Upon entering the small, wooden shack, the smell of stewing vegetables instantly fills the air. And though most people would claim that the scent of food being cooked was a pleasant one, in this case, it was quite the opposite. If anything, one should take heed when Xie Lian decides to pick up a pot and a ladle.

"Oh, I didn’t expect you back so soon." Xie Lian's attention draws away from the bubbling pot of unknown contents in order to properly greet you with a peck on the cheek.

"I… uhm…" His demeanour suddenly turns sheepish, and he glances behind himself over at the inedible dish he was stirring up. "…I wanted to surprise you…"

"I thought you might be hungry when you returned."