Chapter 639 - 639: Tastes Like Chewing Wax

Reacting in a flash, Zhao Yuan activated a Five Ghosts Binding Talisman. Five ugly little ghosts appeared out of thin air and forcibly dragged the little troublemaker, Zhao Mei, away from the dining table.

Lin Liqiang and the others couldn't see Zhao Mei and the Five Ghosts, but Lin Xue was different; the effects of her opened Celestial Eye hadn't worn off yet.

Seeing the five ugly little ghosts suddenly appear, she let out a terrified scream.

"What's wrong?" Xue Wanyun asked in surprise.

Lin Liangzhe and Lin Liqiang also looked at her with concern.

"Xiaoxue was probably just startled by the aroma of my medicinal meal," Zhao Yuan said, smoothing things over while discreetly shooting Lin Xue a meaningful look.

Lin Xue understood immediately. Those five ugly little ghosts must have been summoned by Zhao Yuan. She went along with his explanation and nodded.

"I'll go get some bowls." Zhao Yuan turned and went into the kitchen to get bowls for the medicinal meal.

"You guys go ahead and eat, I'll go help," Lin Xue said, getting up and following him into the kitchen.

On the surface, she was there to help Zhao Yuan with the bowls, but she was actually using the opportunity to whisper, "Those five little ghosts... you summoned them?"

"Yes," Zhao Yuan admitted with a nod.

"Why did you have them bully Zhao Mei?" Lin Xue asked, confused.

Zhao Yuan explained, "It wasn't bullying. I just had the Five Ghosts drag Zhao Mei away from the table. Otherwise, that entire pot of medicinal food would have ended up in her stomach."

Lin Xue said in surprise, "Isn't Zhao Mei a Ghost? Can she even eat food?"

Zhao Yuan replied, "Of course, Zhao Mei can't eat ordinary food. But this medicinal meal was made with techniques from the Tripod Cuisine School. It contains a trace of Essence Qi, so even Ghosts can eat it."

"Then just let Zhao Mei eat it! She's just a little kid, how much could she possibly eat? Why did you have to call other Ghosts to drag her away?"

Although Lin Xue hadn't known Zhao Mei for long, she had already been completely won over by the ghost's tragic past and endearingly cute appearance. She doted on her and always took her side, and this moment was no exception as she began to stand up for her.

Zhao Yuan gave a wry smile. "Zhao Mei is a Ghost, not a human. Her stomach... Forget one pot of the medicinal food; she could devour eight or ten more pots in a single gulp."

Lin Xue said, "But you can't be so harsh with Zhao Mei. It was already pitiful enough having her just watch us eat. Now that there's finally a dish she can eat, you won't let her. That's too cruel. How about this: I'll get a bowl and serve her a portion. That's fine, isn't it?"

"You've already asked. Can I refuse? Do I dare refuse?" Zhao Yuan said, spreading his hands in a half-joking, half-serious manner.

Lin Xue shot him a look and said irritably, "You make me sound like a tigress."

The two of them quickly returned to the dining room carrying the bowls. Lin Xue first served everyone a bowl of the medicinal meal, then ladled out two more—one for herself, and another that she placed to the side.

"Why did you get an extra bowl?" Lin Liangzhe asked, puzzled.

Of course, Lin Xue couldn't say the extra bowl was for a Ghost. She already had an excuse ready. "I grabbed one too many bowls, so I just filled it and set it aside to cool. I'll eat it after I finish this one."

Lin Liangzhe didn't suspect a thing. He just said, "What's gotten into you lately? Your appetite seems to be getting better every day."

Lin Xue glanced at Zhao Yuan. Her good appetite was because she had started Body Refining by cultivating the Four Saints Technique. But she couldn't tell her family the truth, so she could only change the subject. "Hurry and try Zhao Yuan's cooking. Let's see if this medicinal meal is any good."

"Do you even need to ask? It smells so fragrant, it has to be delicious," Xue Wanyun said with a smile, praising him as she scooped a small spoonful of the medicinal meal into her mouth.

Her mouth was instantly filled with a soft, sweet flavor. After swallowing the medicinal food, she felt a wave of warmth travel down her throat and into her stomach. The comfortable sensation made her shudder with pleasure, and she gave a thumbs-up, praising him sincerely, "This is absolutely delicious!"

In terms of flavor, the medicinal meal Zhao Yuan cooked couldn't compare to the dishes made by Hao Li. However, it was far more delicious than what a typical chef could make. Most importantly, this medicinal meal had the effect of strengthening the body, bolstering health, and warding off illness. After eating it, people felt rejuvenated and incredibly comfortable, their bodies brimming with energy!

This was something no ordinary delicacy could compare to!

After the first bite, everyone was hooked. They ate one mouthful after another, savoring every moment.

At that moment, Zhao Yuan had the Five Ghosts release Zhao Mei.

Lin Xue discreetly gestured to her, indicating that the bowl of medicinal food beside her was for her.

The human and the ghost couldn't communicate with words for now and could only rely on body language. Fortunately, they were both smart enough that, through a mix of guessing and inference, they could more or less understand each other.

For instance, after seeing Lin Xue's gesture, Zhao Mei understood that the bowl of medicinal food was for her. She cheered and rushed over to Lin Xue, circling her several times as if to express her gratitude.

At the same time, Zhao Mei made a face at Zhao Yuan, who had used the Five Ghosts to pull her from the table, and huffed, "Stinky daddy, bad daddy, you don't care about me at all! Mommy is the best."

Zhao Yuan kept his head down and ate, pretending he hadn't seen or heard a thing.

Zhao Mei didn't continue to bicker with him either. She floated over to her bowl of medicinal food, opened her mouth, and inhaled deeply. Although the volume of food in the bowl didn't decrease, all the essence contained within it was completely absorbed by Zhao Mei.

The most popular dish on the table today was Zhao Yuan's medicinal meal. In no time at all, everyone had eaten it all up.

Although Lin Liqiang had already eaten three large bowls, he still wasn't satisfied. His attention then fell upon the bowl of medicinal food that Zhao Mei had 'eaten'.

"Xiaoxue, are you not going to eat this bowl? It'd be such a waste to throw it out. How about this, Dad will eat it for you."

As he spoke, Lin Liqiang reached out and pulled the bowl Zhao Mei had 'eaten' in front of him.

Lin Xue was stunned and hurriedly tried to stop him. "No, Dad, that bowl..."

Before she could finish, Lin Liqiang had already scooped up a spoonful and put it in his mouth, closing his eyes in anticipation of the delicious taste.

But the next second, his expression changed completely. With a PTOO, he spat the food out and began to choke and cough repeatedly. After catching his breath, he pointed at the bowl and said in astonishment, "Why does this medicinal meal taste and feel like I'm chewing wax? It's so bizarre!"

Disbelieving, Lin Liangzhe and Xue Wanyun each took a spoonful to try. After one taste, they both spat it out.

The taste of this bowl of medicinal food was the complete opposite of what they had eaten before.

It was absolutely disgusting!

Lin Xue leaned close to Zhao Yuan's ear and whispered, "What's going on?"