Ningning did not rush.
She kept stirring the mash while answering calmly, explaining which herbs removed the fishy smell, which leaves protected the fish from burning, how scraping the dark membrane inside the belly made the taste lighter.
She spoke slowly, step by step, like someone teaching children their ABC's.
Xiaoli and Nala added a few words here and there too, proudly repeating what they had just learned, afraid they might forget.
The more they spoke, the brighter their faces became.
It was clear they were enjoying this.
For once, they were not just following orders.
They understood what they were doing.
The circle around them grew tighter.
Even a few younger girls squeezed in between shoulders, standing on their toes to peek into the pots.
The atmosphere gradually turned lively.
"So noisy over nothing."
Dana's voice carried clearly from the other side.
She stood with her arms crossed, lips pressed into a thin line, eyes dark with displeasure.
