The End of Winter Break

In the days after returning from the Ta Lo Mystic Realm to Lin Hai's home, life settled into a slow, cozy rhythm. The four of them faithfully carried out their plan to "keep Lin's parents company for a few days," enjoying the simple warmth of family life.

Lin's mother came up with all sorts of delicious dishes for them. Though they could not compare to the spirit-rich ingredients of Ta Lo, the flavor of home and Sichuan cuisine's distinctive spicy, numbing freshness still earned endless praise from Gwen, Peter, and Harry.

Lin's father became their personal guide, taking them around the neighborhood, through streets and alleyways, in search of authentic delicacies hidden deep within everyday city life—places known only to seasoned local foodies.

They sampled piping-hot Crab Roe Soup Dumplings, bursting with savory filling in a single bite; ate Dan Dan Noodles and Couple's Slices, spicy, fragrant, and packed with ingredients, making their foreheads sweat while leaving them unable to put down their chopsticks; gnawed on Spicy Rabbit Head, glossy red, tender enough to fall off the bone, and endlessly flavorful—rabbits were so cute, of course they needed extra numbing spice and heat; and fell in love with sweet, soft Sugar Oil Fruit, covered in soybean flour and brown sugar syrup... All kinds of uniquely flavored, affordable yet incredibly delicious snacks and dishes thoroughly conquered Gwen, Peter, and Harry's taste buds.

Even Harry, who usually paid the most attention to eating healthily, could not resist dragging Lin Hai out one night for some street barbecue. When they returned, Gwen caught the faint smoky scent clinging to him and mercilessly "mocked" him for it.

Peter let himself go completely. He often stuffed two different foods into his mouth at once and mumbled to Lin Hai, "Buddy, I'm seriously starting to wonder