At dusk in Present Realm time, the sky was always that sickly, faint crimson glow.
Inside the tent set up aboard the Solar Ship, the pot on the table was steaming hot.
"Come on, come on, the pork rib soup's here."
Huai Shi cheerfully placed the pork rib soup, which had been simmering for two hours, on the table. He picked up his chopsticks and grabbed two pieces, just about to start eating when he saw Kuafu sitting motionless across the table. Puzzled, he asked, "Eat. Why aren't you eating?"
"Heh heh."
Kuafu laughed twice without expression. "I'm afraid a culinary demon poisoned the food."
"Look at you, always joking around."
Huai Shi shook his head helplessly and picked up his chopsticks. "I'll eat first, all right?"
The scalding ribs had just come out of the pot. As he lifted them, rich juices dripped from the chopsticks. The thick aroma of meat spread through the air, enough to make anyone's mouth water.
The other dishes were also specialties Huai Shi had learned from Uncle Fang.
There was even a pot of pickled fish still stewing in the kitchen.
Raymond beside them already had his head down, eating like a pig. Only Kuafu listlessly poked at the cold dishes with his chopsticks.
By rights, after such a fierce battle today, they should have exchanged enough hot blood to deepen their friendship—Huai Shi had tested his weapon, Kuafu had saved his ass, everybody won-win!
Everyone should have been happy!
Yet ever since it was over, A Bao had worn a long face, like he was reliving some painful chapter of his life and unwilling to speak.
Surely he wasn't still thinking about that bowl of belt noodles?
Huai Shi set down his chopsticks and tested the waters. "How about I make you