290: A comforting meal

The hospital always seemed to be this busy and chaotic.

Registration, payment, admission procedures… Chen Yue spun like a top, the exhaustion of her body and the pain in her heart intertwined, leaving her almost numb.

It wasn’t until her mother was settled into the ward, on an IV drip, and her vital signs gradually stabilized—and the doctor informed her that it was merely a fainting spell caused by excessive grief and malnutrition, requiring rest and nutritional supplements—that Chen Yue felt all her strength drain away, collapsing onto the chair beside the hospital bed.

Only then, when a sharp emptiness gnawed at her stomach, did she suddenly remember that she hadn't eaten anything for over a day. Her gaze fell on the elegant insulated bag on the nearby chair.

Having experienced the fright of her mother fainting, she keenly realized that if she also collapsed, there would truly be no one to care for her mother.

The living must always continue to move forward.

She took a deep breath and opened the insulated bag.

The first thing that caught her eye was the porridge bowl containing the Warm Jade Soothing Porridge.

Opening the lid, a richer, gentler aroma of rice, mixed with an indescribable, strangely soothing fragrance that seemed to calm the soul, wafted towards her.

The porridge was cooked to a soft, creamy consistency, exhibiting a warm, jade-like milky white luster. The rice grains had almost completely melted into the liquid, with only a very fine sheen of oil on the surface. There were no impurities visible, yet it made one feel incredibly pure and warm.

Beside it were two transparent food containers.

One had a small note attached: "Golden Calyx Steamed Egg." Beneath the transparent lid, the steamed egg's surface was as smooth as a mirror, without the slightest air bubble, and its tender yellow color was inviting, like a solidified piece of sunshine.

In the center, a few drops of vibrant green, emerald-like bits of choi sum were scattered, resembling jewels cradled in a golden calyx, so exquisite that one couldn't bear to scoop into it.

The other had a note attached: "Clear Heart Flower Dew." A delicate amber liquid filled the transparent container, with a few tender leaves of varying colors gently unfurling in the water, exuding a serene and cool fragrance.

Chen Yue stared at the three items in the set, her eyes widening in surprise.

How could this be a simple bento box?

This was clearly a meticulously crafted work of art!

Her previously lifeless stomach, devoid of any desire for food, uncontrollably twitched in front of this exquisite appearance and captivating aroma. Then, a strong, almost primal hunger suddenly awoke, and her saliva began to flow profusely.

She picked up the accompanying spoon and first scooped a spoonful of the Warm Jade Soothing Porridge.

The moment the porridge entered her mouth, its incredibly soft and smooth texture meant she barely needed to swallow; the warm liquid automatically glided down her esophagus.

The taste was simply indescribable.

The natural sweetness of the rice was brought to its peak, infused with a unique, warm aroma carrying hints of clove and nutmeg, and a faint, lingering, sweet and refreshing undertone throughout.

It wasn't just a sensory delight; it was more like a warm current, starting from her mouth and rapidly spreading through her limbs, dispelling the long-accumulated chill and fatigue. Even her taut nerves felt as if they were gently smoothed by a tender hand.

Surprised and eager, she tried a bite of the Golden Calyx Steamed Egg.

The steamed egg was so tender it melted in her mouth, with a rich milky aroma perfectly blended with the inherent deliciousness of the egg, incredibly mellow yet not at all greasy.

And the choi sum bits adorning it provided a very slight, crisp texture that intertwined with the rich savory flavor, like dotting the eyes on a dragon, instantly making this seemingly simple steamed egg vibrant and profound.

She picked up the cup of Clear Heart Flower Dew and took a small sip.

The lukewarm liquid carried the calming aroma unique to the Concentrating Flower and Requiem Grass, along with the cool and serene sweetness of secluded valley orchid honey, as if a clear spring flowed through her heart, quietly washing away the surging sorrow, anxiety, and fatigue within her, leaving behind a rare sense of peace and tranquility.

Chen Yue was completely immersed in this unprecedented deliciousness and comfort, a spoonful of porridge, a bite of steamed egg, occasionally sipping the flower dew, eating with focus and slowness, as if the whole world consisted only of this meal in her hands.

She didn't even realize that as she ate, her tightly furrowed brow unconsciously relaxed, and the thick, unyielding sorrow on her face seemed to melt away somewhat with the warm food, revealing a hint of the vitality appropriate for her age.

When she finally put down her spoon with satisfaction, having finished the last sip of the flower dew, and unconsciously let out a soft sigh, she suddenly snapped back to reality.

Then, she was surprised to find that, at some point, the doctor on rounds, the nurse on patrol, and even other patients and family members in the same ward, all had their eyes on her… or rather, on the empty meal containers in front of her.

The alluring aroma still seemed to linger in the air, and several gazes held undisguised curiosity. Some people were even unconsciously, quietly swallowing their saliva.

Chen Yue was startled at first, then relieved.

Such deliciousness, it was perfectly normal to attract such attention.

She looked at the incredibly exquisite meal containers in her hand, then recalled the vendor's warm tone and the incredible taste and spiritual comfort this meal provided, and a thought naturally emerged.

The person who could make such food must have extraordinary culinary skills.

But why would he choose to set up a stall outside a funeral home, in such a special and desolate place?

Moreover, such a "comfort meal," which was top-notch in terms of ingredients, craftsmanship, and effect, didn't seem expensive… After a moment of contemplation, Chen Yue came to a conclusion that moved her:

That young boss must be someone with an incredibly kind and gentle heart.

Perhaps he had also experienced the profound pain of losing a loved one and, empathizing with others, chose that place filled with farewells and sorrow. He used his best skill—creating delicious food that warms hearts and soothes souls—to silently convey unspoken care and redemption to those immersed in grief.

Yes, it was "redemption."

Using the power of food to redeem taste buds frozen by sorrow, to redeem hearts numbed by pain, to remind the living that warmth still exists in the world, and life must go on.

Thinking of this, Chen Yue felt an indescribable gratitude and respect for the vendor she had only met once.

Just then, the doctor walked over, re-examined her mother's condition, and then instructed Chen Yue:

"Your mother is very weak. For the next period, you must pay attention to providing her with nutrition, giving her easily digestible, gently nourishing food."

Chen Yue listened carefully, then looked down at the empty, yet seemingly still warm, meal containers in her hand, a decision already made in her heart.

She would go thank that boss, and she would frequent his stall from now on. Not only for this delicious food that soothed body and mind, but also for the warmth and kindness from a stranger that she felt in her darkest hour.