By the time Chen Shu returned to Jade Capital, it was just lunchtime.
Lunch was at the neighbors' place. Neighbor Zhang had bought a huge pot of Pickled Mustard Greens and Tofu Hotpot, filled with all sorts of meat and some potato slices besides the pickled greens and tofu. Everyone had their own dipping sauce. When Chen Shu arrived, they were already seated: four people and a cat. They had left him a spot between Qingqing and Chen Banxia, with a bowl and chopsticks waiting on the table.
Chen Shu was always the one cooking, always the one waiting for everyone else to eat. Having someone else prepare the food and set out his bowl and chopsticks for once felt unexpectedly warm.
"Come on, come on! We're just waiting for you!"
"Where did you go?" Chen Banxia turned to ask. "You didn't even reply to my messages."
"I'm here, I'm here."
Chen Shu walked over and sat down, picking up his chopsticks as he answered Chen Banxia. "Something came up this morning, so I went back to the Spirit Sect. I was in the air earlier."
"What did you go back to the Spirit Sect for?"
"Had something to do."
"What?"
"You ask so many questions..."
"What kind of attitude is that? Your big sister's just worried about you!"
"Eat, eat."
Chen Shu was the first to reach his chopsticks into the pot.
The pickled greens and tofu were cooked in a rich stock. The broth was clear and savory, with the flavor of pickled mustard greens running through it.
Though tofu was the main attraction, plenty of meat simmered alongside it. At a glance, he could see chicken, crispy pork, tender pork, Sliced Snakehead Fish, sausages, and various meatballs, so it was anything but bland. A few pea shoots