481. Return

Sizzle!

Flames roared, licking the skinned mountain rats happily from the grill.

Drops of oil slid down, exploded in the flames, and released an amazing aroma.

Sulu calmly flipped the grill, occasionally sprinkling on some salt or cumin to make the aroma even more amazing.

Glug!

Even Zuo Xiaojuan, who hated and was terrified of mice, couldn't help but swallow hard.

It's because it's hungry.

After all, we were stuck in the mountains and didn't bring many snacks, which we had already eaten up.

"Um... Brother Bai, your cooking smells so good!"

Li Zhi leaned forward, staring at the roasted mountain rat meat, and swallowed hard.

"Well, while you definitely can't eat house rats, there aren't so many restrictions on mountain rats. Aren't there still bamboo rats that are specifically bred for food in the market?"

Sulu smiled and opened another tin can that was boiling.

An even more enticing aroma wafted out.

His main purpose was actually to hunt mountain rats; rescuing the four people was just a side benefit.

They were all terrified and clung to him tightly; there was no other way.

Especially the younger twin, who looked utterly astonished when she saw that she was going to eat the mountain rat she had cooked; it was truly despicable.

Have you seen Bear Grylls? That's what a real man is—fearless!

What a disgrace to the great foodie empire!

Besides, even if you begged me, I might not necessarily feed you.

Sulu rolled her eyes, opened the thermos, scooped out a spoonful of soup, and slowly savored it.

"Hmm... This soup, made with the spiritual materials from the mountain rat and some spiritual plants I gathered, tastes quite good, and... it can also be considered a medicinal potion."

In a world almost devoid of magic, this is even more precious.

Ignoring Li Zhi's eager gaze beside him, Sulu finished the entire pot of soup, feeling the changes in her body:

[Ding! You have consumed an unnamed potion. Your Spirit has increased by 0.1!]

'Hmm? Not bad... It seems that [Gourmet Hunter] is indeed a viable path.'

He nodded to himself, then tore off another piece of roasted meat, which tasted even more delicious.

'That mountain rat... it probably has the potential to become the overlord of this mountain range. After all, it underwent such a transformation under such harsh conditions... it gives experience and attributes, and even its meat tastes so good. It's practically a treasure from head to toe.'

"Brother Bai..."

Seeing Sulu's eagerness to eat alone, Li Zhi grew impatient. "What does this roast meat taste like?"

"Chicken flavor, crunchy!"

Sulu stared at him with a half-smile, "Want some? Pay up, 100 yuan a serving!"

This grilled meat isn't exactly a 'magic potion,' it's just incredibly delicious.

Even so, it's still a clearance sale that's practically selling at a loss.

Barbecue made from spiritual beings—this might be the only one of its kind in the world right now.

"You... you're taking advantage of someone in distress!"

Upon hearing this, Zuo Xiaojuan's face turned red with anger.

Sulu rolled his eyes. "I'm not part of the search and rescue team, I have no obligation to rescue you... You guys are still too green, you haven't had a good beating from the real world."

He really looked down on these guys. Knowing full well they weren't strong enough, they shouldn't have gone into the mountains and caused trouble for others.

"Brother Bai is right!"

Ma Ning then stepped forward, took out his wallet, and said, "I'll pay... for four servings."

He felt somewhat ashamed of his earlier escape, and given his relatively wealthy family background and ample allowance, he was rather extravagant.

Li Zhi tacitly agreed.

After all, in such remote mountains and forests, there's really nowhere to spend money.

Moreover, they need this person to lead the way out.

'Human nature... is indeed very complex.'

Sulu shrugged, took the money, and delivered the goods.

"Whoosh..." Li Zhi took the grilled meat, took a bite, and his eyes suddenly widened. "It smells so good!"

It wasn't just the aroma; the sweet, savory juices exploded in his mouth, the extreme freshness combined with the chewy texture and mouthfeel of beef left him speechless, only able to keep eating.

Before I knew it, the grill in my hand was empty except for the bones, and I even licked it clean with lingering satisfaction.

Even the two girls who were initially hesitant couldn't resist the hunger and temptation and took the first bite. Their expressions changed rapidly; first, they were incredulous, and then they were completely immersed in the deliciousness.

"Brother Bai... your cooking is really good."

Ma Ning exclaimed in sincere admiration.

"Of course, I own a restaurant," Sulu nodded.

The four people exchanged glances. "No way? You're a chef? Are chefs this good these days?"

Seeing their disbelieving looks, Sulu smiled nonchalantly, then glanced at the dense forest, packed his backpack, and said, "I should go!"

"Wait a minute, Brother Bai, please have mercy and take us out with you."

Seeing their savior about to leave, Ma Ning and the others immediately panicked. "We promise, we will absolutely not be a burden!"

"You don't need to come with me, because the search and rescue team will be here soon."

Sulu waved his hand and leaped across the ravine in a few quick movements. "I checked the scenic area's official website before I came here. Rescue services are now charged. Prepare your money, and remember not to renege on your payment after you get out!"

He moved swiftly and disappeared into the jungle in no time.

"What did he say? Search and rescue team?"

Zuo Xiaochan's eyes lit up.

"Um!"

Li Zhi stared at the fire. "Indeed... such an obvious marking should..."

"We've found them!!!" Just as they were discussing, a group of people who appeared to be forest rangers emerged from the woods on the other side, cheering, "Don't be afraid, we're coming to rescue you."

We're saved!

Zuo Xiaojuan cheered, then, seeing Ma Ning's thoughtful expression, patted him on the shoulder. "What are you thinking about?"

"I'm thinking... Brother Bai is such a stingy person... could it be that he left first because he didn't want to pay for the rescue?"

Ma Ning stroked his chin, striking a pose like a famous detective.

Li Zhi was taken aback, exchanged a glance with Zuo Xiaochan, and suddenly realized that it was indeed very possible!

Three days later.

Sulu returned to the East City.

Looking at the Malone and brightly lit entertainment district, he suddenly smiled, "What a... nice atmosphere."

He returned to his home, which was also where Bai Jing Restaurant was located, turned on his phone, connected to the internet, and casually browsed various news articles.

There wasn't any particularly sensational news; it seems the previous dream-like experience was just an illusion.

"A stable society, convenient logistics... I like it."

He skillfully browsed the internet, located a reputable online jewelry store, and purchased a blue crystal bracelet.

"Sigh... I'm running out of money again."

After deducting the payment, Sulu suddenly sighed, "It seems... the shop still needs to stay open."

Of course, he would never do anything like selling 'extraordinary recipes'.

Is this because they think they're not flashy enough?

Sulu, on the other hand, intends to stay behind the scenes and quietly observe the changes in the world, finding it quite interesting.

Wait for the right opportunity to step in personally.