Seafood Hotpot in a Shanghai Villa!

Seafood Hotpot in a Historic Villa I always thought eating was merely about filling one's stomach, and fancy restaurants were utterly pointless. However, today, when my friend dragged me to a seafood hotpot restaurant in an old villa, my perspective slightly changed. The villa was once a foreigner's residence, with withered vines climbing its red brick walls, showing an elegant decay. Upon entering, warm air mixed with the aroma of seafood greeted us - not unpleasant at all. The restaurant's decor was exquisite, and under crystal chandeliers, diners' faces glowed red from the hotpot steam, as if wearing too much rouge. My friend, a self-proclaimed "foodie" who claims to have tried every delicacy in the city, ordered several signature dishes for us to try. ✅ Deep-sea prawns: As long as a palm, these transparent prawns were neatly arranged on ice. Once in the pot, they curled up as if in pain. The meat was incredibly tender, and when dipped in the restaurant's special sauce, it offered a perfect blend of sweetness with a hint of spice. ✅ Live abalone: The abalone was still moving when served. The server swiftly ended its life with one cut. Sliced thinly and briefly cooked in the boiling soup, it was chewy, though I hesitated, remembering its earlier struggle. ✅ Handmade shrimp paste balls: Minced shrimp mixed with a touch of fat, rolled into small balls. After bobbing in the pot, they burst with juices when bitten, scalding my tongue. My friend laughed, "That's exactly how it should be." ✅ Australian Wagyu beef: The marbled meat slices, thin as cicada wings, cooked instantly in the soup. The tender meat with its even fat distribution was truly premium quality. Though expensive at dozens of yuan per slice, it's clearly meant for those with deep pockets. ✅ Wild bamboo fungus: The grayish-white fungus, resembling a mesh, expanded after absorbing the soup and burst with umami flavors. My friend said it was rare, but to me, it oddly resembled some marine creature's internal organs. Steam from the hotpot fogged up the surrounding windows. At the next table, a young couple - he in a suit, she perfectly made-up - were feeding each other lovingly. The woman picked up a slice of meat, saying sweetly, "Darling, try this." He accepted it, though his eyes wandered to a passing server. Suddenly, I realized the people in this hotpot restaurant were no different from the seafood in the boiling soup - all just floating in different pots of life. The bill was shocking. My friend swiped his card without flinching, while I felt my stomach turn, thinking of the struggling abalone and curled-up prawns. Leaving the villa, the cold wind dispersed all the warmth and aromas. Looking back, the red brick house glowed with warm yellow lights in the night, like an open mouth waiting for its next willing victim.