บท 2: Chapter 2: When in Rome
"Actually, this face isn't too bad. Even though it's chubby, the features are decent—well-proportioned, at least. If I could slim down, I might look pretty good. Thank goodness this face has proper symmetry. If it were crooked or ugly, I'd really be doomed," Su Ming muttered to himself.
What he didn't realize was that this very body—tipping the scale at over 180 pounds—had saved his life. If he hadn't been this heavy, the storage room ceiling wouldn't have collapsed under his weight, and he'd have died hanging from that noose.
After what felt like an eternity, Su Ming stepped out of the bathroom and sat on the edge of the bed, exhaling softly. His head still ached, but it was far better than the searing pain he'd experienced before.
During his unconscious state, he'd absorbed a considerable portion of this body's memories. While some fragments remained unclear, it was nothing too critical.
Looking around the room, Su Ming took in his surroundings. The decor was impressive—well-designed and comfortable. The shelves displayed various intricate models and figurines.
Standing up, Su Ming approached one of the shelves. On it were figurines of strikingly beautiful women dressed as starship commanders, exuding elegance and authority. Alongside these were models of dazzling mechas and intricate spacecraft.
The centerpiece of the collection, however, was a breathtaking black star-destroyer model. Even as a miniature, its design was astonishingly lifelike, radiating a sleek, obsidian glow. Every turret and missile port was meticulously detailed. It was nothing short of magnificent.
This star-destroyer was none other than the Gray Angel, the most powerful warship of the Old Federation.
Su Ming ran a hand across his forehead and returned to the bed, sighing with resignation. The dream of the body's original owner had been clear since childhood: enlist in the military, pilot a mecha, and meet a graceful, beautiful ship captain.
But dreams are often at odds with reality. Despite years of hard work, this body's owner had mediocre aptitude and barely average grades.
---
Creak.
The door opened, and a young maid in a black uniform with faint freckles on her face peeked in. Her eyes lit up when she saw Su Ming sitting by the bed.
"Young master, you're awake!" she exclaimed.
Hearing her, Su Ming turned toward the door. He immediately recognized her—Chen Hui, the family maid. He gave her a slight nod in response.
Overjoyed at the acknowledgment, Chen Hui dashed downstairs.
---
In the bright, spacious dining room, Zhao Ning, Su Ming's mother, was setting up an extravagant spread. The table was laden with dishes—roast chicken, braised pork belly, and juicy pork knuckles, each dish glistening with rich, savory aromas.
"Madam, madam!" Chen Hui called out urgently.
"What is it?" Zhao Ning asked, turning to the maid rushing down the stairs.
"Young master is awake!" Chen Hui reported excitedly.
"He's awake? That's wonderful!" Zhao Ning exclaimed with relief. "I just finished preparing all his favorite dishes. Quickly, take it to him."
"Understood!" Chen Hui nodded.
Just then, Su Ming descended the spiral staircase. Seeing his mother's beaming face, he said, "No need to trouble yourselves. I'm already here."
"My precious son, are you feeling better? Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?" Zhao Ning rushed to him, her joy palpable.
"I'm much better now," Su Ming replied with a small nod.
Hearing this, Zhao Ning wasted no time leading Su Ming to the dining table. Her tone brimmed with concern as she said, "You haven't eaten properly for an entire day. You must be starving. These are all your favorites—eat as much as you like."
Su Ming's heart warmed at her words. He could feel her genuine love and care for her son. Taking a closer look, he observed his new mother for the first time.
She stood about 5'7", wearing a fitted red gown that accentuated her graceful figure. Her complexion was fair, her features soft and refined, with a small beauty mark near her lips that added a touch of charm. Her every movement radiated an air of elegance and nobility.
"What's wrong?" Zhao Ning asked, noticing Su Ming staring at her curiously.
"It's nothing," Su Ming replied, shaking his head. He shifted his gaze to the feast before him.
The sight of the lavish spread left him feeling uneasy. The entire table was loaded with meat. This body was already overweight—continuing to eat like this would only make things worse.
Zhao Ning noticed his hesitation and asked, "What's wrong? Don't these dishes suit your taste?"
"Uh… not really hungry. Do we have any vegetables? I'd prefer something lighter," Su Ming explained, trying to sound convincing.
Zhao Ning and Chen Hui exchanged surprised glances, unsure how to respond.
"Is something wrong?" Su Ming asked, noticing their puzzled expressions.
"No, no problem at all! If you want vegetables, I'll make sure you get them. I'll place an order with Maerons right away—you'll have fresh greens by tomorrow morning!" Zhao Ning promised enthusiastically.
"Order? There's no need for that. Just grab some from the market. Ordinary vegetables are fine; nothing fancy," Su Ming replied, confused.
"Son, have you forgotten? Vegetables aren't so easy to come by. You have to reserve them in advance," Zhao Ning said gently, her concern evident.
Chen Hui quickly chimed in, trying to ease Zhao Ning's worry. "Madam, the young master has never liked vegetables before, so it's normal for him not to know."
Hearing this, Su Ming suddenly recalled that this body's memories indeed lacked any association with vegetables. Partly because of a personal dislike, and partly because vegetables in this world were a luxury item, akin to rare treasures. Meat, on the other hand, was relatively cheap, as it was artificially farmed using processed monster fat.
Realizing this, Su Ming fell silent, lost in thought. Zhao Ning, misinterpreting his quietness as displeasure, hurried to reassure him.
"Don't worry, my dear. Just make do with what we have today. Tomorrow, I'll prepare fresh vegetables for you," she said soothingly.
"Alright, I'll eat a little," Su Ming relented. He picked up a piece of meat and tasted it. To his surprise, it was delicious—tender, flavorful, and melting in his mouth.
Before he realized it, he'd reached for a second piece, then a third.
Zhao Ning watched him eat with a smile, her eyes full of maternal affection.
But when Su Ming picked up his eighth piece of meat, he froze, staring at it with a conflicted expression. His mind protested: What's going on? How have I eaten this much already? I can't keep this up!
Though his rational mind screamed at him to stop, his body seemed unwilling to comply. His hand instinctively moved to bring the meat to his mouth. With great effort, he forced himself to put the meat back onto the plate and stood up abruptly.
"Not hungry anymore?" Zhao Ning asked, concerned. "If you don't like these dishes, how about some dessert?"
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