Chapter 928, Subverting Internal Expectations

Translator: Silavin

 

Mai Mao ignored the other’s astonishment, simply smiling while completing their order.

 

He only anticipated the other’s shocked expression upon serving. Speaking extensively now seemed pointless.

 

Regardless of explanations, the other’s expression remained confused. Better to present the actual product directly.

 

Approximately ten minutes later, servers progressively delivered their ordered dishes, additionally placing a furnace in the table’s centre.

 

Naturally, the furnace contained charcoal, topped with metal grating.

 

This grating was exceptionally precious, crafted from iron ore extracted by Warriors from the caves.

 

“Won’t this wooden frame burn when placed over the fire?” Ban Ye’s eyes widened instantly.

 

He considered reaching out, but worried about getting burnt. This Tribe felt truly mysterious.

 

“This is a metal grating, not wooden. No need to worry about it burning.” Mai Mao spoke proudly. He lifted wooden tongs, extracting several meat slices from a basin and placing them on the grating.

 

*Sizzle sizzle…* Mai Mao spread those meat slices evenly across the metal grating. The glowing red charcoal roasted the placed meat, immediately producing sizzling sounds.

 

The vivid red meat slices began contracting immediately, transitioning from initial blood-red colouration, gradually becoming brown and tan.

 

“What is metal grating? Moreover, why are these meat slices cut so thinly? Will they have the right texture?”

 

Ban Ye realised his previous existence had been wasted. For the first time, he encountered such cooking methodology and tools he had never seen before.

 

“This allows us to cook more easily, and the texture is also nice.” Mai Mao expertly finished grilling the meat.

 

He then evenly distributed portions into his own bowl and the other’s bowl.

 

He stood, heading to the condiment area to prepare seasoning. Eating barbecue without condiments was unacceptable.

 

While Mai Mao prepared condiments, Ban Ye had already begun eating.

 

“Why are you eating already? You should prepare sauce for more flavour.” Mai Mao sat down holding his condiment bowl, using chopsticks to lift a grilled meat slice, dipping it in sauce before placing it in his mouth.

 

He chewed with evident satisfaction, his expression revealing everything. Barbecue with sauce was genuinely delicious.

 

“Isn’t meat ready to eat once grilled? Though I must say, the flavour is already to die for.” Ban Ye ate with considerable satisfaction.

 

However, he could not comprehend the contents of the other’s smaller bowl. This was something he had never encountered.

 

“You’re satisfied already? You haven’t tried any sauce. Otherwise, you’d find it even more mouth wateringly good.” Mai Mao generously passed his condiment bowl over, preparing a fresh bowl for himself.

 

“What is this? It smells so good.” Ban Ye’s nose twitched continuously.

 

He had spent a ton of time in the wilderness, experiencing such fragrant substances for the first time.

 

“Try it and you’ll understand. These are the barbecue shop’s secret sauce. Unavailable in other Tribes.”

 

Mai Mao explained proudly, continuing: “Eating barbecue means dipping into these sauces. Otherwise, you would be wasting food.”

 

He continued expertly grilling meat and dipping it in sauce, his hands and mouth continuously active.

 

However, he remembered his companion, simultaneously adding grilled meat to both bowls.

 

“How strange. Eating barbecue involves such elaborate procedures?”

 

Ban Ye found it rather troublesome, but still imitated the other’s eating method.

 

As expected, after placing sauce-dipped meat slices in his mouth, his eyes radiated with unprecedented brilliance.

 

He consumed the bowl’s contents with satisfaction, then gazed expectantly at the other’s bowl.

 

“Good, right? Has it completely subverted everything you know?” Mai Mao enquired proudly.

 

He knew the other was a Wandering Totem Warrior, consuming inconsistent food each day. Much less experiencing such delicious food. Therefore, he eagerly anticipated watching the other’s expression.

 

“This flavour! Magnificent. Dipping into the sauce versus not dipping is a completely different experience!” Ban Ye joyfully waggled his chopsticks, continuously anticipating fresh grilled meat in his bowl.

 

“So now you understand why so many people queue up right?” Mai Mao surveyed the shop’s surroundings, continuing. “Moreover, this barbecue differs completely from your usual understanding of things, right?”

 

He felt this represented the optimal moment for him to explain. A thousand words could not match directly having an explosive bomb of flavours in one’s mouth.

 

“I finally understand. Everything I’ve consumed previously truly is just shit.” Ban Ye’s eyes welled with moisture from the delicious food.

 

Immediately, numerous memories flooded in… all unpleasant recollections.

 

For instance, the inadequate food in the primitive forest. After all, Totem Warriors possessed enormous appetites.

 

As a Mid Grade Totem Warrior, hunting prey was not that difficult, it was not every time he encountered something to hunt though. Moreover, when he was once part of a Tribe, he had to share his kill with a ton of Tribe members.

 

The problem came when he had been alone for an extended period. He had to hunt alone, so he was exposed to more danger. When he lacked food, he lacked strength. Furthermore, while alone in the forest, he could not truly rest. So, previous injuries accumulated, and what was once easy prey became much tougher. Larger prey soon could not be considered. At the end, he could only hunt for smaller animals, which was not enough to satisfy him.

 

“By the way, why are you so small? Aren’t you a Mid Grade Totem Warrior?” Mai Mao felt the timing was appropriate, asking the question he had wanted to pose since their initial meeting.

 

He felt Mid Grade Totem Warriors should possess robust Physiques. Yet, Ban Ye’s build did not differ much from ordinary people.

 

Newly awakened Totem Warriors possessed larger Physiques than his current state. Moreover, he was a Mid Grade Totem Warrior.

 

“I was injured previously. I have not fully recovered. Moreover, I did not have enough food each day.” Ban Ye sighed, glancing at the Short Legged Leopard crouching outside, continuing. “Overall, it is most likely due to how long I’ve been wandering without proper food.”

 

He showed no concern about his current 1.7-metre height. Though standing beside ordinary Warriors made him considerably shorter.

 

However, he felt survival surpassed everything else. Moreover, he could now consume such delicious food.

 

“I see. You could consult the Shaman then. Perhaps your injury can be treated, enabling you to grow once more.” Mai Mao continued eating while explaining. His immediate thought involved Su Bai.

 

“Consult the Shaman? I can’t even say where I’m injured. I simply lack strength all the time.” Ban Ye ceased eating, continuing. “I’ll look for the Shaman later. Maybe he can really solve this problem of mine.”

 

His consciousness immediately recalled the forest scene. those trees growing with frenzied acceleration.

 

“Of course.” Mai Mao began consuming food in large mouthfuls.