Elon's Culinary Prowess

The feast was prepared.

Beef stew with potatoes, crispy fried carp with secret seasoning, spicy shredded potato, blanched bok choy, nourishing black chicken soup, sweet and sour meatballs, stir-fried vermicelli with minced meat, and scrambled eggs with tomatoes.

These were dishes Elon often cooked on Earth, simple home cooking, but the spread of seven dishes and one soup was extravagant for four people. For a metahuman like Elon, it was a modest meal, so he made ample portions, planning to indulge after his guests were sated. However, as dinner commenced, he realized how naive he had been...

In the West, wasting food is frowned upon. It's customary to order only what you can eat, and over-ordering is considered disrespectful, especially for those traveling from abroad.

At six in the evening, the guests arrived promptly at Elon's door. Cisco knocked, and Elon ushered them in.

"Cisco's suggestion for decorations wasn't unwarranted; Elon's metal-clad abode felt sterile. Dr. Wells agreed, finding the place too impersonal. Elon, however, was not bothered, believing his stay was temporary.

Caitlin, the last to enter, brought a bottle of Krug Rosé champagne as an apology for the earlier misunderstanding. Elon accepted it with a teasing remark and a gentlemanly gesture, leading everyone to the dining table.

The table was laden with exotic dishes that captivated their attention. Each setting included a small bowl with a spoon, a plate, cutlery, and to Elon's insistence, chopsticks. He poured the black chicken soup, carefully deboning the meat beforehand, knowing his guests' preference for boneless fare. The aroma of the chicken mixed with subtle medicinal herbs tantalized their senses, yet they hesitated to eat.

Cisco, expressing concern over the unfamiliar flavors, questioned whether the food was safe for non-mutated physiologies. Despite their reservations and cultural differences, everyone agreed to try the dishes out of respect for Elon's effort and hospitality.

"There's no strict etiquette at an Eastern table," Elon explained. He encouraged them to start with the soup to aid digestion. He then demonstrated how to enjoy the meal, which included using chopsticks, though he had provided Western utensils for their comfort.

As Elon savored the soup with visible emotion, the others watched, puzzled by his intense appreciation for what seemed like a simple dish. Caitlin, feeling somewhat guilty, was the first to brave a taste.

The rich flavor of the soup took her by surprise. The warmth spread from her stomach, filling her with a cozy glow. Cisco and Dr. Wells, worried about potential poisoning, were relieved when Caitlin's reaction was not distress but pure delight.

"Oh my God," Caitlin exclaimed, amazed by the unique taste. The others, encouraged by her response, ventured to try the soup.

"Oh my God," they echoed, soon marveling at the spread of vibrant dishes before them.

Elon, pleased with their reactions, insisted, "To fully appreciate Chinese cuisine, mastering chopsticks is essential, but take your time. For now, enjoy the feast with whatever utensils you're comfortable with."

The guests were soon exclaiming over every dish, the initial shock giving way to unabashed enthusiasm. Caitlin claimed the sweet and sour meatballs for herself, while Cisco hoarded the stir-fried vermicelli. Dr. Wells, with a cough of disappointment, pulled the beef stew closer. The crispy fried fish was quickly devoured, and the remaining dishes were soon claimed.

Elon watched, bemused by their ferocious appetites. Had they never experienced true home-cooked meals?

The dinner was a resounding success, their plates wiped clean, and their praises endless. For Elon, it was a gratifying affirmation of his culinary skills and a joyful reminder of home.