Hong Siyu's day began in a kitchen filled with the aroma of coffee.
Having worked for many years, a morning cup of coffee had become her daily routine. No matter how tired she felt when she got up from bed, the familiar scent from the coffee maker always seemed to invigorate her a little.
It was still early, the sky outside was somewhat gloomy, but the first rays of sunlight had already pierced through the clouds, casting a thin golden glow on the floor of her single apartment. Humming a tune, Hong Siyu busied herself with breakfast preparations.
Heat the pan, turn off the stove, wipe the countertop.
Wash the cup, extract, make coffee.
After a deft sequence of actions, the small round table beside the stove was set with boiled eggs, vegetable porridge, and coffee—today's breakfast for Hong Siyu.
