In the fragrant kitchen, several glass jars sat atop the milky-white cabinets, filled with sun-dried goji berries and red dates. Small labels still hung from the strings around the jar mouths.
By the window beside the stove, a pot of pothos swayed gently in the Night Wind. The water droplets on its leaves reflected the warm light from the kitchen ceiling lamp, scattering tiny patches of light across the tiled floor.
Su Yue stood before the stove, her right hand gripping the handle of the stew pot while her left hand gently lifted the lid.
The instant the lid opened, a rich fragrance surged toward her.
White steam carrying the bitter freshness of wild ginseng and the mellow richness of an old hen instantly filled the kitchen. Even the air was tinged with a faint sheen of oil.
She picked up the white porcelain soup ladle beside her, bent down, and scooped half a ladle of chicken soup. Tilting her wrist slightly, she brought it near her lips, blew on it gently, and took a small sip.
The broth from the wild ginseng stewed with the old hen was a pale amber color. The chicken fat floated on the surface without being greasy. The first taste was savory, followed by the faint bitterness of ginseng, and finally a sweet aftertaste spread across her tongue.
Su Yue smacked her lips and felt that the seasoning was still a little off, so she reached into the seasoning box, pinched a small amount of salt, and flicked it lightly into the stew pot, scattering the grains evenly.
She stirred a few more times with the ladle to make sure the salt had completely dissolved. After tasting it again, the fresh, delicious flavor instantly became fuller, and the corners of her lips curved in