Emerald wasn’t much of an eater, but on the table sat a plate of black gold beef and pine mushroom fried rice. She hadn’t eaten all day, and as soon as she smelled the food, she felt a sudden hunger, and her mouth began to water.

She took a spoonful, and the taste exploded on her tongue.

The matsutake was fresh, the beef tender, and the black truffle sauce added a distinctive flavor.

Beside it was a can of chicken soup, which looked like it had been simmered for hours. It was light in appearance but rich in the natural flavors of the ingredients.

People always said food could heal...