Chapter 248: Various Fish Dishes

Reiji's footsteps were soft as he shifted the thin blanket and lowered his feet onto the cold wooden floor.

The gentle sound of Reiji's bare feet brushing against the floor marked the beginning of a new day.

He blinked a few times, trying to shake off the drowsiness still clinging to his eyelids.

Reiji's hair was messy, tousled like a bird's nest, and there were faint imprints of the pillow still visible on his left cheek.

The morning air slowly seeped into the room through the aging wooden ventilation slats, carrying the salty aroma of the sea not far from the village.

There was a damp smell from the old walls, mingling with the faint scent of long-settled dust.

However, a stronger aroma wafted in from behind the door—something savory, warm, and appetizing.

Reiji's chest fluttered slightly as he inhaled it.

There was something different about this morning.

He immediately stood up with a lazy movement, stretching his body while raising his arms high into the air.

Reiji's joints creaked softly.

Then, without putting on any footwear, he walked towards his bedroom door, his right hand reflexively smoothing down the hair that fell over his forehead.

The house was so quiet, only the sound of water trickling from the kitchen and the chirping of small birds in the distance could be heard, as if they too wanted to savor that aroma.

As soon as the door opened, Reiji's gaze was immediately met with an unexpected sight.

Right in front of his room was a dining area and a small kitchen that merged into one.

The old teak dining table looked as if it had transformed into a sacred altar filled with offerings—from seafood still steaming hot to neatly arranged utensils like a battalion ready for battle.

Morning sunlight sneaked through the window slats, highlighting the surface of the table and creating a warm, golden reflection.

Shadows from the rising steam danced gently in the air, undulating like little spirits from the sea just called to land.

The aroma of garlic frying to a golden brown wafted strongly, mingling with the scent of fresh chilies and distinctive local spices.

But that wasn't all—there was something softer and more refreshing: the fragrance of basil leaves, lemongrass, and the sourness of starfruit that hit the nose with a deep coolness.

In the center of the table, a large white ceramic bowl showcased fish soup.

Steam from the fish soup rose slowly yet consistently, like the breath of a living sea creature.

The broth of the fish soup appeared clear, a golden hue, with a thin layer of oil on the surface reflecting light like a delicate rainbow.

Inside the fish soup, pieces of fish meat looked enticing—soft white, glossy, almost transparent in the thinner parts of the fish.

Slices of red chili and green onions danced on the surface of the broth, along with pieces of green tomatoes that were starting to soften.

The aroma of lemongrass and starfruit seeped in like a memory of home-cooked meals rarely experienced again—sharp, warm, and piercingly nostalgic.

To the right, a large oval plate held battered fried fish.

The pieces of fish were neatly arranged, like a row of gold illuminated by the morning sun.

The outer batter of the fried fish was crispy, a nearly perfect golden brown.

Upon closer inspection, there were small cracks on the surface of the batter, indicating the crunchiness that would soon shatter with a bite.

The savory aroma and fresh frying oil made Reiji's stomach contract without him realizing it.

On top of the fish, dried chili flakes and fragrant fried onion crumbs were sprinkled.

A few thin slices of lemon were carefully placed, adding a touch of pale yellow that balanced the dominance of brown.

There were also fresh green celery leaves—an intentional contrast, striking yet still charming.

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