Chapter One: Spicy Enough to Hear the World Speak

As the camera drew near, the chili gave a tiny thump, like a beating heart. Her audience passed five thousand. “This is the one.” Su Li snatched up the bowl. Wen Jiu caught its rim with a grip far too strong for an old man. “Heartfire Noodles are served only to guests whose inner flame is blocked. If an ordinary human eats them, she may hear what she shouldn't.” “Such as?” “The truth.” Su Li laughed. After three years as a streamer, truth was the thing she trusted least. The first bite seemed harmless: rich broth, springy noodles, heat hidden beneath a sweet finish. She even gave the camera a calm thumbs-up. Three seconds later, a volcano obtained a demolition permit inside her mouth.