Night gradually deepened, and the small courtyard seemed especially warm beneath the lamplight.
The little incident with the charred fish had long passed. The enticing aroma drifting from the kitchen had firmly captured all of Zi Yan's attention.
Gu Long moved swiftly, his hands practiced and deft.
After simply marinating a plump river fish with seasonings, he placed it on a specially made grill over blazing fruitwood charcoal.
From time to time, he turned it over and brushed on a thin layer of oil.
Under the flames' licking, the fish skin gradually turned golden and crisp, sizzling as fat dripped onto the coals and sent up fragrant smoke tinged with charred aroma.
On the other side, he took an antique bronze Mandarin Duck Pot from the System Space.
One side was filled with milky-white broth simmered from bones, while the other received fragrant stir-fried butter, Sichuan peppercorns, chilies, and various spices before broth was added.
Before long, a vivid red, bubbling hot pot base—numbing, spicy, and richly fragrant—came to a boil.
This time, Xun Er did not try to act tough. Instead, she obediently helped at the side.
Following Gu Long's instructions, she arranged washed vegetables, mushrooms, and meat sliced as thin as cicada wings onto exquisite plates by category.
She learned seriously, her gaze focused as though she were studying some profound Dou Technique.
Zi Yan could no longer hold herself back. She circled the stone table again and again, her little nose constantly twitching as drool nearly spilled from her mouth.
"It smells so good! Gu Long, when can we eat? Is this fish ready? And this red pot looks so strange!"
"Be patient."
Gu Long spoke calmly as he sprinkled the perfectly grilled fish with a final touch of Cumin and Chili Powder. He placed it on