Feng Ying and Rain clasped their fists and nodded in greeting.
Though the Long-faced Strongman standing at the back with his arms folded was the strongest, the harmless-looking old monk was clearly their pillar. No one knew why the powerful men respected that old monk with missing teeth.
Little Stone returned the salute with proper form.
"This benefactor looks very much like a friend of ours. We have not seen her for a very long time. Uh, actually, we see her every day. Hehe."
Feng Ying and Rain were baffled. What did it mean to not have seen someone for ages, yet see her every day?
After exchanging greetings, the group from Bamboo Spring Temple continued wandering through the ship, discussing where to find a vegetarian meal.
Night had just fallen, and it was indeed mealtime. By sheer coincidence, they caught the scent of food.
The two girls casually knocked out a pickpocket and spotted a restaurant in the corner. It had no signboard, only the simple decorations common to many eateries. Even if it had writing, probably not many people, demons, or fierce ghosts could read it. Setting a stove outside the door was more useful.
Rain sniffed the air. It truly carried the rich, earthy aroma of cooking.
"Let's go in and have a quick bite."
"Alright. Let's ask the price first, so they do not name an outrageous price and force us to tear our faces apart."
Feng Ying lifted the curtain woven from grass stalks with her scabbard. There were seven tables inside, made from materials found aboard the ship and sturdy enough to last. There were hardly any customers. Only a fierce ghost sat gloomily at a corner table with its head lowered. There was no sign of the proprietor or any waiter.
Since they