Chapter 278: Adrian Stone Burst Through the Door with His Usual Energy

Adrian Stone burst through the door with his usual energy, lugging a massive electric stove—an uncommon sight in the area. Not only did it guzzle electricity, but it was also a fire hazard. Still, they had no other choice.

Surprisingly, he wasn’t alone. Behind him trailed a small group: Robert Hale led the way, followed by a kind-faced woman pushing a wheelchair-bound soldier, with a little girl sporting pigtails skipping alongside.

Elena Ward was busy in the kitchen, completely unaware of the new arrivals.

The moment the stove was plugged in and the clay pot placed on top, steam billowed upward. Elena had already prepared the broth, and the meatballs were perfectly thawed. Though the cold weather made fresh vegetables scarce, she had gathered cabbage, potatoes, frozen tofu, glass noodles, and tofu skin. There were also rehydrated mushrooms, wood ear fungus, lamb slices, meatballs, and crispy fried pork—enough to cover the entire table.

The homemade sesame sauce was fragrant, accompanied by small dishes of fermented leek flower paste, preserved tofu, finely chopped scallions, and pickled garlic. The star of the show was the chili sauce, brought by Elena’s sister from their hometown—garlicky, spicy, and utterly addictive.

Elena emerged with the final dish and finally took in the guests. She recognized Robert from the clinic. As for the other three, she guessed the little girl was the child she’d rescued earlier.

"Happy New Year! Please, have a seat," Elena greeted warmly. "Adrian, bring out the liquor—you men can have a drink."

Adrian grinned, delighted at being ordered around by his wife. To him, it was proof she saw him as family.

Robert shook his head in amusement. Since when had his old friend become so whipped after marriage?

Twelve people crowded around the large round table—the men clustered at one end with their drinks, while the women and children sat on the other side. As Elena moved to take her seat, she realized the only spot left was between Adrian and her sister.

"Come here," Adrian beckoned. "We’ve been waiting for you."

The moment she sat down, her glass was filled with orange juice—a rare treat in those days.

"First, a toast to the New Year!" Elena raised her glass. "Then, try the hot pot and let me know what you think. My sister’s thinking of opening a restaurant."

Robert took one bite and froze. "Dr. Ward, this is incredible!" He’d expected a simple stew, but the numbing spice and rich aroma blew him away.

Nolan Brooks and Adrian abandoned their drinks, chopsticks flying. Even the wheelchair-bound soldier, Jonah, didn’t hold back on the spice. Elena soon learned his family was from Southridge Province—even little Nina, smeared with chili oil, kept begging for more meatballs.

"Sis, see?" Elena explained as she swirled lamb slices in the broth. "Hot pot is all about the atmosphere. Friends gathered around one pot, cooking whatever they like. Today’s just the spicy version, but we could also do a split pot for those who can’t handle heat."

Nolan’s eyes lit up, and he slammed the table. "Open it! You have to open this place!"

Elena’s sister smiled. "My little sister always has ideas—even cooking turns into a business opportunity."

By the end of the meal, the decision was made. The steaming hot pot hadn’t just cooked delicious ingredients—it had brewed the beginnings of a thriving new venture.