Hu Yan ignored their pitiful faces. He began making a paste for marinating the fish. He crushed wild ginger, chili, and onion together on a flat stone.
The paste became fragrant and slightly spicy. He spread it carefully on both sides of the sliced fish. Then he sprinkled salt evenly.
He built another small fire nearby and placed a flat stone on it and added some fish fat, and when it was completely melted he put the fish over it.
By then, the scrambled eggs were almost done. The eggs were soft, yellow, and mixed with red tomatoes. The smell was rich and comforting.
Su Qinglan scooped a small portion and blew on it to cool. She tasted it carefully. Her eyes widened happily.
"So tasty," she whispered.
Suddenly she heard soft whining sounds. "Awoo…" (Mommy, don't forget us.)
She turned around and saw her three cubs sitting behind the drawn line. They were drooling but did not dare cross it.
Her heart almost melted. They were so sensible and obedient.
