Ah, I see this is a fine location. Alright, then… 'Daily desserts, fresh out of the oven, in limited quantities.' Heehee, there we go! Oh, Doctor? Nothing special here. Don't let me keep you.

Doctor, I don't know what Nian told you, but I must emphasize this: I. Don't. Cook. Without good reason. A chef must be particular in his prepara... Wai-wai-wai-wait, That bag of snacks is your lunch? Tch, aiya... stop eating that, I'll whip something up for you.

I'm fairly confident in my culinary arts, but just as there are those who indulge in exotic delicacies, there are those who prefer bland flavors. You can't satisfy everyone, and it's also a matter of whether fate allows for a chef and a diner to cross paths. So, do you find this dish to your liking? If you want any special treatment in the future, you'd better nod right now.

I'm laying low on Rhodes Island to dodge my debts? Who said that? I owe Ji a little rent, but he's had plenty of my cooking! My siblings only ever think of me when they're hungry. Doctor, now you know who's the dependable one in the family!

'A nobleman stays clear of the kitchen.'... Hmph, I wonder which bitter scholar dreamed up such nonsense. Just because you ignore something, it ceases to exist? People eat five grains, and then they have six desires and seven emotions. Nothing could be more natural. The work of this kitchen is, if you ask me, the most significant thing in this land.

I love the mortal realm. I mean, who would want to go back to that primordial chaos after tasting all these different flavors? Sour, salty, bitter, spicy... miss any one of them, you'll never master cookery. Likewise, joy, sorrow, separation, reunion... if you don't understand all of them, you'll never learn how to truly be a person. Yeah... Now, I've come to understand all the tastes.

Blaze went home, and brought Miss Ning along? Ah... Good for them... Shh... nope, I didn't fan the flame or anything. Oftentimes, what matters is who sits around the table, rather than what's upon it. All I want is for my patrons to enjoy their meals. The land is home to many flavors, but nothing compares to the taste of family reunion.

'Who am I?' My siblings have all thought things through. Me? I'm not ready yet. There are still many dishes I haven't tasted, and too many TV dramas I have to finish... Hey, wait a second. Doctor, just play your tile already. Bringing up philosophical questions right when I'm about to win? That's cheating, and it's way too obvious, you know!

Here we come to this moment again... You are just like that brother of mine. Once you've got your mind set on something, nothing else matters, and there's no going back. Hey-ya... You see, Doctor. Soup needs to be simmered slowly to develop its flavors, but it can be so mentally exhausting. That's why... one must always take care to eat well.

I'm still not used to the quiet without a kitchen fire burning nearby… It makes me so sleepy…

Hello, you must be the Doctor. I'm here to visit my brother and sisters. Do I sign the visitor's log here? Alright. Hmm...? Logistics Operator Employment contract? Nian! You trick me again!

Maybe we should watch something else while we're eating?

Bitter gourd is in season now. Deseeding, blanching, and adding it to the soup brings out the most flavor. Some find it too bitter, while others are absolutely in love with it. Palates differ, and sweetness or bitterness are unique to each individual.

Oh? Trying to keep me here? Haha. There's nothing to be ashamed of. You've had a taste of my cooking. If you could forget that flavor, wouldn't all my years of culinary practice have been in vain?

I won't fight for nothing. But for the right price, hehe, I'm in.

A-hem! The chef has the final word here.

The mung bean soup is already simmering. Whether you want your beans intact or fully dissolved depends on how quickly you return.

Line up, line up. We have plenty of good eats for everyone.

Patience, friend. Heat control is everything here.

Quickly! The spare ribs have been stewing for so long, they're falling apart!

So long as you're here, have some hot soup before you go.

You will get what you deserve. I mean, what you ordered.

Cold oil into a hot wok. The heat is just perfect.

Slow-simmer on low heat. Patience is not optional.

Tough to swallow, huh? Try to behave yourself next time.

Still misbehaving? Then let's kick it up a notch!

Not bad. This recipe will stand the test of time.

Daring to add ingredients like that? You've definitely got the potential to be a top chef.

The taste's passable, but the appearance falls short. Customers won't be as accommodating as me.

Messed up the dish? Sometimes getting messy is the spice of cooking, and life. Wash it out, and the wok will be good as new.

No open flames? Hmm…

Haha, stop tickling me!

Are you hungry? Give me a moment.

Arknights.

Nian, quit sneaking bites and go call Dusk out. Ling, could you lend a hand? Shu and I are swamped in kitchen. Where did Dage wander off to now...? Ah! Doctor! what took you so long? Come, have a seat and join us! Happy New Year!

Come, have a seat. Make yourself at home. You can order anything on the menu.

Doctor, happy Birthday! This is a present I've treasured for years...my private cookbook. If you follow the instructions step-by-step, you too can become a master chef. If Yu can cook, so can you. What? Still want me to cook for you? Hehe, OK, OK. I'll make an exception today.

I never knew Rhodes Island could be so bustling during festivals. I have literally been cooking on all burners today. But, well, it's all worth it. Just look at all these young sprouts, so full of promise... Ah! What are you doing? Open your ears, and don't measure me! I-I didn't grow any taller...