Luncheon

November 30, 2014, Sunday.

That month of that year saw many events far removed from ordinary people's lives. For example, a human probe made the first soft landing on a comet.

The World Internet Conference was held in Jiang Province.

A top swimmer tested positive in a drug test...

Early that morning, Jiang Ning got up as usual. He threw on a coat and pushed open his door.

Cold air rushed toward him. A faint mist hung between heaven and earth. The sun had yet to fully rise, and only a pale streak of gold showed at the horizon.

Smoke rose from Chuchu's kitchen next door, carrying the aroma of pan-fried flatbread. No matter the season, spring, summer, autumn, or winter, she worked this diligently every day. Jiang Ning had never seen her sleep in.

With that thought, Jiang Ning lightly flicked his sleeve. A stream of water surged from the water bucket and instantly condensed into a ball.

With another wave, the water ball rose into the air and transformed into a waterfall that poured over his body, soaking him completely.

Jiang Ning closed his eyes. Spiritual Energy within him erupted at his command, rapidly vaporizing the waterfall's Spiritual Energy into wisps of white smoke that curled upward.

The entire process flowed without pause. Only after the last drop on his face evaporated did Jiang Ning head toward Chuchu's home.

Xue Chuchu was busy in the kitchen. A floral apron lightly wrapped around her slender waist, and beneath the soft light of the incandescent lamp, she looked especially gentle and lovely.

Xue Chuchu usually appeared aloof before others. Without seeing it firsthand, it was hard to imagine her deftly wielding a spatula like this.

Amid the smoke and scent of cooking, she turned her head. When she saw