The character appears in the anthology’s opening chapter, framing a young man’s recollections of his hometown. She embodies a nurturing presence central to his childhood, their bond crystallized through shared moments preparing and savoring San Xian rice vermicelli—a dish that evolves into a recurring emblem of warmth and familial intimacy.

Her deteriorating health and eventual death catalyze the protagonist’s journey. A sudden phone call jolts him from his life in Beijing, revealing her critical condition and propelling a hurried return. Their final encounter culminates in her apology for no longer being able to share a meal, amplifying the emotional resonance of their connection.

The narrative contrasts her absence in his adulthood with his persistent visits to noodle shops reminiscent of their past. Flashbacks of her cooking and their rituals clash with his disillusionment toward commercialized imitations of the dish, underscoring the enduring uniqueness of her impact. Her legacy lingers in his habitual patronage of local eateries, where consuming noodles transforms into a ritual bridging past and present.