun said, handing over the money and ration tickets according to the prices on the small blackboard. Zhao Youcai took them without a glance and tossed them directly into a wooden box to the side.
Zhao Jun opened his two mess tins one by one and placed them on the windowsill in front of the counter. Zhao Youcai picked up a pair of tongs, took a flower roll from the large steamer beside him, and placed it in the aluminum mess tin on the left.
Then he put the tongs down, reached under the counter, and pulled out a steamed bun, placing it in the same mess tin.
