Arvin's feet rubbed against the polished hardwood floor as he followed Fang Chou through the house. They passed what looked like a living room with comfortable couches and a large black table with a vase before entering a bright kitchen. The space opened into a dining room with a large oval table that gleamed under warm lights.
InhaleExhale
The rich smell of home cooking hit Arvin, and suddenly he was back at his own house - sitting with his father at a table like this, waiting for his mother's delicious meals. The feeling was both comforting and strange, reminding him how far he was from home.
(Chinese) "Here, Arvin, take a seat," Fang Chou said warmly, gesturing toward the table.
Scrape
Fang Chou pulled out a chair at one end of the table, settling into it with a contented sigh. Arvin hesitated. The table could easily fit six people, though he was under the impression that the seat to Fang Chou's left was reserved for his wife.
(Where should I sit?), Arvin wondered.
After thinking for a moment, he chose the second chair on the right, keeping a respectful distance while still being close enough to talk.
As he sat down, the soft fabric of his borrowed clothes shifted against his skin. It reminded him of his current situation - clean and comfortable, quite different from when he first arrived in this city.
From the table, Arvin watched Christina stirring something in a large pot. The sound of metal against metal mixed with the gentle bubbling of whatever was cooking. An unfamiliar creamy smell reached him, triggering both curiosity and a sudden thought.
(Chinese) "Excuse me, Mr. Fang. May I ask you something?" Arvin's voice was polite but filled with slight urgency.
Fang Chou turned, his eyebrows raised in mild surprise. (Chinese) "Of course, what is it, Arvin?"
(Chinese) "I'm very grateful for your dinner invitation," Arvin began, choosing his words carefully. "But if I may ask, what kind of dishes is your wife preparing? Does it contain any pork or alcohol?"
(Chinese) "I'm actually not sure about that. Let me ask her." Fang Chou turned in his chair. "Honey, what are you cooking tonight?"
Christina paused, looking over her shoulder with a puzzled expression. "Hmm? That's unusual - you never ask about dinner. Is something wrong?"
"It's Arvin's question," Fang Chou explained. "He's curious about what's in the dish. Also, he's asking if you used any pork, bacon, or alcohol."
A playful smile appeared on Christina's lips. "And here I thought you'd finally taken an interest in my cooking."
"Come on now, you know I love everything you make. You learned from my mother, after all."
Christina's expression softened. "Yes, she was one of the best cooks I've ever known." She sighed softly before answering, "Anyway, tell Arvin it's fish chowder, and no, I didn't use any of those ingredients."
Exhale
Hearing this, Arvin let out a relieved breath, his shoulders visibly relaxing. The slight change didn't escape Fang Chou's notice.
(Chinese) "I'm curious, Arvin," Fang Chou leaned forward slightly. "Do those ingredients cause you any allergies?"
Arvin shook his head. (Chinese) "No, Mr. Fang. It's for personal reasons that I avoid them unless necessary. The pork restriction comes from my teachings back home. As for alcohol, both my family [1]and my great-grandfather forbids it. Especially my great-grandfather as he said it can affect reaction time."
Fang Chou nodded thoughtfully. (Chinese) "Ah, is that so? It's quite an interesting teaching. I agree about the alcohol part."
Fang Chou shook his head, (Chinese)"Nothing really good happens when you consume those, especially in large amount. Working with knives is also dangerous - your great-grandfather is wise." His lips curved into a smile. "Now I'm really looking forward to seeing these skills you mentioned earlier."
Arvin returned the smile, bowing his head slightly. (Chinese) "If you'd like, Mr. Fang, perhaps next time I could cook something for your family, when I have the right ingredients," he offered politely.
A comfortable silence fell over them as they waited for Jeremy and Cynthia to join. Arvin's eyes wandered, taking in every detail of this strange yet welcoming kitchen, his mind filled with questions about the unfamiliar appliances and utensils around him.
***
About ten minutes later, footsteps on the stairs announced Jeremy and Cynthia's arrival. They entered the dining area in fresh clothes, Jeremy moving carefully, still sore from earlier.
Jeremy took the seat next to Arvin, while Cynthia sat across from him. The siblings exchanged a quick glance, a silent conversation passing between them before they turned to the table.
"Alright, dinner's ready," Christina announced, her voice warm with pride.
She set the tray with five bowls down in the center of the table with practiced ease. A cloud of fragrant steam rose up, filling the air with an enticing smell that made Arvin's stomach growl softly.
Arvin's eyes widened slightly as he looked at the bowl Christina placed before him. The creamy white soup was unlike anything he'd seen before. Pieces of soft white fish mixed with bright orange carrots, yellow potato cubes, and vibrant green peas. The mix of colors reminded him of a painting he'd once seen on TV back home. It was beautiful.
SniffInhale
(There's definitely bay leaf), he noted, recognizing the distinctive smell. (And is that... nutmeg? But what's that grassy smell? It's similar to some herbs we used in the mountains, but different somehow.)
His trained eyes caught sight of small, dark flecks scattered throughout the soup. (Pepper, certainly, but finer than what we ground by hand. And that creamy color - is it from coconut milk? No, the scent is different. Richer somehow.)
Arvin's gaze shifted to a small plate beside his bowl. It held what looked like toasted bread, though not any kind he'd seen before - coarse and shaped like half-moons, with a strong garlic smell that made his mouth water.
Nudge
A light touch at his elbow made him turn. Jeremy gave him a slight eyebrow raise, and Arvin realized everyone had started eating except him. They'd all paused, watching him with a mix of curiosity and concern.
(Chinese) "Arvin, is something wrong with the food?" Fang Chou asked, while Christina looked worried.
Heat rose to Arvin's cheeks as he realized how long he'd been staring. (Chinese) "I apologize, Mr. Fang. I have a habit of studying new dishes before eating. Please forgive me if I caused any concern."
Fang Chou's expression relaxed as he translated for his wife, "Don't worry, honey. I should've mentioned - he's a cook too."
Christina's face brightened instantly. "Oh, thank goodness. I thought you didn't like it. Please, eat while it's still warm."
(Chinese) "Yes, Mrs. Fang."
Rustle
Arvin placed his hands together, palms up, and closed his eyes briefly. The familiar motion came naturally to him, a habit since childhood to give thanks before meals. The Fangs recognized the gesture of prayer and waited respectfully.
After a moment of silent gratitude, Arvin opened his eyes and picked up his spoon, ready to enjoy the home-cooked meal before him. As he brought the first spoonful to his lips, the rich smell filled his senses.
Gulp
The moment the soup touched his tongue, Arvin's eyes widened slightly. A burst of flavors, both familiar and foreign, flooded his senses. The creamy texture was unlike anything he'd experienced before, rich and smooth against his palate.
(This must be milk), he realized, recalling stories of Westerners using animal milk in cooking. Though, he never have had one, so this is was quite an experience. (And this fish - definitely from the ocean. I wonder what kind it is.)
His gaze drifted to the bread beside his bowl. (Is it a side dish, or maybe dessert?)
Arvin slowed down and watched the others eat. Most of them dipped their bread in the soup, except Jeremy. He took a spoonful of soup, then bit into the bread, eating them together.
Crunch
The crispy sound sparked a moment of recognition. (Ah, you eat it like we do with crispy crackers back home), Arvin thought, careful not to let his surprise show on his face.
He tried both ways of eating the bread, but soon forgot about it as he focused on eating. The warm soup disappeared spoonful after spoonful until his bowl was empty. Closing his eyes, he savored the lingering taste - even the strong garlic from the bread had mellowed, somehow making the soup taste even better.
This was his first proper meal since arriving in this city, Manhattan as Jeremy said.
When Arvin opened his eyes, he noticed Christina's worried look had turned into a pleased smile. Fang Chou, who knew part of Arvin's story, gave his wife a knowing look. Christina caught his eye and stood up, heading to the stove.
Grumble
Arvin's stomach growled softly, reminding him of how little he'd eaten recently. That apple from the store earlier had barely touched his hunger. Looking at his empty bowl, he felt conflicted. One serving had barely made a dent in his appetite - he'd eaten less than a quarter of what he used to eat. With his body's current condition, he knew he needed more, but hesitated to ask.
Thump
Christina set the pot in the middle of the table, steam still rising from the chowder. Arvin couldn't help staring at it, but held himself back, not wanting to seem greedy. Fang Chou noticed and chuckled.
(Chinese) "No need to hold back, Arvin. My wife's happy you're enjoying her cooking. Help yourself for more."
Arvin glanced between Fang Chou and Christina's encouraging smile, then bowed his head slightly. (Chinese) "Thank you for your kindness. Then, please excuse me."
With permission granted, Arvin didn't hesitate. He filled his bowl to the brim and this time, focused purely on eating. Despite his obvious hunger, his table manners remained perfect. The second bowl vanished quickly, but he waited politely as the others got their seconds before going for his third.
Then his fourth.
Then the final fifth.
ClinkScrape
The Fangs, who'd stopped after seconds, watched in wonder as the soup seemed to vanish into thin air. But what really caught their attention was the aftermath - both the bowl and pot appeared spotless. They looked as if they had been licked clean.
Arvin clasped his hands together and bowed respectfully. (Chinese) "Thank you very much. I apologize for eating so much. The meal was delicious."
"No, no, no. I'm just happy you enjoyed it," Christina beamed.
As Christina reached for the empty bowls, Arvin smoothly gathered them all in one fluid motion, stacking them without making a sound. The family stared - Cynthia blinked several times, Jeremy's mouth fell open slightly, and Christina covered her mouth in surprise. Fang Chou, though equally amazed, had a different thought: (Could he also learn some kung fu?)
(Chinese) "Please allow me to help, Mrs. Fang," Arvin said, already standing with the stack of bowls.
"Oh?" Christina flinched at his question. Even though she couldn't understand Arvin's words, she knew what he meant. Christina gestured frantically, speaking quickly, "You're our guest, and you helped Jeremy. Please, just sit - I'll bring something to drink."
Seeing Arvin's confusion, Christina realized Fang Chou hadn't translated, lost in his thoughts. She nudged her husband with her elbow. "Hey, dear."
"Huh? What?"
"Weren't you going to translate?"
"Oh, right. Sorry. (Chinese) She said-"
(Chinese) "My mom said..." Cynthia cut in, smoothly translating her mother's words into perfect Chinese.
Gasp
Christina's eyes widened, her gaze darting between Cynthia and Fang Chou. "Wait, since when can you speak Chinese like that? I thought you both only had those few months with your grandmother..."
Fang Chou cleared his throat. "Yeah, I was honestly surprised back at the store too. Even after trying to teach them myself..." He scratched his head. "Though I guess I wasn't much help, considering how basic my Chinese has become after all these years in America."
Jeremy nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. "Yeah, Mom. Cyn's been fluent for a while now. She's way better than me."
"I practiced a lot," Cynthia said quietly. "Usually alone in my room. Grandma left some learning materials, and..." She glanced at her mother. "I didn't want to make you feel left out, Mom, since you couldn't understand it."
The kitchen fell silent for a moment before Christina smiled softly. "Oh, sweetie..."
Christina shook her head in amazement. "All this time, and I never realized. I really am the only one who can't speak Chinese in this family, aren't I?"
"Don't worry, honey," Fang Chou said, giving her a reassuring smile. "Your cooking more than makes up for it."
Arvin, observing this family moment with curiosity, waited politely for the conversation to return to him.
(Chinese) "So, about those dishes..." Arvin's polite voice broke through the family moment.
(Chinese) "I appreciate your kindness, Mrs. Fang, but since I ate the most, please allow me to help. It's the least I can do to thank you for such a wonderful meal," Arvin replied politely once there was a lull in the family's exchange.
Cynthia, now openly showcasing her skills, translated Arvin's words flawlessly for her mother.
"No, really, it's fine. You're our..."
(Chinese) "Please, Mrs. Fang, I insist..."
The conversation shifted into a polite battle of wills. Unlike before, when each exchange needed Fang Chou's translation, Cynthia's help made the back-and-forth flow smoother. Jeremy watched with amusement.
Finally, Christina let out a soft sigh and smiled. "Alright, young man. You win this round." Arvin responded with a small, respectful grin before following her with the dishes.
As Arvin followed Christina to the kitchen with the dishes, Jeremy turned to his father, a mischievous glint in his eye despite his lingering soreness.
"Psst, Dad," Jeremy whispered, nudging Fang Chou with his elbow.
"Did you see that? He actually won an argument with Mom."
"What do you- Oh!" Fang Chou straightened up, tugging at his collar. "Well, I've won plenty of arguments with your mother before..."
Jeremy snorted, wincing slightly at the movement. "Really? Name one time."
"Well, there was..." Fang Chou's eyes darted around the room as if searching for inspiration. "Remember when we were deciding where to go for vacation last year?"
"You mean when you suggested Hawaii and we ended up in California?"
"That's not- I mean, there was that time with the new car..."
"The one where you wanted a sedan car but we got the SUV that Mom picked?"
Jeremy grinned. "Face it, Dad. In all my seventeen years, I've never seen you win against Mom. And now this guy shows up and does it on his first try?"
Fang Chou slumped in his chair, a rueful smile on his face. "Maybe I should take some lessons from him."
Cynthia, who had been quietly observing, shook her head with a small smile."Like always," she murmured, just loud enough for Jeremy to hear, "Dad talks big, but we all know who's really in charge."
Jeremy nodded. "Though I gotta admit, Arvin might be the first person I've seen actually win an argument with Mom. What do you think that's about?"
Before Cynthia could answer, they heard the sound of running water and dishes clinking from the kitchen, punctuated by occasional laughter from their mother.
"Sounds like Mom's enjoying the help, even if she can't understand what Arvin's saying," Jeremy chuckled.
Fang Chou leaned forward, his earlier embarrassment forgotten. "You know, there's something about that boy... the way he moves, how he talks. It reminds me of stories my father used to tell about the old masters."
The three of them fell silent, thinking about the mystery of their unexpected guest while the sounds of dish-washing and quiet conversation came from the kitchen.
∘₊✧───────────────────────────────────────────────────✧₊∘
Hey guys! 👋
Back again with another weekly update.
I decided to move the CTS here as the CTS box was not mean for long message.
Anyway, chapter 17 is finally here! It's been quite a journey writing one or sometimes two chapter per week, and I truly appreciate your patience.
I hope you'll enjoy reading this one as much as I enjoyed writing it!
But, there's something I need to say.
I'll be honest, I'm running a bit dry on inspiration at the moment. What was supposed to be Chapter 19 (usually around 1.5k or slightly over 2k words) accidentally ballooned into almost 10k words! 😅
It was completely accidental as I was really focused on writing. After that moment pass, I've felt like stuck? Something like that.
So, because of the length, I've decided to split it into 4 parts.
You'll still get Chapter 18 as scheduled onMay 10th. However, after that, I'm really sorry to say that I'll need to take a short break - about 10 days to 2 weeks - to recharge my creative batteries.
I apologize for the delay, but I want to make sure I'm delivering quality content rather than rushing through chapters. 🙏
For those who want to read ahead (4 chapters beyond Chapter 18), I've already uploaded them on my Patreon: patreon.com/ReinScarter. I'll be back to my regular upload schedule in late May, two weeks after Chapter 18 at the latest.
Also there's two things that I need to address:
One : If you've read and bookmarked my fanfic, I'd really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and maybe a comment if you have time. Honest feedback is more than welcome - it helps me understand my current skill level and where I can improve. Your thoughts mean a lot to me as a newbie writer!
Two: If you're wondering about the pacing, please remember that as I mentioned in the Author notes, this is a slice-of-life focused, slow-burn story. We're still in the early stages, and I'm taking my time to create a solid background for our MC.
Alright, that's all the messages that I want to say. As always, thanks for sticking with me on this journey and for your understanding during this short hiatus. Let's keep enjoying the story together! ❤️
[1] Arvin immediate family. His parent and grandparents