"Li Rui.." she began, voice steady, "we'll need fresh egg noodles, tender cuts of pork, bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, and scallions. The sauce will be a light soy reduction with a hint of ginger and garlic. For the drink, prepare chilled chrysanthemum tea with a touch of honey and a twist of lime."
Her assistants listened intently, scribbling notes where necessary, but none could see the full recipe; Mianmian wanted them to follow her lead, to absorb the technique and timing by watching her.
She continued, pacing the kitchen like a conductor before an orchestra. "Rui, you handle the sauce and seasoning. Baek Won, you take care of the noodles—boil them to al dente. Meiyin, prep the vegetables; keep them crisp. Lusi, roast the pork slices to golden perfection. Everyone else, stay at your stations and follow my timing. Watch everything closely. Every movement matters."
