By the time the morning light came in, the Li household was already alive with the smells of cooking. In the kitchen, Li Jian stood over the stove, steam curling around his sleeves. The clink of chopsticks against porcelain produces a steady rhythm.
It had been days since all seven children had been under the same roof. He received messages from Liu Xiong and Ding Weiyuan that they would be back during the morning hours.
He wanted their return to feel warm, Therefore; he's preparing a feast. The platters lining the counter were almost ready: honey-glazed spirit chicken, jade-green stir-fried lotus shoots, braised cloud carp, sweet date pastries, and a pot of fragrant spiritual rice that filled the air with a subtle calming aura. The spiritual fruit juices were cooling in the space.
The front door slid open, letting in the cool morning air.
"Daddy! We're back!" Juanxin's voice boomed through the hall before they even stepped in.
