With everyone served, Yang Qing didn't waste a second before he started devouring his share. From the not-so-sneaky glances Ellie had been throwing at his plate, he didn't want to take any chances.
"You give someone an inch, they insist on taking a mile," thought Yang Qing as he held one of the chopsticks perfectly in place for re-educating Ellie in case she decided to follow through on whatever ideas she was scheming up every time she threw a look over.
Ellie's sharp instincts quickly sensed something and hastily focused all her attention on her plate.
"How is your practice coming along?" asked Yang Qing, his question directed toward Ma Yuan whose expression was one of deep satisfaction and awe from the sweet and sour ribs in his hands.
It took him a brief second to register Yang Qing's question.
"It is going great. I can't believe the mortal's path to transcendence could be so powerful," Ma Yuan said as he sighed in awe and disbelief.