A Warm Day

By noon, the Wang family had finished their visit to the memorial hall. Father suggested heading to a nearby retro-style restaurant for lunch. Such places were rare in District One, as most people relied on AI-prepared, standardized meals. However, this restaurant was known for its "human-made" dishes, which often attracted those eager for a more traditional dining experience.

Upon entering, Wang Yanfei's gaze swept across the decor. The establishment's "retro" theme wasn't purely nostalgic; rather, it skillfully blended traditional elements with modern technology. The tables and chairs had a woodgrain finish but were actually made of high-strength composite materials—durable yet lightweight. The walls displayed digital screens looping aesthetically enhanced scenes of old Eastern culture, paying homage to the past.

The dishes arrived quickly: steamed fish, braised beef brisket, pan-seared tofu, and a steaming pot of chicken soup. The table filled with rich aromas, making the meal all the more enticing.

Xiaoxiao eagerly picked up a piece of beef, took a bite, and her eyes widened. "Wow! This has so much more depth than AI-made food!"

Her mother chuckled. "Weren't you always praising AI meals for being delicate and delicious? Why the sudden change of heart?"

Still chewing, Xiaoxiao replied with her mouth full, "AI food is good, but it's too perfect. Everything is cut neatly, plated precisely, and always tastes the same. This, though—it feels real. It has that handmade touch!"

Wang Yanfei, on the other hand, wasn't as surprised. He took a bite of the steamed fish and nodded. "It's good, but I eat human-made food all the time in District Seven, so it's nothing new."

Xiaoxiao turned to him, eyes filled with envy. "You guys get to eat this all the time in District Seven? I thought everyone just ate AI meals!"

He shook his head. "District Seven is different from District One. AI meal services aren't fully implemented yet, so traditional cooking is still common. It's nice, but not as rare as you think."

Father took a bite of the pan-seared tofu while glancing at the restaurant's digital menu. With a slight smile, he commented, "This place is quite interesting. They still use AI-supplied ingredients, but the cooking method brings back an older style. It's a clever balance between past and present."

Xiaoxiao nodded, happily devouring her food. "I wanna visit District Seven someday and try all the food there!"

Yanfei smirked. "With how much you love food, just don't get so distracted by eating that you forget everything else."

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After lunch, their mother suggested taking a stroll through the city's pedestrian district. The area was a lively mix of high-tech experience stores and small boutiques selling vintage-inspired goods. Xiaoxiao was especially excited, dragging the family into different shops.

In a store specializing in smart accessories, she picked out an intelligent hairpin that could change its design at will. She tested it in front of a mirror, cycling through a few styles before settling on a soft pink sakura blossom.

"Brother, what do you think?" She turned toward him, beaming.

He gave her a quick glance and replied casually, "Looks good. Suits you."

Xiaoxiao pouted. "That's it? Just 'looks good'? You seriously don't know how to compliment people!"

Yanfei spread his hands in surrender. "What do you want me to say? 'Oh, my dear sister, you're so beautiful that even the hairpin pales in comparison'?"

She burst out laughing. "Alright, alright, keep up the sarcasm!"

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By evening, the family went to see the latest sci-fi blockbuster. Known for its stunning visual effects and intense pacing, the film had Xiaoxiao so captivated that she forgot to eat her popcorn. Meanwhile, Yanfei occasionally glanced at his family, feeling a quiet sense of contentment.

When they returned home, their parents proposed cooking dinner themselves. Yanfei expected something simple, but to his surprise, his parents worked seamlessly together to prepare a full feast.

His mother expertly mixed the soup base, her wrist movements smooth and precise, as if dancing with the ladle. His father meticulously sliced the meat, each piece cut with surgical precision, arranging them neatly on the counter with practiced ease. The steam from the cooking pots filled the kitchen with a cozy warmth, blending with the rich aroma of home-cooked food.

Xiaoxiao peeked into the kitchen, curiosity shining in her eyes. "Mom, what's for dinner?"

Without looking back, her mother replied lightly, "Come see for yourself—and lend a hand while you're at it."

Xiaoxiao quickly backed away, shaking her head. "No thanks, I'll just focus on eating."

Watching her laziness, Yanfei chuckled and got up. "You're unbelievable. Don't let Mom and Dad do all the work. I'll help out."

Their mother smiled, tilting her chin toward the sink. "That's rare, Yanfei, volunteering to help? Alright, wash these vegetables for me."

Father glanced at him while continuing to prep the meat. "Just don't flood the kitchen or make a mess."

Rolling up his sleeves, Yanfei got to work. "Relax, I got this."

Xiaoxiao leaned in, smirking. "Wow, look at you. At school, you don't even wash your own dishes, and now you're playing 'perfect son'? Impressive."

He shot her a look. "Not everyone's as lazy as you. Besides, small tasks like these should be your job." Turning to his mother, he added, "Mom, why not let her wash the vegetables? I'll do the cutting—I'm pretty good at it."

His mother chuckled. "Alright, give it a try." She handed him a knife and pointed at a piece of meat. "Slice this as thin as you can—don't mess it up."

Taking the knife, he carefully made the first cut. The sensation felt unexpectedly familiar—his recent training with the electromagnetic resonance staff had unknowingly sharpened his precision. His cuts became smoother and more controlled, each slice coming out perfectly even.

His father observed his work and nodded approvingly. "Not bad. You've got a steady hand."

Xiaoxiao, however, wasn't impressed. "Geez, showing off just for slicing meat?" She grabbed a potato and a peeler, determined not to be outdone.

Their mother chuckled and patted her head. "Take your time, Xiaoxiao. Don't cut yourself in a hurry."

The kitchen became a lively scene, with all three siblings engaged in cooking. Soon, dish after dish was placed on the dining table—steamed fish, braised pork, stir-fried greens—a home-cooked feast.

Looking at the spread before him, Wang Yanfei felt an unexpected sense of accomplishment. Turning to Xiaoxiao, he smirked. "So? Still think I was pretending to help?"

She crossed her arms, feigning reluctance. "Hmph. I guess I'll admit you did alright."

Their father laughed heartily. "Enough bickering. Let's eat."

The family gathered around the table, chatting and laughing as they enjoyed their meal. Though Yanfei had eaten well at school, nothing compared to a meal cooked by family. This, he realized, was the kind of warmth that couldn't be replicated by any technology or training.