Jianyu wasn't sure how he got to the dining area. One moment, he was lying on the cavern floor, contemplating his life choices. The next, he was sitting at the long wooden table, a steaming bowl of food in front of him, the rich scent making his stomach growl so loudly Qi Qi actually snorted.
"Wow, Jianyu ge. You look like you haven't eaten in days."
He didn't even have the energy to respond. He just dug in.
The first bite was heaven. Warm, savory broth. Soft rice soaking up the flavor. Sweet fish meat that practically melted in his mouth. Chengxin really was a damn genius.
Across the table, Chengxin watched him with mild amusement. "I take it the food is acceptable?"
Jianyu shoved another spoonful into his mouth, barely pausing to breathe. "Chengxin, if I die tomorrow, I want you to know you're the best cook I've ever met."
Chengxin blinked. "That's… nice, I guess?"