The spicy, savory aroma of the noodles had long faded, but the profound sense of defeat still clung to Jin Bao like a second skin as he pushed through glass door leading to the gleaming archway of the Celestial Shuttle Network.
The unactivated Viewing Jade felt heavy in his hand but he'd seen most customers inside the store fiddling with it, so he bought a few more of them after inquiring about its price.
The complimentary meal and the subsequent showcase of store products and services had been a revelation. Delicious, potent, and utterly humiliating.
It was undeniable proof that he had underestimated everything about this place. He was like a frog from the bottom of a well, blind to the wide world outside of it.
