China
G City, Eastern Guangdong Province.
Asuka rode her bicycle home from the market with groceries, humming a cheerful tune and occasionally ringing the bell. Together, the two sounds were oddly amusing.
Huang Zhetian had set up an easel in the living room and was sketching at his drawing board.
The charcoal pencil tip rubbed softly across the paper, tracing natural yet balanced lines beneath Huang Zhetian's hand.
Hearing the iron gate open, Huang Zhetian put down his charcoal pencil, stood up, and left the living room.
When Asuka saw Huang Zhetian come out, she puffed out her cheeks and thrust all the ingredients she had bought into his hands.
Huang Zhetian took them, then pulled Asuka into his arms. "What's wrong? Something upsetting you?"
Asuka huffed. "It's because I still can't learn to cook the food here. Controlling the heat for soup, adding salt and all that... you make it sound so easy, so why does mine taste completely different?"
After sorting the ingredients and putting them away in the kitchen, Huang Zhetian said unhurriedly, "Right, why is that? You always cook like you're still abroad, adding too much of every seasoning, too much salt and vinegar too... how could it taste like mine?"
Asuka looked as though her reasoning was perfectly sound. "How are you supposed to taste the seasonings if you don't add enough?"
Huang Zhetian sighed and stroked her head. "Honestly, you... this isn't your first time eating my cooking, or watching me cook."
Asuka turned away with a snort. "I'm cooking because I want to beat you, aren't I? Besides, I already know every step you take..."
As they chatted, the two finished making dinner without even noticing. Cheerful laughter and indignant outbursts drifted out of the kitchen.
A sparrow on a utility pole darted