The food was disgusting, utterly disgusting. Its sticky texture burst across Xie De's mouth. At the first bite, he nearly lost control of his expression. He forced himself to swallow, set down his knife and fork, and took several apparently composed sips of tea.
Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the others seated along both sides of the long table. Candlelight washed over their faces, yet most of them remained in shadow. They sat a little farther away from the food, their expressions impossible to make out.
455 gave him a thumbs-up. "Host, with perseverance like that, you'll succeed at anything you do (ง •̀_•́)ง."
"Oh, screw you..."
The Nurse Puppets surrounding the players drew ever closer. Jialike finished the food on her plate, her original features twisting as she elegantly wiped the corners of her mouth with a napkin. Her gaze also began to turn malicious as she surveyed the players from the various factions.
Apparently, they had to eat this meal. Perhaps it was some rule governing the instance.
Wei Yanchi was the first to pick up his knife and fork after the NPC. He cut off a piece of steak, placed it in his mouth, and chewed a few times without expression. Only when he swallowed did he seem to choke, covering his mouth as he coughed several times.
The others began picking up their knives and forks one after another.
Only a few people with troubled expressions held back, including Zuo Shenghang, Orion, Mena, and Su Fangmu.
By now, Xie De had suppressed his discomfort. He seized the chance to look at Orion, his tone unmistakably mocking. "What's wrong? Is the food not to your liking? Wasting food is shameful, you know."
One of the few who had yet to touch his