It was a pot of simmered soup.
Tender pieces of brain lay quietly in the clear broth, carefully cut into bite-sized chunks. Having soaked up the essence of the broth, they had become unusually plump and springy; just looking at them, one could almost feel their soft texture. The grooves and folds covering their surfaces bobbed with the gentle ripples of the soup, revealing traces of tiny blood vessels and white, translucent membranes that had not been properly cleaned away.
Finely chopped scallions dotted the faintly oily surface. The bright green scallions floated beside the pale pink brains, making a rather pleasing contrast, but none of the players had any interest in admiring it.
Because-this stuff fucking reeked!
The instant the lid came off, an intensely pungent, rank odor surged through the small room along with the white steam-the lingering smell of blood, the brains' own gamey stench, and the fetid moisture accumulated over hours of simmering all mingled into a suffocating stink.
Everyone instinctively began breathing more shallowly, taking each breath with care, afraid that inhaling too much of the smell would make them betray their disgust and discomfort at the soup right in front of the NPC.
But Qiqi's Mom was still eagerly urging them to eat. "Have some too, teachers! Please, don't be shy!" She even fetched a ladle and bowls from the nearby table. Seeing everyone standing stiffly without moving, she exclaimed, "Oh my! Is this your first time eating this?"
"Don't be put off by how disgusting and scary these brains look. They're full of nutrients and great for your body and your brain! I went out of my way to get this folk remedy from someone! It really nourishes the brain!"
"I'm not making this up. The eldest son of Qiqi's second aunt kept