Dinner with the Octopus Chosen of God

"Ding--!"

A gentle evening breeze rustled the wind chimes hanging from the eaves, producing a clear and melodious sound.

The warm sunlight of dusk streamed through the glass doors, making the already beautifully decorated room even more cozy.

Lin Yu walked out of the kitchen and looked at the dining room that Stiller had decorated, and couldn't help but sigh.

"I thought you'd just do something casually, but you've made it look so professional."

The restaurant table was covered with a neat floral tablecloth, and a glass vase held a cluster of several different kinds of flowers—each one delicate and beautiful, matching the tablecloth perfectly, and all the flowers had a light, pleasant fragrance that wouldn't overwhelm the diners' sense of smell.

Meanwhile, the tableware had already been washed and arranged by Stiller, and had all been scalded with hot water; you could still feel a slight warmth when you brought your hand close.

Stiller even folded a clean napkin into the shape of Octopus and placed it on the plate.

Lin Yu said that "professional" was not even enough to describe the preparations that Stiller had made.

Seeing Lin Yu's approving expression, Stiller stood up even straighter. "Regarding how to entertain Distinguished Guest... I've also received some training."

"Although I am a member of the Security Department, learning how to receive and serve Noble is a compulsory course for every member of the company in City That Never Sleeps and Truth Company."

Hearing Stiller say that, Lin Yu sighed, "The Barren Realm is really... well, I'm a 'beneficiary' today, so I won't criticize it."

After Lin Yu finished speaking, he looked at Hannah on Stiller's shoulder and asked, "Do you think there's anything else that needs to be changed, Hannah?"

The tiny pink Octopus raised its tentacles and placed them beside its head, as if in salute.

"Quack! Reporting to the boss, we're out!"

She mimicked Stiller's manner, speaking in a firm and resonant voice.

Seeing Hannah's expression, Lin Yu almost burst out laughing. He chuckled and shook his head, "Alright, then I'll... invite your uncle over as a guest."

As he spoke, Lin Yu pulled out a [Guest Appearance Invitation].

Since the "card" was obtained through a "Guest Appearance Invitation" and its presence was required when paying the reward, it would naturally have to be done through a "Guest Appearance Invitation" as well.

[Guest Appearance Invitation] Although it is a [Item] that Lin Yu created out of thin air, since it has been recognized by the "Death game", during its existence, this [Item] is no different from other normal [Item] and is blessed by the "Death game".

All its functions, even allowing a "Chosen of God" to World-Crossing... as long as a function truly exists as a [Item], then the "Death game" will ensure that it is realized.

In fact... under these circumstances, Lin Yu wouldn't even need to pay any "price".

After presenting the [objective invitation] and conveying his willingness to pay the card to this [Item], the Supreme will of the "Death game," which transcends the World Will, naturally accepted Lin Yu's idea.

Then...

Lin Yu felt a passage World-Crossing open before him.

Then, Octopus Ka's figure appeared in front of him.

Surprisingly, he wasn't wearing Chef's Chef or hat; instead, he was wearing a safety helmet.

He saw Lin Yu and Hannah in front of him and was somewhat surprised—although he knew why he had come, he was clearly still a little surprised by the timing.

"Oh... so they've already prepared a 'dinner' to entertain me? I thought it would be in a few days!"

Lin Yu smiled as he looked at the card, "I'm so sorry to bother you... but I'm really ready."

"It's alright, it's not a big disturbance. I'm just directing everyone in rebuilding 'Octopus Town'," Ka said, waving his tentacles. "Being more efficient is always a good thing... But don't forget I'm the Chosen of God of the 'God of Banquets,' and I won't lower my standards just because of Hannah."

"Since this is 'reward' for my service, the dishes you serve absolutely cannot be too bad."

Lin Yu nodded. "Don't worry—please take a seat."

"In short... welcome to my world."

Ka also smiled and said, "This is indeed my first time here... To be honest, I'm really looking forward to it."

"After all, my lord said that the delicacies in your world are no less than those in the Nether Void Realm and His Divine Kingdom."

Lin Yu laughed, "That's too kind of you."

As the two were talking, Ka also came to the dining table— Stiller pulled out a chair for the Octopus and took the helmet that Ka handed him, putting it away and hanging it up to the side.

Lin Yu nodded slightly in acknowledgment, then turned and went into the kitchen.

To ensure that Ka, the Chosen of God of the "God of Banquets," could enjoy the food at its best taste and temperature, Lin Yu, although having completed all the preparations, had not yet finished the final processing steps.

Now that Ka is seated, Lin Yu naturally goes all out to complete all the necessary steps.

Soon...

With Stiller's help, dish after dish was served in front of Ka.

Although they were all ordinary, everyday dishes... they were still quite novel for Ka, who was visiting this world for the first time.

Not to mention...

Lin Yu also comes from a family with a strong culinary tradition, and the dishes he makes when imitating or impersonating Lin Zhao perfectly capture the essence of his older sister's cooking. Therefore, even as Chosen of God and a top Chef...

Having tasted Lin Yu's culinary skills, they couldn't help but be impressed.

"That's... amazing!"

"Indeed, my lord was right to send Hannah to train with you... Your knowledge and understanding of food are no less than mine!"

"Although the skills are not yet perfect and there is still room for improvement, this meal can already be described as 'exquisite'!"

"If you can delve deeply into the art of cooking... given time, you will surely become a master!"

"I originally thought that the guy in your world who calls himself the 'God of Cookery of Cookery' had already gained the approval of my friend 'Tuo Luo', who personally led his people to be his assistants and deputies, which was already an extremely rare talent."

"Moreover, not only was the food delicious, but the ambiance was also very elegant. I felt very warm and comfortable dining here."

"It seems your world's research on food and banquets is truly vast and profound."

"A meal like this... is definitely worth the effort!"

"Or rather... it's absolutely delicious! Quack!"

Kazan kept talking, while Lin Yu maintained his smile.

"If it can bring you a good experience, then it's worth it."

Behind Lin Yu, Stiller also straightened his back, feeling proud.

At the same time, Hannah spoke happily from Stiller's shoulder.

"Caw! Sixth Uncle—how about it? My boss is pretty amazing, isn't he!"

Ka also smiled and looked at Hannah: "Of course he's amazing—you should learn a lot from him."

"If you can learn even a tenth or a twelfth of his skills, that would be enough to open a shop in the Nether Void Realm!"

Hannah said earnestly, "Quack, don't worry, Sixth Uncle... I will definitely study hard."

As she spoke, Ka also looked at Lin Yu and said with a smile.

"This meal was definitely worth the money... It even evens out the cost of my previous hospitality and gifts."

Upon hearing Ka's words, Lin Yu also spoke up, "Not at all, this is just our most ordinary meal here... It can't compare to the ingredients you provided... I really should thank you for your [Whale's Tear], that stuff is very useful to me."

Ka ran his tentacles along the edge of the table and said, "It's alright. [Whale's Tear] aren't anything particularly rare... Although they're not common, as Hannah's current 'master,' it's only right that I give them to you if you need them."

At this point, Ka paused for a moment. "It's like... those Nine Treasures displayed in Museum. If your friend needs them, it's better to leave them with me to gather dust."

Upon hearing Ka Youran's words, Lin Yu looked surprised, then said sincerely and apologetically, "So you knew all along... I'm so sorry!"

"I'm so sorry... but we really have our reasons!"

Ka looked at Lin Yu, then suddenly laughed again, "Don't be so nervous all of a sudden. I really don't care about those 'Nine Treasures'... things that can't be eaten, drunk, or cooked are less valuable than [Whale's Tear]!"

"The Previous Civilization certainly have many secrets... but what do they have to do with me? Even if the God of the Ocean and Storms were to be resurrected, my lord and I... wouldn't care much."

Lin Yu breathed a sigh of relief, "Then I really did judge a gentleman by my own petty standards..."

Ka shook his head. "No, if you really ask me directly, in principle, I can't give it to you... After all, the 'World Will' cares, so if you 'steal' it, it's a good thing for me."

At this point, Ka stared at Lin Yu again and said, "But... are you really going to pretend you don't know 'I already know it was you'?"

Ka said something somewhat roundabout.

But as he said this, Lin Yu's expression...

I completely relaxed.

"You're really smart; no wonder you're Chosen of God."

Ka smiled. "Right? You knew I was smart, but you didn't expect me to be this smart, did you?"

"However... I was actually fooled by you at first, after all, your 'disguise' was indeed brilliant. It was only later that I realized it was you," Ka said with emotion. "That's why I said, Hannah really has a lot to learn from you... not just in cooking, but in all aspects."

Lin Yu looked at the card and said, "But I still have to apologize—no matter what, as you just mentioned, the whole town needs to be rebuilt, and that's entirely my fault."

Octopus Ka shook its tentacles again. "That's not entirely true. As the strength of your 'Player' group grows, and more and more individuals reach or surpass my level, it's inevitable that I'll be forced to fight against the Demigod among you—and the will of the 'Game' behind you will also contribute to this."

"So in a way... it's actually a good thing that you've done this once."