Bonus Story 1: A Starlit Dinner Disaster

Li Wei had achieved many things in her life—she had mapped the constellations, written groundbreaking research papers, and even given TED Talks about the mysteries of the cosmos. But standing in her kitchen, staring at the charred remains of what was supposed to be a braised pork dish, she realized that cooking would never be one of her accomplishments.

"This is fine," she muttered to herself, flipping the pork with tongs. A piece broke off and fell into the pan with a sad, burnt crunch.

From the dining table, Zhang Jun sat with his arms crossed, watching the scene unfold with a mix of amusement and growing concern. "Wei Wei... do you want me to order takeout?"

Li Wei spun around, brandishing the tongs like a weapon. "Absolutely not! I said I’d cook for you today, and I’m going to do it!"

Zhang Jun held up his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. Just... maybe open a window before the fire alarm goes off?"

Before she could retort, their six-year-old son, Xiao Rui, peeked into the kitchen, eyes wide with curiosity. He sniffed the air and made a face. "Mama, are you sure you’re not making an experiment?"

Li Wei placed a hand over her heart, feigning offense. "Xiao Rui! Do you not trust your mother’s cooking skills?"

Xiao Rui blinked, looking at Zhang Jun for guidance. His father simply shook his head as if to say, "Don't answer that, son."

Before she could argue further, their four-year-old daughter, Mei, skipped into the kitchen, holding her favorite stuffed bunny. "Mama, is dinner ready? I'm so hungry!"

Li Wei hesitated before lifting the pan slightly so her daughter could see. "Almost done, sweetheart!"

Mei’s eyes widened at the sight of the blackened pork. "Mama... why does it look like that?"

Li Wei pursed her lips. "It's extra caramelized."

Xiao Rui tilted his head. "Is caramelized the fancy word for burnt?"

Zhang Jun burst out laughing, unable to hold it in any longer. Li Wei turned to him, glaring. "You’re not helping!"

He wiped away a tear of laughter and stood up, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Wei Wei, you are brilliant at many things. But maybe cooking should not be one of them."

She sighed in defeat, slumping against the counter. "Fine. Maybe I’m a disaster in the kitchen. But I really wanted to make something special for you all."

Zhang Jun softened, kissing her forehead. "And that’s what makes it special. But let’s be honest... if you really love us, you’ll never make this again."

Xiao Rui grinned. "Yeah, Mama! We love you, so please don’t cook anymore!"

Mei nodded enthusiastically. "Baba’s takeout is better!"

Li Wei groaned, hiding her face in her hands. "I’ve been betrayed by my own family."

Just then, the doorbell rang. Zhang Jun smirked. "That would be the takeout. I ordered your favorite dumplings."

She peeked at him through her fingers. "You knew I would fail, didn’t you?"

"Let’s just say I prepared for all possible outcomes," he said with a grin.

As they sat together at the dining table, happily eating their takeout feast, Li Wei couldn't help but smile. Even though her cooking had been a disaster, the laughter and love they shared made it a perfect night.

"You know," Zhang Jun said between bites, "one day, I want to see you try baking."

Li Wei pointed a chopstick at him. "Don't push your luck, Zhang Jun."

And with that, their night continued with warmth, laughter, and the comforting knowledge that no matter how disastrous the meal, they would always have each other.

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