Chapter 188: What's the point of being calm while eating?
Lucifer and Cerberus were also deeply moved by this scene. For some reason, ever since Lucifer adopted her mature form and spent more time in the mortal realm, she found herself inadvertently slipping into the shoes of a family member whenever she witnessed such intimate moments of connection.
At this moment, Lucifer felt a swell of emotion in her chest—a warmth that was foreign yet welcome to the Queen of Hell. However, she didn't say anything to ruin her cool demeanor. She simply shook her head with a faint, imperceptible smile and continued to happily chat in the group chat on her phone. For her, maintaining her mysterious aura while secretly spamming stickers in a chat room was a far safer way to enjoy the evening.
"Phew! I... I have never had such delicious porridge in my entire life!"
Lanterby's exclamation broke the comfortable silence, her voice trembling slightly with sheer delight.
Hearing Lanterby's words, everyone around the table nodded in solemn agreement. Ostensibly, it was just a bowl of porridge—a simple mixture of grains and tubers. Yet, the reality was evident in the empty bowls before them. Even Nakiri Mana, whose appetite had been nonexistent for years due to the curse of the God Tongue, had finished her second bowl.
If one word could describe the atmosphere at the table, it was satisfaction.
It was a pure, unadulterated satisfaction that permeated every cell of their bodies. The porridge had coated their stomachs with a gentle warmth, soothing the fatigue of travel and the stress of the day. Because of this perfect starter, they were now exceptionally looking forward to the main course with a hunger that bordered on religious fervor. Nothing was more important than a good start to a meal; it set the rhythm for the symphony to follow.
At this moment, Nakiri Mana's face had undergone a miraculous transformation. After consuming two bowls of the nutrient-dense Meiling Porridge, her cheeks had gained a healthy, rosy color, completely erasing the pale, malnourished, waxen look she had worn upon arrival. It was as if life itself had been poured back into her veins.
Nakiri Mana's eyes drifted to the crystal bowl of fruit salad resting on the side table. The condensation on the glass promised a crisp, refreshing sweetness. She really, truly wanted to eat it. Her hand twitched on the tablecloth, fighting the urge to reach out.
Control yourself, Mana, she told herself sternly.
She had to exercise restraint. Her stomach had shrunk significantly from not eating solid food for so long. The two bowls of porridge were already pushing her limits. If she couldn't control herself with the fruit salad now, she might not have the capacity to taste the main course Ren was preparing. And missing that would be a tragedy she wasn't prepared to accept.
Inside the kitchen, separated by a thin curtain, Shopkeeper Ren could probably guess exactly what they looked like in the shop at this moment—eyes wide, spoons down, waiting like fledglings for the next feeding.
He just chuckled softly, shaking his head as he adjusted the flame on the pilot light. He whispered to himself, "Indeed, humans are the most interesting creatures... their capacity for joy is as vast as their hunger."
At this moment, Shopkeeper Ren was also about to begin the true cooking.
The porridge was just the prelude, a gentle handshake. Now came the embrace.
Chinese Cuisine, at its core, emphasizes Color, Aroma, and Taste. Unless one is preparing a specifically medicinal, bland diet, the soul of the cuisine is inseparable from oil and fire. And thinking of oil inevitably brings to mind the five fundamental cooking methods: roasting, pan-frying, braising, deep-frying, and—the king of them all—stir-frying.
And what best embodies the reunion of a family? What cooking method screams "home" and "celebration"? It is always enthusiastic, high-heat cooking.
Stir-frying is naturally the undisputed first choice.
There is a concept in Chinese cooking known as Wok Hei—the breath of the wok. The aroma brought by ingredients dancing in a super-heated wok, kissed by flames that lick over the rim, is exactly what a family wants to smell when they reunite. It is the scent of vitality, of energy, of life being lived loudly and happily.
Ren picked up his heavy iron ladle, feeling the familiar weight in his hand.
Chinese Cuisine is refined, yes, possessing a history and complexity that rivals any in the world. But it is also beautifully easygoing. It's not like those rigid French banquets the WGO officers were accustomed to—dinners that required palate cleansers, specific appetizers, fish courses, meat courses, desserts, and a wine list longer than a dictionary.
French cuisine is indeed very complex and noble, a testament to structure and discipline. But for a family reunion? It's not necessary. It can even be stifling.
In Chinese Cuisine, the lines blur. It doesn't matter what's strictly an appetizer or a main course. As long as a table of people gathers together, sitting shoulder to shoulder, that is enough. Those who can drink pour a glass of wine or baijiu; those who can't drink pour a glass of tea or juice. Amidst the rising steam and the intoxicating aroma, they can simply clink glasses and share stories.
That is the soul of the meal.
To say it's refined is truly refined—there must be a balance. Fish and meat, earth and sea, cold dishes to refresh the palate and hot dishes to warm the soul, soup to nourish and dry dishes to provide texture. This harmony of Yin and Yang is the true etiquette of serving Chinese Cuisine.
Shopkeeper Ren actually enjoys cooking Chinese Cuisine very much. Not only does it offer more room for creativity—allowing him to adjust spices and heat on the fly—but some dishes are truly made for "lazy" masters. They are very simple in concept, yet profound in execution, and can be prepared in just a few minutes if one's control of fire is absolute.
Click.
Ren turned the dial on the high-pressure stove.
While Shopkeeper Ren was methodically preparing the ingredients in the kitchen—slicing aromatics, marinating meat—it was much livelier outside in the dining area.
At this moment, Nakiri Mana's conversations had also increased. The food had given her energy, and with energy came her natural charisma. She was engaging her father and old friends in light banter.
Meanwhile, a surprising friendship was blossoming in the corner. Lanterby, the Third Class Bookman with the heavy-lidded eyes, for some reason, was able to chat effortlessly with Cerberus.
"So, you just hit the button and they fly away?" Lanterby asked, looking at Cerberus's game.
"Yes! Pow! And then I eat the bonus items!" Cerberus grinned, her three heads bobbing in unison.
As for Lucifer on the other side of the table... she was currently under siege.
"Eh?! Are you two serious?" Lucifer blinked, her crimson eyes wide with disbelief as she looked at the two women flanking her.
Decora leaned in closer, her colorful accessories jingling. "We are very serious! Come on, Lucifer-chan, you live with him. You must know his preferences!"
Courage, sitting on the other side, adjusted her glasses nervously. Her face was flushed, but her eyes were intense. "Huh? That... that big pig's trotters doesn't know how to refuse anyone, but are you two really serious about... about pursuing him?"
Decora giggled, poking her fingers together. "Oh~ I'm just interested and want to learn more... Eh? I think I said that before... But he's so cool! And the food! Imagine eating this every day!"
That's right, Lucifer was currently being asked this and that by Decora and Courage. The two WGO officers had turned into curious schoolgirls, grilling the Queen of Hell about the mysterious Shopkeeper Ren.
Lucifer could also tell that these two girls had ulterior motives. The "admiration" in their eyes was too sparkling to be purely professional. But what could she do? She was the Queen of Hell, not a matchmaker, nor a gatekeeper.
Besides, she thought with a sigh, Mana needs treatment. They will be coming often in the future, and even occasionally staying here for a while. And Ren... that big blockhead still wouldn't refuse a guest.
Thinking of this, Lucifer sighed deeply. She glanced at the kitchen door, imagining Ren's oblivious face.
"Stinky man!" she silently whispered in her heart. "You just attract trouble wherever you go."
Lucifer certainly didn't dare to say this out loud in front of Shopkeeper Ren. If she did, she might lose her late-night snack privileges. Otherwise, she would have long since become the master of this household! How could she, the ruler of demons, be reduced to having to hide her tail carefully for fear of Shopkeeper Ren seeing it? It was a indignity... but a comfortable one.
While the "girl talk" was happening in the corner, the adults were discussing serious matters.
Nakiri Mana chatted with Anne about future government affairs and the management of the WGO, while occasionally glancing at the three men—Senzaemon, Dojima, and Joichiro—who were chatting happily about the golden era of Tōtsuki.
Nakiri Mana lowered her voice and whispered, "Anne, what do you think of this idea? Relocating our base of operations temporarily."
Anne pondered for a moment, tapping her chin with a finger. She analyzed the logistics quickly. "Lady Mana, I think this should be the best solution. Your health is the priority, and Mr. Ren is the only one who can help. I absolutely support it."
She glanced at her subordinates. "And looking at them... Courage and Decora will also be very excited to stay. As for Lanterby..."
The two women turned their heads in unison to look at Lanterby, who was currently teaching Cerberus a hand-clapping game, completely immersed in the fun.
Both Mana and Anne shook their heads helplessly, a small smile playing on their lips. Lanterby was the youngest of the Executive Officers, the baby of the group, so she was naturally more favored and indulged in daily life. As long as she was fed and entertained, she would follow anywhere.
Nakiri Mana nodded decisively. "Then it's settled. After dinner, I'll tell Mr. Ren my request. The four of you will accompany me back to the Nakiri estate first... No, wait... Forget it."
She corrected herself, her eyes sharpening with executive resolve. "We will go directly back to the WGO headquarters. We need to resolve all pending paperwork, delegate authority, and clear our schedules. We will aim to resolve everything within ten days, and then come back here for a long-term stay."
Anne nodded sharply and silently took note in her pocketbook. "Understood. Ten days."
Just as Anne was about to say something about the travel arrangements, the air in the room suddenly shifted.
BOOM.
Everyone froze. It wasn't an explosion of destruction, but the distinct, powerful sound of a commercial gas stove being ignited at full power. It was a deep, resonant roar, like a dragon waking up in a cave.
Before anyone could react to the noise, they heard the sound of roaring flames—the whoosh of fire catching oil vapor—followed by the rhythmic, metallic symphony of stir-frying.
Clang. Sizzle. Scrape.
Lucifer tilted her head, her ears twitching as she recognized the specific cadence of Ren's cooking. A knowing smirk played on her lips. "Eh? It looks like your dinner tonight will be very exciting~"
Courage looked at Lucifer at this moment with an expression that was completely like a novice looking at a master, a little sister looking at a big sister. She sensed that Lucifer knew secrets about this place that they couldn't comprehend.
Courage leaned in and quickly asked, "Lucifer-san, you said our dinner tonight will be very exciting. Why? Is he cooking something dangerous?"
Lucifer waved her hand casually, leaning back in her chair with the grace of a queen. "Shopkeeper Ren rarely stir-fries with this much intensity. I've only seen it once before. The aroma... it is like a wild beast. It is very aggressive."
"Aggressive?" Decora blinked.
Before anyone could ask for clarification, a new sound erupted from the kitchen. It was the sound of ingredients hitting hot oil—Tsssss!—explosive and violent. It was followed by the rapid-fire bursts of the spatula hitting the wok, a sound that spoke of speed and power.
Looking at the kitchen door, which was now glowing with the flickering orange light of the fire dancing behind the curtain, Nakiri Mana felt a sudden, intense craving.
To be precise, everyone craved it.
Never underestimate human imagination. When you think of a certain scene—the high flames, the tossing wok, the searing meat—your imagination will automatically add flesh and bones to it. They could almost see the glistening oil coating the ingredients, the char forming on the edges, the steam rising in clouds.
Time passed minute by minute.
Night had completely fallen outside. The street was quiet, bathed in moonlight. But inside the shop, it was a warm sanctuary. A group of people were chatting and laughing, occasionally looking at the kitchen where the sounds of culinary battle continued.
The evening breeze gently caressed the noren curtains, drifting inside to cool the room. High above, the glass wind chime tinkled softly—ting, ting—playing a harmonizing role in this pleasant, lively atmosphere.
Decora stretched her arms over her head, her spine popping satisfyingly. "Mmm~ This really is an unprecedented feeling of relaxation and comfort. I feel like I could melt into this chair."
Everyone nodded in agreement. The tension of their high-stakes jobs, the pressure of the WGO, the family drama—it all felt miles away.
Joichiro grinned, looking around the table. "This is the magical place I told you about. Even when it's lively, it feels warm. It doesn't drain you; it recharges you."
At this moment, Nakiri Mana was also slightly intoxicated. Not by alcohol, but by the atmosphere. The soft, amber lighting, the pleasant sound of wind chimes, the cool evening breeze that carried the scent of rain, and the faint, delicate fragrance of the tea.
Time was quiet. The night was peaceful. Her restless heart, which had been beating with anxiety for years, slowly calmed down in this warmth. She closed her eyes, breathing in the tranquility.
Just as everyone was enjoying the supreme tranquility of the moment...
WHAM.
The aroma hit them before the door even opened.
Many terrifying aromas wafted from the kitchen, surging out like wild beasts unleashed from a cage. It wasn't a gentle waft; it was a sensory assault. It smelled of caramelized soy, of searing garlic, of meat rendered into pure umami, of spices that danced on the tongue just by smelling them.
The scent rushed into the dining room, directly ravaging everyone's nostrils and grabbing their hearts. It shattered the peace instantly, replacing tranquility with a primal, uncontrollable hunger.
Nakiri Mana's eyes snapped open, her calm demeanor vanishing as her stomach roared in protest.
Calm? What's the point of being calm while eating?!
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