Nian Bing thought Feng Nu was looking for ore for casting and, without doubting her, regretfully said, "Unfortunately I promised a friend to go to the Oulan Empire first, otherwise we could have traveled together."
The meal was carried out in silence. Mao Mao was the happiest. Although it was only vegetables, Nian Bing's cooking gave them a myriad of flavors. The simple dishes demonstrated his superb culinary skills. Mao Mao exhibited an appetite completely disproportionate to her body size, consuming most of the dishes. Feng Nu, who was usually a big eater, didn't eat much. Occasionally, she would glance at Nian Bing, looking hesitant, as if unable to make up her mind about something.
The lunch ended with all the food devoured. Feng Nu wanted to clean up but was stopped by Nian Bing, "I haven't visited you in a while, let me handle it." He swiftly gathered the dishes and chopsticks and went into the kitchen.