"I'll make something special today," she said softly, tying her hair back as she stepped into the kitchen.
The kitchen soon filled with life.
Fresh vegetables were washed one by one, crisp cabbages, bright carrots, firm potatoes, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. The water running over them carried a faint earthy scent, clean and refreshing.
For the hotpot, Ivy prepared two broths.
One was spicy, rich red in color, filled with chili, garlic, and oil that shimmered on the surface. The other was mild, clear, warm, and soothing, made with herbs and slow-cooked vegetables.
She sliced tofu into soft cubes, cut vegetables into bite-sized pieces, and arranged everything neatly on large trays.
As the broth began to boil, the aroma slowly spread... It was… different.
Deeper. Richer. The fragrance wasn't just appetizing, it felt alive.
