The River Flows Like Smoke

A boy born blind was abandoned by his family at birth. Fortunately, Peng Zu, the legendary founder of cooking, had secluded himself in a paradise-like valley. He found the boy in a river, took him home, and raised him. That was how the boy came to be named Peng Helai.

Though Peng Helai was born blind, his other seven senses were extraordinary, and he had a remarkable talent for learning. While he was still blind, Peng Zu taught him the art of cooking. Later, when Peng Helai was eighteen, Peng Zu used traditional Chinese medicine to cure his blindness.

Once he could see, Peng Helai learned many other skills from Peng Zu. But sooner or later, he had to leave the secluded valley and seek out the truth about his origins.

Out in the world, Peng Helai met many friends, and fell in love at first sight with Qin Ruyan during a chef’s examination.

But Qin Ruyan’s identity was also closely connected to Peng Helai’s...