"What would you like to drink? There won't be anything to drink once we're inside." After politely declining the staff member who offered to guide them through the entire garden, Zero walked over to the vending machine beside the entrance and put in some change.
"Pocari Sweat," Lu Mingfei said instinctively. Every vending machine in Tokyo-3 sold the electrolyte drink. Whether Misato needed something for her hangover after drinking too much or Lu Mingfei was working in the logistics department, it was indispensable.
Zero stood on tiptoe to look. There was only Coca-Cola, Sprite, Dasani bottled water, and Powerade sports drink.
"They only have Powerade. Will that do?"
"Anything's fine." Lu Mingfei walked over and helped Zero press the button for the Dasani bottled water on the top row.
Whirr, clack. As the machine turned, Lu Mingfei's drink fell out. He was just about to crouch down and retrieve it when Zero's bottled water got stuck between the shelf and the glass.
Lu Mingfei suddenly ducked back on reflex.
"Junk, junk! Everything made in Japan is junk!" Asuka roared furiously, slamming a fist into the vending machine. With a loud thud, the stuck Oolong Tea didn't budge, but a more expensive can of hot Oden broth dropped out.
"Yes! What a deal!" Asuka's eyes lit up, and she eagerly opened the canned Oden and started drinking...
"Ptooey, ptooey, ptooey!" Asuka flew into a rage. "Idiot Mingfei, you were watching me make a fool of myself on purpose, weren't you?"
"No, I thought you liked that flavor, Asuka..." Lu Mingfei hastily waved his hands.
"Who would like this damned drink? Why do Japanese vending machines sell such weird stuff?!" Asuka demanded in aggrieved fury.
It was another ordinary day, and the four of them were strolling toward NERV headquarters. For