After two bowls of braised chicken and six bowls of rice, Xixi put the earthenware bowl that she had licked clean on the table, belched, stroked her bloated belly, sat back, and smiled at Lulu. “I’ve never eaten more in my life, Lulu. I’m extremely satisfied.”
The customers nearby were shocked; they had never thought such a skinny girl would be able to eat so much.
Lulu smiled. “Then we’ll come again.”
“But you haven’t eaten a bite.” Then she suddenly realized some dishes were still not served. “Excuse me, can we have the other dishes now?”
Yabemiya nodded. “Sure.” She cleared away the empty bowls and walked to the kitchen. She was surprised at how much Xixi had eaten, but she never showed it. She envied her for having such a doting lover.When Yabemiya brought the food, Xixi’s eyes lit up again, but she was so full that she could barely move right now. “I want to have a bite of that rainbow fried rice, Lulu.”
“Okay.” He scooped up a spoonful and held it up for her to taste.
“Mmm, it’s very good, and—” She tasted something familiar in it. Spring of Life?! She chewed a few times and swallowed. She could feel her body being soothed, although not very clearly.
The Spring of Life is the holy spring of elves; only royals and some noble families can approach it. How did the owner here get his hands on its water? He is related to elves? Xixi wondered.
“What’s wrong?” Lulu asked as he had seen the change on her face.
Xixi’s smile returned quickly. “Nothing. I’m full. You can eat it all.” Then she saw the sweet tofu pudding with red syrup, and picked up the spoon. “But I think I still have room to eat this.”
“Eat it slow, and don’t stuff yourself too much.” Lulu started eating the fried rice; his stomach had been rumbling for a while. It’s different from braised chicken, but it’s good.“I like this sweet tofu pudding!” Xixi said after taking a bite. She sat straight and started stuffing herself.
Most people—except some bitter sweet tofu pudding people and savory tofu pudding people—were giving five stars when filling out the ballots.
When Robert and Rood came back to the ballot boxes, the other staff had also just come back from lunch, and were ready to start working.
“Deputy President,” Arvin said, “is that restaurant cheating? By the way, we ate in Drews Restaurant for lunch. We ordered that roasted mutton, which ranks 68th.”
“If it’s cheating, we’ll ban it,” said another staff member. Many shady deals were going on in the dark; we’re well aware of that. But, at least they were doing it in the dark.
Rood handed his ballot to Arvin.
Arvin was shocked when he looked at it. “What?! Rood, were you bought off?”
Rood smiled and looked to Robert.
Robert gave them his ballot. “No.”
They were knocked for a loop. Knowing Robert, they never expected to see so many five stars, but they knew that the Deputy President could never be bought.
“That restaurant is very busy. I don’t think he needs to hire fake customers,” Robert said solemnly. “The foods there are extraordinary and well worth the prices, the environment is great, and the service is outstanding. They deserve five stars.”
“Looks like it’s really a dark horse,” said a staff member. “I can’t wait to try the food there.”
“You all should go there someday,” said Rood. “Their dishes are simply unbelievable. You must try the sweet tofu pudding.”
“I like the savory tofu pudding better,” Robert said, and left.
“That’s a first!” a young staff member exclaimed. “Deputy President never recommended any dish before!”
They watched Robert leave with astonished eyes.
…
The six hunter-like men were walking in the Aden Square, looking around warily as if searching for something. Or someone.
“Hey, old woman, where is the best place to eat?” the youngest one asked a woman who looked to be in her 30s.
The woman rolled her eyes in distaste. “Are you blind or something? I’m still a girl!” She stomped on his foot and walked off angrily.
“F*cking broad!” The young man revealed the darts in his sleeve and pointed them at the woman’s back.
The whiskered man grabbed his hand. “Focus on our mission!” he warned.
