At noon, Qin Lao personally cooked to treat Musheng since his visit was so sudden and he couldn't think of a suitable gift to buy on the spot—most things felt inappropriate. Musheng, who liked calligraphy and painting, thought he'd make it up next time and went to the kitchen to help Qin Lao consciously.
He was only helping with some fruits and Qin Lao was somewhat surprised.
"Nowadays, not many young people who live such refined lives are willing to enter the kitchen," he said.
The fast pace of urban life has been replaced by convenience; meals can be delivered in just ten minutes, and fewer and fewer young people are willing to enter the kitchen. Musheng, hearing the old man's words, smiled and said, "I used to help my mom when I was at home, so I learned a bit."
Without deliberately bringing up past events, Qin Lao listened and seemed to have a moment of realization but didn't inquire further.
When Qin Lao finished cooking, Musheng helped carry the plates to the table.