"Next, it's time for the fermentation to begin."
Chen Ping placed the kneaded dough into a bowl, covered it with a damp cloth, and nodded in satisfaction. "This step is crucial. Let the dough rise slowly so that it can become soft and delicious."
While the fermentation process was in progress, Chen Ping began preparing other breakfast ingredients, while Gabriel helped out. Their occasional laughter added a touch of warmth to the peaceful morning.
A few hours later, as a sweet aroma wafted from the kitchen, the brown sugar steamed buns were finally freshly baked.
Each steamed bun is golden in color, with a smooth surface and an enticing sheen, making one's mouth water.
"Come and try some freshly steamed brown sugar buns!" Chen Ping carried a plate of steaming buns out of the kitchen and invited Gabriel with a big smile.
Gabriel couldn't wait to pick one up, took a careful bite, and her eyes lit up instantly.
Gabriel exclaimed in amazement, "Wow, this tastes amazing! It has the soft and fragrant texture of steamed buns, and the sweetness of brown sugar—a perfect combination! Chen Ping, your cooking skills are truly excellent!"
Seeing this, Chen Ping felt a great sense of accomplishment.
"I'm glad you like it. Just let me know if you want it anytime, and I'll make it for you," he replied with a smile.
......
"Hey Gabriel, that was a great training session today. How did it feel?"
Chen Ping wiped the sweat from his forehead and smiled as he looked at Gabriel, who was also slightly out of breath but had brighter eyes.
Gabriel nodded, a satisfied smile on her face. "It's really good. I can feel myself improving every time I spar with you. I really enjoy this kind of daily routine."
"That's good. Once the matter of the Lord of Heaven is over, I'll do this every day." Chen Ping took Gabriel's hand and walked outside.
Suddenly, Chen Ping suggested, "Speaking of which, how about we try something different for dinner tonight? I suddenly have a craving for barbecue. How about we have a barbecue party at the beach?"
Gabriel's eyes lit up when she heard this. "Barbecue? Great idea! It's been so long since I've relaxed like this. We can invite Linafil and Deer Tree to come along. Oh, right, and Lycia and the others too."
So the two quickly returned to their lodgings to rest for a while. Chen Ping was in charge of preparing the materials and tools needed for the barbecue, while Gabriel contacted the other partners.
Before long, everyone was drawn to this unexpected barbecue plan and expressed their willingness to participate.
As evening fell, the setting sun, like blood, dyed the sea a golden-red hue, and a gentle sea breeze brought a touch of coolness.
On the beach, people sat around a makeshift barbecue grill, the flickering flames reflecting on their excited faces.
As a master barbecue chef, Chen Ping skillfully flipped the meat skewers on the grill, filling the air with a fragrant aroma that made the people around him swallow hard.
"Be patient, good things are worth waiting for," he said with a smile, not forgetting to sprinkle his carefully prepared spices on the meat skewers.
Gabriel, Linafil, and others helped out, either preparing drinks or setting up the venue, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Lycia and her little rascals also prepared a small barbecue grill, knowing that hard work leads to plenty!
As everyone worked, they shared recent anecdotes and their cultivation experiences, bursting into laughter from time to time.
As the first skewer of grilled meat sizzled and turned an enticing golden brown, Chen Ping announced, "Let's eat!"
Everyone cheered and picked up the grilled meat to enjoy. The meat was delicious, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and paired with ice-cold drinks, it was a perfect match.
As night fell, the gathering under the campfire grew even more lively. Someone started playing the guitar, and the soft music drifted on the wind. Gabriel, Linafil, and other clan leaders hummed along to the music, and the waves seemed to accompany them.
"I really hope these days will never end," Gabriel murmured, gazing at the starry sky.
Chen Ping leaned against the side, smiling as he replied, "As long as we're together, every day can be wonderful. The road ahead is long, and we'll have many more opportunities to create unforgettable memories."
......
As the barbecue party drew to a close, and the last flame died down on the beach, the starry sky became even deeper and more dazzling.
Amidst laughter and cheerful conversation, everyone bid each other a reluctant farewell, returning to their respective residences with satisfied smiles and a wealth of memories.
The beach returned to tranquility, with only the gentle sound of waves lapping the sand, seemingly drawing a close to this beautiful day.
Chen Ping and Gabriel strolled along the moonlit path, their shadows stretched and intertwined by the soft silver light.
A gentle sea breeze carries the coolness of the night, yet also the lingering warmth of the day's joy.
They smiled at each other, needing no words; the unspoken understanding and affection flowed quietly in the air.
Back at my accommodation, the warm indoor lighting dispelled the chill of the night, creating a cozy little haven.
Chen Ping gently draped a soft shawl over Gabriel, and the two sat down by the window, gazing at the starry sky they had both protected, their hearts filled with boundless anticipation for the future and deep affection for each other.
"I had a really great time tonight, thank you, Chen Ping." Gabriel's voice was gentle and full of emotion. She turned to look at Chen Ping, her eyes sparkling with starlight-like tenderness.
Chen Ping held her hand and smiled gently, "As long as you're happy. We'll have many more moments like this in the future, watching the sunrise and sunset together, and walking through every spring, summer, autumn and winter together."
As night deepened, they lay side by side on the large bed, sharing each other's body heat and feeling each other's heartbeats, as if the whole world had stood still at that moment.
They didn't say anything more, but quietly enjoyed the peace and intimacy, letting their love flow silently, gathering into the deepest promise and reliance.
On this special night, their hearts reached an unprecedented harmony. There were no lavish ceremonies or boisterous celebrations, only two hearts tightly bound together, ready to greet each new day together, whether it be rain or shine, it will be a journey they will walk hand in hand.
Then...
Chen Ping suddenly rolled over and landed on top of Gabriel, laughing, "We've just eaten and drunk our fill, so we still need to exercise a bit to aid digestion, don't you think?"
Upon hearing this, Gabriel rolled her eyes, her slightly flushed face turning red as she looked at Chen Ping, saying with a hint of embarrassment and indignation, "Heh, if you're not afraid of kneeling on a washboard tomorrow, then...ah~!"
Chen Ping grabbed the blanket, pulled it over his head, and lay down on it, laughing, "We'll talk about tomorrow's problems tomorrow."
Then, an unidentified creaking sound continued for the entire night.
The moon in the sky seemed to shyly hide behind the dark clouds.
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