He had fashioned the stove and counter earlier using earth escape. They were the right size, and their surfaces were clean.
He took a handful of rice and several kinds of dried vegetables from his storage space, rinsed them clean, put them in a pot, and added water to cook them.
Then he took out a piece of air-dried meat, sliced it thinly, and fried it in oil in another pan until fragrant. He added a few handfuls of wild greens and some salt, then stir-fried a plateful.
Once the soup was ready, he ladled it into two bowls, divided the stir-fry between two plates, and carried everything to the dining table in the outer room.
Ling'er sat in the living room for a while before coming over. She sat down at the table very gently, as though afraid of breaking something.
She lifted her bowl and took a sip of porridge, paused, then slowly finished the whole bowl, mouthful by mouthful, before eating a few bites of the stir-fry.
Xiao Yun sat opposite her and finished his own portion as well.
Neither of them said much. After the meal, Ling'er carried the bowls and plates into the kitchen sink, then stood by the stove for a while, as though making sure all of it was real.
Xiao Yun did not hurry her. He waited in the living room for a while, then walked to the inner chamber doorway and glanced at her. "You sleep in here tonight. I'll stay in the outer room."
Ling'er did not object. She turned and entered the inner chamber, leaving the door ajar.
The Everbright Lamp in the living room shone with a steady light.
Xiao Yun sat down on the sofa and closed his eyes to rest. He listened to the breathing coming