1026. Dinner is served

As night fell, the temperature dropped sharply, and standing in the empty courtyard felt chillier than ever.

Yet, no one in the group was willing to go inside to warm up by the fire, which left Wu Lan feeling a bit embarrassed. She hurriedly urged them:

"Come inside and sit! It's warmer inside—don't catch a chill."

"Oh, no, it's fine!" Old Li paced around the courtyard, eventually circling back near the kitchen door. He couldn't resist taking a deep breath and exclaiming:

"You put scallions in the fish dish, didn't you? It smells amazing!"

Another person had unknowingly wandered over and was now staring at the kitchen, looking wistful: "Why do I sniff a hint of sourness… What's that dish? Feels so familiar."