Su Wanyan stepped back from the dining table with a satisfied smile curving her lips. The spread looked inviting under the warm overhead lights—glossy braised pork belly glistening in its rich sauce, golden egg tarts with perfectly caramelized tops, chocolate-filled cookies still faintly warm, and cheese-topped baked scallops bubbling with savory aroma.
Every dish had been arranged with care, steam curling gently upward like soft whispers of comfort. She reached behind her waist and gently untied the apron strings, folding the fabric neatly before setting it aside.
The kitchen's lingering warmth clung to her skin as she made her way toward the living room to call the others. "Guys, the food is ready!" Su Wanyan shouted in the hallway.
Hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway almost immediately. Su Wanyan laughed lightly under her breath. That must be Qin Yuran, she thought, the sound of eager energy bringing a fond spark to her eyes.
