Chapter 3: A Hidden Talent
By his third day at the inn, Han Li had settled into a routine. He woke early to help prepare breakfast, spent the day cleaning and chopping, and in the evenings, experimented with recipes whenever the kitchen was quiet.
It was during one of these quiet moments that the gods reappeared.
Han Li was stirring a pot of stew when he felt their presence. Turning, he saw the three of them sitting at a corner table, their forms less radiant but no less striking.
"You again," he said, startled. "What are you doing here?"
The silver-haired god smiled. "Checking on you, of course. You've done well, Han Li."
Han Li frowned. "I'm just cooking. It's not exactly… amazing."
The robed god gestured to the stew. "May we try some?"
Han Li hesitated but ladled some stew into three bowls. As they tasted it, he watched nervously, his heart pounding.
"This is excellent," the silver-haired god said finally, his smile widening.
The calm god nodded. "You have a gift, Han Li. One that will carry you far in this world."
Han Li felt a warmth he hadn't known in years. For the first time, he dared to believe in himself.