Ryuzanbo lowered his head, looking at a box of fresh salted edamame, a box of soy-sauce-braised pig's feet, and a pot of cold-brewed tea before him, his expression growing unusually serious.
After wiping his hands, he pressed his palms together and solemnly said, "I will now partake."
Taking the chopsticks offered by Caogene, he first reached for a succulent piece of pig's foot. Skin and bone included, juices dribbled down, reflecting a mouthwatering sheen.
He took large bites and chewed thoroughly.
Pausing in surprise, he picked up two more edamame pods and savored them carefully.
Finally, he put down the chopsticks, picked up the tea, and tilted his head back. This time, it wasn't a tentative sip but an enormous gulp, as if he were a whale ravenously consuming an ocean of tea in one go.
He drank until it was empty, then, as if still wanting more, shook the bottle to catch the very last drop.
Holding the empty bottle, he fell into a lengthy silence.
