Thunder and Lightning

"Take a look at what I made today."

The smiling middle-aged woman set the tray in her hands on the table.

The pristine white plates were filled with steaming dishes, their rich aromas rising through the damp air.

"It's Stir-fried Chive Blossoms with Eggs!"

Lin Chichi, who had just pushed open the door, plopped down in a chair. Holding the edge of the table with both hands, she leaned her little head forward and took a deep breath. "It smells so good."

Then she reached out, picked up the chopsticks beside her, and tried to grab a piece of egg from the plate.

Slap—

The middle-aged woman knocked her hand away. "Go wash your hands."

"Fine."

Lin Chichi put down the chopsticks and walked toward the kitchen.

"Oh, here to wash your hands?"

In the cramped kitchen, a somewhat portly middle-aged man was rubbing hand soap over his hands. He glanced at Lin Chichi with a smile. "Get in line."

"So what if you got here first?"

Lin Chichi puffed out her cheeks at the middle-aged man, then glanced toward the spotless white marble counter beside her.

At that moment, two more dishes sat beside the gas stove: Stir-fried pork and fried ribs. A clay pot on the stove held a pot of simmering chicken soup.

Lin Chichi casually walked over to the clay pot, picked up a small bowl from nearby, then lifted the ladle and scooped herself a bowl of chicken soup. She took a light sip. "So good."

"Smells good, doesn't it?"

A gentle voice came from behind her.

The girl Turned Head and saw her mother, who had come into the kitchen to carry out dishes. She instinctively shrank back a little. "Hehe, Mom, I was helping you test the seasoning. This soup is just right—not