The atmosphere in the living room is just like the temperature in the room. It instantly returns from the ice and snow outside to the daily life full of fireworks.
Black Noir silently placed the tactical backpack in the corner, and just as he was about to hide in the shadow of the studio as usual, he was lightly tapped on the shoulder.
He turned his head and saw Lynn standing behind him.
"Go wash your face, wipe off the blood on the mask, and then come to the kitchen."
Lynn's voice was very casual, as if he was giving an order for a trivial and ordinary matter.
A few minutes later, under the orange chandelier on the island in the kitchen.
Lynn opened the constant-temperature incubator, and a rich sweet aroma of cinnamon and apple instantly wafted out.
He put on heat-resistant gloves, took out the white ceramic plate, and placed it firmly in front of Black Noir.
"Eat."
Lynn pulled up the high stool opposite and sat down, pouring himself a glass of warm water.
"I told you before that the pastry will become soft after being stored for a long time. Next time if you want to find an excuse to sneak out and do something stupid, remember to find an excuse that is not easy to expose. For example, go to help Buddy buy its favorite Frisbee, or help Annie pick out some new paintbrushes."
Black Noir looked at the piece of apple pie that was still steaming in front of him.
Indeed, as Lynn said, because it has been placed in the incubator for a period of time, the crispy puff pastry on the edge has now become a little soft.
He slowly took off the lower part of the mask, revealing his scar-covered chin.
He picked up the silver fork, cut off a small piece of apple pie, and carefully put it into his mouth.
It no longer has the crispy texture it had when it was freshly baked, and the jam has become a bit too thick.
But when he swallowed this mouthful of apple pie, Black Noir felt a sweetness that he had never experienced before, which warmed his taste buds and reached his stomach. In the end, even his eyes felt slightly warm.
This piece of soft apple pie was ten thousand times more delicious than any delicacy he had ever tasted in his life.
Because this snack represents that no matter how much trouble he gets into outside, no matter what invincible nightmare he faces, as long as he comes back here, someone will always leave him a light and a mouthful of hot rice.
He no longer needs to be a dog that will die for his master, he just needs to sit here and be a family member quietly.
Black Noir ate with big mouthfuls without making any sound, but he ate faster than usual.
John just washed his hands in the bathroom, shook the water drops on his hands and walked out.
He walked to the kitchen, pulled out the chair next to Lynn and sat down very naturally.
He watched Black Noir stuff the last bite of apple pie into his mouth, and then looked at Lynn who was drinking water next to him.
"What's for dinner?"
John's golden hair is a little messy, and Azure's eyes are full of anticipation for dinner.
That arrogant biological father on the bridge, that blood relationship that disgusted him, seemed to have been completely forgotten by him in this short drive.
For a nine-year-old child, the inheritance of bullshit genes is not as important as the meal Lynn is making in the kitchen tonight.
"Go to the refrigerator and take out the two boxes of beef to defrost them."
Lynn put down the water glass, stood up and put on his apron again, "It's snowing heavily outside. I'll stew tomato beef brisket tonight and fry some onion rings for you."
When they heard about tomato beef brisket and onion rings, Reggie and Tommy who were watching TV in the living room immediately burst into cheers.
Since the children behaved so well today, dinner cannot be skipped.
Lynn skillfully wraps the thick sliced onion rings in the prepared batter and bread crumbs, and puts them into the hot oil pan.
With a wonderful sizzling sound, the onion rings were quickly fried until they were golden and crispy. They were taken out to drain the oil and sprinkled with a little sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. The aroma instantly spread throughout the entire hall on the first floor.
Not only that, there are two French baguettes baking in the oven next to it.
The bread was cut into thick slices and smeared with garlic butter prepared by Lynn himself.
Under the high temperature baking, the butter completely seeped into the gaps of the bread, and the edges were slightly burnt, exuding an irresistible aroma of garlic and milk.
On the other side of the counter, a large pot of cream of mushroom soup is being kept warm.
Cut the fresh mushrooms into thin slices, sauté them with butter, add water and boil them, and finally pour in rich light cream. The soup is white and thick, with a little green parsley sprinkled on the surface.
Buddy has long forgotten the canned dog food, and is now sitting obediently at the door of the kitchen, his tail sweeping back and forth on the floor, his dog eyes staring straight at the fried onion rings that have just come out of the pan, and his licks are almost dripping onto the carpet.
Reggie and Tommy were no longer in the mood to watch TV. They lay on the left and right beside the dining table, watching Lynn bring plates of sumptuous food to the table.
Black Noir stood quietly aside, holding several sets of knives and forks in his hands, and was carefully placing tableware for everyone.
Annie came over with several glasses filled with freshly squeezed orange juice and placed them firmly in front of everyone's place.
Finally, Lynn put on heat-resistant gloves and brought the tomato-based beef brisket to the table.
The red tomato sauce coats the large pieces of beef, and just looking at it will make you appetite.
"Okay, go wash your hands and get ready for dinner."
Lynn took off his apron and said hello casually.
John was the first one to rush into the bathroom, washed a few hands and sat down in his seat.
He looked at the table full of steaming food, then turned to look at Lynn, who was sitting at the main seat and was about to share the soup. Azure's eyes were filled with a satisfied smile.
The wind and snow outside the window were falling harder, making the whole Long Island look white.
In the room, the crisp sound of knives and forks clinking against plates was intertwined with the laughter and curses of children snatching onion rings. It was like the most reassuring song, slowly flowing under the warm light.