The Northeast brother is a cicada pupa master killer; not a single pupa can escape his sight alive unless he's already full.
With a handful in his left hand, he picks out a skewer with his right.
While other customers are still hesitating, the brother can't wait any longer and pops two pupae into his mouth.
The roasted golden cicada pupae are crispy and translucent; the moment you bite into them, the shell releases a light, burnt aroma, while the inside, roasted into a solid protein, is unexpectedly soft with a slightly sticky, glutinous texture.
"This is satisfying! It's been so long since I had a bite like this," the brother says while taking a deep breath, as if it helps him fully savor the allure of the roasted cicada pupae.
He turns his head and shouts toward Chen Mo, busy in the food cart, "Young boss, your roasting skills are way better than the owners of those barbecue shops back in our hometown!"
Chen Mo nods his chin slightly as a gesture of thanks.
