Chapter 59: Nothing Will Happen, Right?
Chapter 59: Nothing Will Happen, Right?
Huang Hui knew Xue Ruyan's background, and he also knew her grandparents were not to be trifled with.
For someone her age to apply for restricted war resources, she must have had family backing.
Merit points weren't the issue.
What was rare was her willingness to give away such a valuable item. Even with family approval, there were strict limits on how often such items could be redeemed.
In Tang State, younger generations had to earn their rights and privileges.
Elders could help, but only within certain boundaries.
---
"What Are You Talking About?"
Jiang Tian grabbed the boiling hot casserole with his bare hands, carrying it effortlessly to the table.
As the rich aroma filled the air, Huang Hui and Xue Ruyan couldn't help but take deep breaths.
"Talking about your gift," Huang Hui said, raising an eyebrow at the box in Xue Ruyan's hand. "It's a restricted war supply, but I don't know what's inside."
Jiang Tian glanced at the mysterious box on the table.
"This is my personal thank-you gift," Xue Ruyan said, unlocking the box and turning it toward him. "I won't hand it to you directly. That would be too awkward."
Inside the box lay an antique-looking ring with lavender patterns.
Jiang Tian picked it up and examined it closely.
"A space ring?" Huang Hui gasped. "You actually redeemed this?"
His expression changed, eyes full of shock.
"Tsk tsk tsk, no wonder… no wonder…"
---
A Space Ring?!
A space ring was top-tier war inventory and heavily restricted.
These rare items were essential for transporting supplies, and the Purple Sky Stones used to craft them were incredibly scarce.
Even if someone had enough merit points, obtaining one required high-ranking clearance.
"This thing cannot be bought or sold," Huang Hui muttered. "It can only be redeemed with merit points."
He turned to Jiang Tian, patting him on the shoulder.
"Even our teacher used up his quota. I bet he was thinking about how to get one for you, but this girl beat him to it."
Jiang Tian was genuinely surprised. He turned to Xue Ruyan.
"This is too valuable."
"But it's perfect for you," she replied seriously. "Now you don't have to carry your pots and utensils around. You won't get weird looks anymore."
"Indeed, we shouldn't care about what others think," she added. "But if we can avoid the hassle, why not?"
"You love what you do. You shouldn't be treated like a joke."
Huang Hui nodded in agreement.
"This will be incredibly useful for my junior brother," he said. "Once he starts hunting for ingredients on the battlefield, he'll need storage. This ring is a game-changer."
"And you can finally carry spices and seasonings like Flame Bird Fruit properly."
Jiang Tian put on the ring.
As soon as it touched his skin, a faint glow appeared.
The ring bonded with his blood, recognizing him as its owner.
Upon sensing its capacity, Jiang Tian estimated it was about the size of a swimming pool.
---
"I Love This Gift. Thank You, Xue."
Jiang Tian looked at Xue Ruyan and thanked her sincerely.
She smiled and nodded. "Since you like it, shouldn't you show some appreciation?"
"Of course."
Jiang Tian immediately grabbed dishes and chopsticks and placed them in front of her.
"Xue, please help with your expert critique."
Huang Hui quickly grabbed his own portion and prepared for the meal, knowing how this worked.
---
The Braised Pig's Trotter
As Jiang Tian removed the casserole lid, a rich, mouthwatering aroma filled the kitchen.
"Please go first, Xue," Jiang Tian offered.
Even Huang Hui, who had eaten many gourmet meals, waited patiently.
Xue Ruyan took her chopsticks and picked up a piece of braised pig's trotter.
As her chopsticks gently touched the meat, the brown-red skin quivered slightly—soft yet elastic.
She took a bite.
Her eyes sparkled instantly.
"Fatty but not greasy."
The tender meat melted in her mouth, releasing a rich, slightly sweet flavor.
Underneath, the soft tendons provided a chewy contrast.
As she chewed, the rich sauce seeped out, coating her tongue.
Then, she glanced at the rice.
The golden-brown sauce had soaked into the grains, making them glisten under the light.
She scooped some up and tasted it.
A satisfied giggle escaped her lips.
The perfect blend of meat, fat, and sauce was heavenly.
"Delicious!"
Then, she looked at Jiang Tian seriously.
"But there's still room for improvement."
---
The Review
"The sugar enhances the flavor, but the Red Pig Clan's natural sweetness makes it a bit excessive."
"Also, the salt balance seems slightly off. Did you overcompensate for the color?"
"There's a faint burnt scent. Maybe something went wrong when caramelizing the sugar?"
"And another thing—"
She continued her detailed critique as Jiang Tian nodded seriously, taking notes.
Meanwhile, Huang Hui sat impatiently, his mouth watering.
He couldn't take it anymore.
After Xue Ruyan finished, he immediately grabbed his chopsticks.
He took a bite—
Then, he closed his eyes, hummed, and shook his head.
Chewed again—hummed and shook his head.
Over and over.
He didn't understand culinary details, but his body language said everything.
Pure satisfaction.
Still, he controlled himself.
Meanwhile, Xue Ruyan, knowing there would be multiple tastings, held back.
---
Aunt Juan's Long Wait
While Jiang Tian and his guests enjoyed their meal, Aunt Juan sat in the hovercraft, waiting.
She had been outside since morning.
By evening, she was still waiting.
At this point, she was beginning to have doubts.
If the lady hadn't personally delivered lunch, she would have suspected something had happened.
"...Nothing bad will happen, right?"