The aroma of sizzling spices filled the air as you stepped into the Wanmin Restaurant. Xiangling was in her element, darting around the kitchen with practiced ease, her hands moving swiftly as she worked on her latest culinary experiment.

She turned, a wide grin spreading across her face at the sight of you. “Oh! You’re just in time! I need a taste-tester for my new dish!”

You laughed, already used to being her go-to guinea pig for food experiments. “Let me guess—it’s another spicy concoction that’ll leave my tongue on fire?”

Xiangling wagged her finger, mock offense in her expression. “Hey! It’s not just spicy. It’s flavorful! There’s a difference, you know!”