The Gate of Rebirth The Gate of Rebirth, Chapter 7

"No, I was at the front desk the whole time with..."

"In that case, let's have some hot pot. I bought plenty of meat rolls and vegetables."

Upon hearing the mention of hot pot, Xiao Ming’s hunger seemed to be ignited instantly. The milk tea he had just consumed was absorbed and converted into heat, dissipating completely as his metabolic rate surged.

"Sounds good! I'll go wash the vegetables."

With a split-pot, soup base, sesame sauce, and more laid out, the two sat across from each other at a small round table. Mother Chen even produced a bottle of Laobaigan. No sooner had they started than they each downed a glass of the potent liquor.

As they chatted and exchanged toasts, Xiao Ming clearly sensed that under the influence of the alcohol, Mother Chen had become far more confident—a world of difference from her usual demeanor of walking with her head down and appearing somewhat dejected.

While they swished the meat, Mother Chen kept piling it into Xiao Ming’s bowl. Whenever they drank, she would finish her glass first, then urge him to take it slow. Before he could even finish the meat, she was already adding vegetables to his bowl to cleanse his palate.

Tipsy himself, Xiao Ming found his eyes wandering across Mother Chen’s face and figure as they talked. Unconsciously, a strange interest in women began to stir within him.

What exactly was a "woman"? The word had appeared in his textbooks countless times.

There was "female" and "mother" in biology class, "damsel" in literature class, and of course, that famous saying: "Only villains and women are difficult to manage." Was that "woman" the same as the one he was thinking of? Could they be equated? Or perhaps not? The question suddenly left him confused. How should one define it?

Xiao Hong’s words suddenly surfaced in his mind, prompting him to wonder: Was there a village belle back in his hometown? A class beauty in his school? Had he felt an attraction toward anyone back in high school? He couldn't quite remember, but Xiao Hong’s captivating eyes suddenly flashed before him.

Xiao Ming was full and satisfied. The once-enticing scent of the hot pot began to fade, slowly replaced by that distinct perfume, which now occupied his body and mind.

Mother Chen smiled. "I don't think so. She's a city girl, how would I know?"

Right, Xiao Hong was a local of Golden City. It was true that his notions were a bit of a reach.

Xiao Ming lay on his bed, half-drunk and drifting.

Meanwhile, Mother Chen cleared away the dishes and leftovers.

Who knows how much time had passed—a minute or perhaps ten—when Mother Chen brought a basin of hot water and placed it at Xiao Ming’s feet. "You’ve been busy all day. Let me wash your feet."

With that, she took off his shoes and socks. There were holes in the socks, and a pungent odor of athlete's foot wafted up.

Mother Chen must have smelled it, yet she didn't even knit her brows. She gently placed