Then it deepened.
The spice fruit released a rich heat. The sweet root softened the smell. The fat from the meat dripped onto the hot stone and hissed, carrying the new flavor into the smoke. The whole cooking space filled with a scent so good that conversation died one by one.
Xiong Han stopped turning another piece of meat.
Ying Zhe's hawk eyes sharpened.
Bao Xun's black panther tail gave one slow, interested sweep.
Shui Lang swallowed openly and then looked around to see if anyone noticed.
Lin Xiaojiu's stomach made a sound.
Xiong Baobao immediately said, "That was not me."
Ying Chengyu said, "It was both of you."
Even Bai Ruyue's eyes widened slightly as the scent wrapped around them.
Lin Huahua lifted her chin proudly.
Feng Yiren, who had helped with this before and still liked acting as if he was not impressed, leaned toward Mu Qingyi and muttered, "Now watch them all lose their minds."
Mu Qingyi smiled softly. "You lost yours days ago."
"I did not."
"You did."
