Even in casual conversation, the atmosphere was somewhat strange. Ever since Yin Kuang entered, Li Shuangmu and Wang Ning had not said a word. Second-generation Queen Sakura wore an unwilling expression, as if she had been dragged here by force. As for Gao Fengliang and Shao Xianfeng, they had already developed some minor grievances against Yin Kuang and were also afraid of having tea splashed in their faces for no reason, so they stayed silent off to the side. Thus, only Tan Shengge and Beidao chatted with Yin Kuang here and there.
About five minutes later, Tang Rouyu came over carrying a hotpot while Leng Huaping pushed a cart laden with all kinds of food. Before long, the coffee table in the living room was covered with dishes. To create the proper hotpot atmosphere, Yin Kuang had deliberately lowered the temperature in the room. Soon, white steam rose from the pot, and a fragrant, spicy aroma spread through the living room.
"It's rare for us all to gather like this. Please help yourselves—no need to stand on ceremony," Tang Rouyu said with a smile. Tan Shengge was the first to pick up his chopsticks without the slightest shame. He grabbed a slice of rolled lamb and dipped it into the spicy broth, smiling as he said, "Finally, I get to enjoy Tang's cooking again. Don't just sit there, everyone. Opportunities like this don't come often."
Wang Ning put away the sunflower seeds in his hand. As he picked up his chopsticks, he muttered, "Waited an entire noon just for a hotpot meal. Don't you know eating hotpot on an empty stomach causes internal heat and hurts your stomach?" Yin Kuang smiled faintly. "Hotpot is lively. The moment I walked in, the stifling atmosphere in this room was enough to fill