When the food was finally ready, both brothers fell silent, drawn by the familiar scent of home cooking despite its unusual preparation.
The siblings settled onto the high stools at the marble kitchen island, steam rising gently from heaping bowls of rice and various dishes laid out across the polished surface. Li Wei took a moment to study the strange smooth counter-top one last time before their meal, while Li Hao had to adjust his position twice, unused to the height of the modern seating. Finally, they eagerly reached for their chopsticks.
"Sister," Li Hao said between enthusiastic bites, momentarily forgetting his attempts at mature behavior, "this is even better than breakfast!" He was already halfway through his first bowl of rice, chopsticks moving rapidly between the dishes of meat and vegetables.