Ising Yu jumped up and down in excitement, her eyes shining with anticipation. Meanwhile, Yang Mo's face turned slightly red at the memory that surfaced.
"When I was little, I stole the neighbor's egg-laying chicken and roasted it," he admitted sheepishly. "I got scolded so badly back then. But that's how I first learned about grilling."
"Well, let's see what you've got!" Ising Yu cheered, eager to taste his cooking. "Do we have all the seasonings?"
"Over there!" Fong Lei pointed toward the kitchen shelf. "We went to the grocery store this afternoon. We weren't sure what to buy, so we just grabbed a bunch of different spices."
Yang Mo opened the large plastic bag they had purchased. A variety of seasonings tumbled out, more than enough to work with. He smiled and nodded. "Alright, since Star Moon loves barbecued chicken wings, I'll start with an Orleans-style flavor. But proper barbecuing takes preparation. Different meats require different seasonings, and some need to be marinated beforehand, or they won't be flavorful."
"Yay! More barbecued wings! Thank you, Brother Yang Mo!" Ising Yu's eyes lit up with delight. Deep down, she was overjoyed—not just about the food, but because Yang Mo always thought of her first.
With practiced ease, Yang Mo took a few chicken wings from the refrigerator, expertly scoring them with a knife before placing them in a large bowl. He added Orleans seasoning, sliced green onions, ginger, onions, carrots, and finally a touch of oyster sauce. He massaged the marinade into the wings before sealing the bowl with plastic wrap to let the flavors infuse.
Watching his swift, fluid movements, Fong Lei and E Jow froze in place, stunned.
"Brother Yang Mo is amazing!" Ising Yu clapped her hands excitedly.
Yang Mo chuckled. "These wings need to marinate for at least fifteen minutes. While we wait, we should clean the grill. Star Moon, help me with that?"
"Got it!" Ising Yu eagerly took the grill down and began scrubbing off the charred remains from their previous failed attempt.
By the time they finished cleaning, the chicken wings had absorbed the rich flavors. Yang Mo skewered them on wooden sticks, brushed both sides with a thin coat of oil, and carefully placed them on the grill.
Fong Lei and E Jow worked together to light fresh charcoal, fanning the flames until the heat was just right. The moment the chicken wings hit the wire mesh, a satisfying sizzle filled the air. Soon, the aroma of smoky, sizzling meat wafted through the kitchen, making everyone's stomachs growl.
"Wow! These wings smell so good! I'm already drooling!" Ising Yu fanned the flames, swallowing a mouthful of saliva as she stared hungrily at the golden-brown wings.
Yang Mo laughed. "Not yet! They need about five more minutes on the grill."
"Ahh, waiting is so hard!" Ising Yu whined playfully.
Fong Lei, watching Yang Mo's expert technique, couldn't help but ask, "Where did you learn to barbecue like this? You look like a pro!"
Yang Mo hesitated for a moment before offering a casual excuse. "I watch a lot of food channels when I have free time. I picked up some techniques from there."
In truth, his knowledge came from the extensive collection of books in the spirit space. He had spent countless hours studying different cooking methods, and barbecuing was just one of the many skills he had mastered.
The small gathering was filled with laughter as they grilled and chatted, enjoying the simple yet fulfilling moment together. Before long, the wings were done.
Yang Mo carefully removed them from the grill and handed one to Ising Yu. "Here, try it. See if it tastes better than the ones from outside. But be careful, it's hot."
"Aha! Thank you, Brother Yang Mo!" Ising Yu immediately took a big bite, only to yelp a second later. "Ahh! Hot! Hot!"
Fong Lei chuckled, shaking her head. "Silly girl, I just told you to blow on it first."
"Mmm! But it's so good!" Ising Yu's eyes widened in delight. "It's the best chicken wing I've ever had! Mom, Dad, you have to try some too! These wings are amazing!"
Fong Lei and E Jow each took a bite, their faces lighting up with surprise and satisfaction. "This is incredible!" Fong Lei praised. "Mo, you might just have a future as a chef!"
Yang Mo smiled as he watched everyone enjoy the meal. At that moment, surrounded by warmth and laughter, he felt something he hadn't felt in a long time—home.