Chapter 57 Fried Dumplings
Chapter 57 Fried Dumplings
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About an hour later, Louis came out of his room. As soon as he opened the door, the scent of fried food filled his nose, along with faint sounds from the kitchen. He followed the noise and found Freya standing there, apron tied around her waist, looking completely focused.
Her movements were practiced and fluid, and she was even humming an unfamiliar little tune–clearly enjoying herself.
Golden–fried dumplings were being lifted out of the oil one by one, and Louis heard her muttering to herself:
“One little cutie out of the pan, and a whole line of little cuties waiting their turn. Mhm, you’re all adorable dumplings. I bet you taste amazing. I’ll turn you into the most delicious soup later. I won’t let your efforts go to waste.”
Someone who could make cooking sound this entertaining–Louis had never met anyone like that. Curiosity piqued, he crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe, silently watching what else she would do. Freya didn’t disappoint. There weren’t many dumplings left, so once she finished frying them, she turned to the already–washed vegetables and began cutting them—all while continuing to talk to herself:
“You guys are cuties too. You must’ve worked hard to grow so pretty. I’ll treat you just as well–make sure you float proudly in the soup. Your lives won’t be in vain.”
Clearly in her own world, Freya’s mind was full of novel scenes, caught up in a brainstorming session. Then she turned–and suddenly saw an actual human standing in the doorway.
Startled, she stumbled back a couple of steps. Her foot slipped, and she fell backward.
Louis had been caught off guard too, but he quickly reached out to steady her. Before he could catch her, Freya grabbed the edge of the sink behind her and righted herself just in time.
Louis’s hand landed on her waist. The unexpected contact sent a jolt through Freya, as if she’d been burned. She shivered instinctively.
“What are you doing just standing there?” Her voice was laced with shock and a tinge of accusation. “I almost fell! Do you need something?”
Louis let go. “No. I came out to get some water and heard something over here.”
Realizing she probably had been humming, Freya pressed her lips together. She’d given herself a whole pep talk earlier and ended up getting way too carried away. She must’ve started daydreaming again while thinking about her novel.
“I was just humming to pass the time. It gets boring if I’m only cooking.”
“Mm Dumplings done?” Louis asked casually, feeling like it would be weird to just turn around and leave now.
“Yeah. Do you…. want to try one?” Freya perked up a little, eyes lighting up at the sight of the golden dumplings she’d just made. Out of habit, she asked the person next to her–then realized belatedly that Louis wasn’t some girlfriend who would come into the kitchen for fresh dumplings.
Louis hesitated for less than a second, and Freya quickly added, “Oh, wait–never mind. I forgot. Dumplings are tasty, but not exactly healthy. If you’re not hungry, maybe you should wait.”
Not healthy? Louis might not be an expert on nutrition, but he knew dumplings were just a bit oily–nothing serious. He stepped closer. “How do you eat them? With your hands?”
Freya blinked, a little surprised he was actually going to try one. Without thinking, she handed him the fork she was holding.
Louis took it and glanced down–only to realize it had already been used.
