The Empress of Salt and Fortune (The Singing Hills Cycle, #1)

by Nghi Vo

“That is your calling, isn’t it? To remember and to mark down.” “It is. Sometimes the things we see do not make sense until many years have gone by. Sometimes it takes generations. We are taught to be content with that.”

“These look terrible.” “You may give me your share if you like, though I’d guess you’d change your tune once we fry them in sesame oil.” “Now, I didn’t say that. I merely said they look too ugly to be as delicious as the empress was saying.” “Sometimes . . . sometimes the ugliest things can be the most delicious.” I looked at him sideways as I said it, blushing even darker, and he stared at me. “Did— Was that a compliment? Did you try to pay me a compliment? Have you never paid one before?” “No!”