The kitchen was alive with the vibrant aroma of sizzling peppers, garlic, and a medley of spices that danced in the air. You coughed lightly as the heat prickled at your nose, watching the chef across the counter with a mix of curiosity and mild apprehension.

"Careful," Jiaoqiu said, turning to glance at you with a teasing smile, his hands expertly tossing diced chili peppers into the pan. "This isn’t for the faint of heart."

"I can handle it," you replied, crossing your arms in defiance.

He chuckled, the sound warm and rich, as he slid the pan forward to flambé the ingredients. The burst of flame briefly illuminated his sharp features, and you couldn’t help but admire the confidence in his movements.

"Brave words," he said, scooping the stir-fry into a small dish and placing it in front of you. The vibrant reds and oranges of the dish were as intimidating as they were enticing. "Let’s see if your taste buds agree."