Chapter 320: Yurine and the Handcuffs!
"It should be about ready..."
Ryohei estimated the time, put on heat-resistant gloves, and moved the stone pot onto the table, placing it on a bamboo mat.
He reached out and lifted the lid—
In an instant, dazzling golden light surged out with the steam, shining even brighter than the camping lantern! Following it was a rich, seductive aroma!
Just smelling it was enough to make one's appetite soar!
"Uwah—!"
Yurine adorably turned her face away, shielding her eyes with her hand. Squinting, she peered into the pot, her mouth watering.
When the light softened and the steam dissipated, she saw it clearly!
Distinctively colored toppings surrounded the bright yellow sunny-side-up egg in the center like flower petals, while wisps of savory white smoke rose from the scorching hot edges of the pot.
It looked incredibly appetizing!
Ryohei had already taken off the heat-resistant gloves. He picked up the "bibimbap sauce" he had prepared earlier and poured it all into the pot.
Stone Pot Bibimbap naturally required "mixing"!
Ryohei picked up a rice spoon and stirred rapidly while it was hot, thoroughly blending the rice, toppings, sauce, and crispy rice crust.
Listening to the sizzling sound and smelling the fragrant aroma, Ryohei felt this cooking session was a success even before tasting it.
"Bowl."
He held out his hand, and Yurine cooperatively passed him the bowl nearby.
Ryohei filled two bowls, handed one over, sat down in his moon chair, and invited, "Let's eat."
"Mn."
Yurine couldn't wait. With a cheerful "Itadakimasu," she picked up a clump of mixed rice with her chopsticks and put it in her mouth.
She chewed lightly a few times, and her reddish-brown eyes lit up instantly. She exclaimed in surprise:
"Super—delicious!!"
The Stone Pot Bibimbap Ryohei made wasn't the traditional sweet and spicy style, but a more robust, mellow savory flavor.
The aroma of the sauce and oil was prominent without being greasy. One bite was truly satisfying!
Yurine subconsciously shoveled another mouthful.
"Mmm—!"
"It's even better than I imagined... the pickled cabbage is the finishing touch!"
Ryohei savored it carefully, feeling quite proud of his decision to replace kimchi with pickled cabbage (suancai).
The refreshing acidity of the pickled cabbage perfectly cut through the richness of the bibimbap, adding layers to the savory and oily flavors. It was truly appetizing!
"The pickled cabbage is really good, very refreshing..."
Yurine ate with a look of pure enjoyment.
The marinated stir-fried beef was tender and juicy, the rice grains were plump and chewy, and the separately treated bean sprouts, shredded potatoes, and carrots retained a satisfying crunch.
This "crunch" contrasted sharply with the "softness" of the rice and the "tenderness" of the beef.
And one could not ignore—
The layer of golden scorched rice crust formed at the bottom of the pot by high heat!
Hard and crispy upon entry, it made a "crunch" sound when chewed, releasing a burst of smoky and rice fragrance that pushed the flavor of the entire bibimbap to its climax.
Yurine was completely immersed in the deliciousness of this Stone Pot Bibimbap!
In a trance, she felt as if she had traveled through time and space to Northeast China, a place she had never set foot in.
Beneath her feet was the vast and warm black earth after the harvest, emitting a mellow scent of crop stubble mixed with sunlight.
Woo—!
A long whistle pierced the clear, high autumn sky.
Yurine looked toward the sound and saw an old-fashioned green train puffing white steam, chugging along the tracks—clackety-clack, clackety-clack.
When the roar of the train faded into the wind, Yurine began to walk leisurely.
As she moved lightly, the scenery of the Northeast unfolded before her like a scroll—
Magnificent, surging golden waves of wheat, tall corn forests standing like guards, and white birch forests rustling in the breeze, their leaves shimmering and swaying like gold foil...
The magnificent autumn scenery of a foreign land constantly knocked on Yurine's heart!
"Every time I eat Ryohei-kun's cooking, it feels like I've gone on a special trip~."
Yurine ate a full bowl and a half before putting down her chopsticks with satisfaction, her face beaming with happiness.
"Hmm? Please settle the travel fee." Ryohei smiled and held out his hand.
"Oh, get lost!"
Yurine slapped Ryohei's hand away, her eyes smiling as she scolded, "You really have some nerve!"
She seemed to think of something, got up, lifted the tent flap, and ducked inside—
She seemed to take something out, hiding it mysteriously behind her back. When she got close to Ryohei—she suddenly grabbed his left hand and, with a click, handcuffed him!
"Sir, you are under arrest for suspected arbitrary charging!"
Officer Yurine declared with righteous indignation.
"..." Ryohei stared blankly at the handcuffs on his wrist, dumbfounded. "Wait, you own these things? And you carry them around?"
"Is there a problem?"
Officer Yurine tilted her head, feigning confusion.
"Is there not a problem!?"
Ryohei was greatly shocked.
Wifey! Something's wrong with you!
"Pfft—!"
Seeing Ryohei's reaction, Yurine couldn't help but burst out laughing.
She then took the key and unlocked the handcuffs—
"Ryohei-kun, you know I'm interested in weapons, torture devices, and the like, so it's perfectly reasonable for me to carry handcuffs, right?"
"Reasonable... my foot!"
Ryohei retorted, quickly finishing the last bite of rice in his bowl.
He put down his bowl and chopsticks, stood up, and took the handcuffs. "This isn't something a college student like you should be playing with. Confiscated... I'll study how to use them later."
"Hmm... A chef studying how to use handcuffs?"
Yurine rolled her eyes at Ryohei. "Is that something you should be studying?"
"You know what I mean."
Ryohei gave Yurine a look that said You get it, flipping his hand to store the handcuffs away.
"I don't get it. I'm just a simple girl, I don't understand at all..."
Yurine shook her head repeatedly.
Ryohei reached out his mischievous hand and pinched her slender waist.
"You call yourself a 'simple girl' and then say you don't understand!"
Yurine: "..."
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