Chapter 306 Warm Sunset Reflects the Aroma of the Kitchen
Chapter 306 Warm Sunset Reflects the Aroma of the Kitchen
In a corner of bustling Kyoto, the Shi Mansion stands quietly, its eaves and brackets gleaming in the sunlight. Inside, the courtyards are deep and shady, with winding corridors.
Shuyun finally saw off the lively, enthusiastic, and energetic Ye Wenshu, but felt completely exhausted.
I had just sat down on the stone bench in the pavilion, and I raised my hand to gently rub my temples, wanting to enjoy a moment of peace.
However, before she could even catch her breath, she saw Shi Wanxia and Cui Zhihao walk into the courtyard one after the other.
Choi Ji-ho was carrying several packages, from which the colorful packaging of snacks and dried fruits was faintly visible.
"You two are really having a good time!"
Shuyun's lips curled up slightly, her eyes carrying a hint of teasing.
"Sister Shi, Miss Ye came to see you, but instead of keeping her company, you've dumped her on me."
Shi Wanxia playfully stuck out her tongue, "I have so many things to do today, I really can't be in two places at once."
Choi Jiho chimed in, "I was dragged out by your sister Shi!"
As he spoke, he glanced at Shi Wanxia with barely suppressed anger, looking just like a wronged little wife.
Shuyun, usually dignified and elegant, was unusually lively, looking at Shi Wanxia with a face full of grievance and sorrow.
"I've had a hard time too." This girl's personality was influenced by Shi Wanxia, and she rarely acted so coquettishly.
This back-and-forth banter amused Shuyun, who burst into laughter, her clear laughter echoing through the courtyard.
After laughing, Shi Wanxia pulled Shuyun to sit down on the stone bench, and Cui Zhihao also placed the package on the stone table and began to open it one by one.
"Come and try some. These are all the signature items from that newly opened shop. Miss Shi and I queued for quite a while to buy them." As he spoke, he picked up a bag of melon seeds and handed it to Shuyun.
The three chatted and ate snacks. Shi Wanxia laughed heartily as she talked about Ye Wenshu's funny incident that day.
"She saw a sugar figurine vendor on the street and insisted on dragging me to buy one. But once she got the sugar figurine, she was reluctant to eat it. She was so careful with it, completely unlike her usual energetic self."
Shuyun couldn't help but laugh. "She's just a child who never grows up. But that's fine too, she lives freely and unrestrained."
Cui Zhihao listened quietly, occasionally interjecting a few words, but his gaze always lingered on Shi Wanxia.
He watched Shi Wanxia's animated expression, a smile unconsciously spreading across his face, his eyes filled with tenderness.
As they were talking, a gentle breeze blew by, and the petals in the courtyard fell one after another, like a rain of flowers.
Looking at the beautiful scenery, Shuyun couldn't help but sigh, "Such moments are truly wonderful and rare."
Shi Wanxia also took a deep breath, "Yes, everyone is usually busy with their own things, and it's rare to have such a leisurely moment."
Cui Zhihao suddenly suggested, "Why don't we take advantage of this beautiful scenery and compose some poems? That way we won't waste this spring day."
Shi Wanxia and Shuyun exchanged a glance and readily agreed.
Choi Ji-ho spoke first: "Spring flowers bloom under the warm sun, and the deep courtyard has a long and lingering charm."
After a moment's thought, Shi Wanxia continued, "Laughter and songs convey refined sentiments, and friendship endures through the years."
Shuyun pursed her lips and slowly recited: "Flowers blooming and falling are both interesting, so let us cherish this good time."
After reciting the poem, the three looked at each other and laughed, their laughter echoing in the courtyard for a long time.
In this small courtyard, they temporarily forgot the troubles of the outside world, immersing themselves in this moment of tranquility and joy, and enjoying this rare friendship.
In the distance, the setting sun seemed to be slowly pulled down by an invisible hand, and the sky was instantly filled with colorful sunset clouds, like a magnificent oil painting spreading out at will.
Shi Wanxia was sitting on a stone bench in the courtyard, casually flipping through a book, when she suddenly caught a glimpse of that intoxicating color out of the corner of her eye.
Her eyes lit up instantly, and she quickly stood up, her eyes filled with surprise, speechless for a moment.
Cui Zhihao and Shuyun were chatting idly to the side, but seeing Shi Wanxia's reaction, they also got up and unconsciously stood next to her, looking up at the magnificent sky together.
"Sister Shi, the sky is so beautiful. I haven't seen such a beautiful sky in a long time."
Shuyun exclaimed sincerely, her voice filled with emotion and rapture.
She recalled the past, when she was always entangled in the complicated affairs of her home, the accounts of the shop, the management and training of the staff, and so on that she could hardly breathe, and she did not know how many beautiful scenes she had overlooked.
During those days, she was always busy, from dawn to dusk, with only account books and trivial matters in her eyes, but she forgot to stop and look at the sky above her head.
"Though the sun sets late in the year, its afterglow still fills the sky."
Shi Wanxia recited softly, turning to look at Shuyun with a bright smile on her face.
"Shuyun, we finally have some free time today. Come on, let's cook something delicious together."
Upon hearing this, Shuyun's eyes lit up, and she nodded quickly.
She thought that Qin Xin and Young Master Lin would be back soon, and how heartwarming it would be to have a delicious dinner that she had prepared herself when they returned.
After they finished speaking, the two of them enthusiastically discussed the dishes they were going to make, rolled up their sleeves, and walked briskly towards the kitchen.
Choi Ji-ho stood aside, watching their hurried manner with a helpless yet indulgent smile, and quickly followed after them.
"Wait for me, I want to come too!"
The three of them chatted and laughed as they entered the kitchen, which was filled with the aroma of cooking. Pots and pans were neatly arranged, as if waiting for a lively gathering.
Shuyun had been doing housework since she was a child and was very familiar with everything in the kitchen. She skillfully started the stove and lit the fire with clean and efficient movements.
Soon, a roaring fire broke out in the stove, and the warm flames illuminated her focused face.
Shi Wanxia and Cui Zhihao sat on small stools picking vegetables. Shi Wanxia picked up a bunch of greens and deftly pinched off the yellowing leaves.
Every now and then, she would look up and share some interesting little anecdotes with Choi Ji-ho.
Although Cui Zhihao had been well-versed in the classics and learned the ways of a gentleman since childhood, he had long forgotten the saying in the book that "a gentleman keeps away from the kitchen" ever since he met Shi and the others.
At this moment, he was carefully imitating Shi Wanxia in picking vegetables. Occasionally, he would accidentally tear a vegetable leaf and show a slightly embarrassed expression, which would make Shi Wanxia giggle.
In a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, the task of selecting vegetables was quickly completed.
Next, Shi Wanxia began chopping vegetables. The cleaver in her hand flew up and down, making a rhythmic "clack-clack-clack" sound.
Choi Ji-ho helped pass the seasonings, glancing at Shi Wan-xia from time to time with admiration in his eyes.
Shuyun was guiding the cooking process, checking the bubbling soup in the pot and adjusting the heat of the stove. The whole kitchen was filled with a busy yet harmonious atmosphere.
Soon, an enticing aroma wafted from the kitchen.
The braised pork belly has a bright red color and a fragrant aroma;
Stir-fried seasonal vegetables are bright green, tender, and refreshing;
And then there's the delicious fish soup, its milky white broth exuding a rich aroma.
Just as the three of them were serving the last dish, Qin Xin and Young Master Lin appeared at the kitchen door.
"Wow, it smells so good!"
As soon as Qin Xin entered the room, she sniffed dramatically, her face beaming with a delighted smile.
Young Master Lin nodded with a smile: "Looks like we're in for a treat today."
Everyone sat around the dining table, their laughter echoing throughout the house.
Everyone enjoyed the delicious food while sharing their interesting stories.
Outside the window, the afterglow of the sunset gradually faded, and night quietly fell, but the warmth and joy inside the house remained undiminished.
On this beautiful night, they enjoyed the delicious food and each other's company, letting this warm friendship slowly settle down over the years.
GBP