Page 185 of Sweet Dominion

Chef Foo spoke. “My first dish today isSiu Yuk.”

The staff began to pass out Chef Foo’s three dishes to us.

The smell hit me before I even saw the food. It was intoxicating—smoky, savory, and complex.

Mmmm.

When I finally looked down at my plates, I was blown away by the presentation. The colors were vibrant—golden roasted pork, bright orange cuttlefish, and rich, deep hues of duck meat. All of them had been paired with an exciting display of seared vegetables. Each dish looked like a masterpiece.

Chef Foo continued, “Siu Yukis roasted pork with a classic, crispy skin.”

Many in the audience were eating and groaning in pleasure.

“This is a Cantonese favorite, known for its crunchy exterior and tender, juicy meat inside.”

“Damn.” Jo already started eating. “I’m about to ask him to make this every night.”

I checked Chen.

He was pointing up at the sky. “You see those stars, Fen? They don’t just glow, they sparkle. Did they always sparkle that way or is it because you’re here?”

Fen chuckled. “Chen, you have to try the food.”

“What’s that?” Chen put his view on her and blinked his eyes.

“The food, Chen. You’re judging it.”

Chen touched her shoulder, leaned close to her like he was about to kiss her and then whispered, “Will you help me judge, Fen?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t want to disappoint anyone.”

“You won’t, Chen.” Fen grabbed his fork. “We’ll do this together.”

Alright. Fen is in control. Now he’s good to go. I won’t worry about him anymore.

I picked up my fork and knife, cutting into the pork.

The skin crackled under the blade.

This is going to be good.

When I took my first bite, it was an explosion of textures and flavors on my tongue. The skin was perfectly crisp, giving way to the soft, melt-in-your-mouth pork beneath. The seasoning was subtle but bold, letting the meat speak for itself.

Good God. Chef Foo already won.

Beside me, Chen let out a loud groan of appreciation as he bit into his piece. “Oh my God!!!”

People laughed at Chen in the audience.

Fen tasted her own plate, but I could see she was having difficulty with not laughing with everyone else.

God, this is so much fun.

I watched Chen.

Instead of cutting off another piece, Chen picked it all up with his hands and began chomping into it.

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