It was truly unbelievable for Mei Ling to see such amazing vigor by eating food. And it was not only men, but their wives also joined the fun as well.
On the end, all of them went silent again looking at completely empty plates.
Noak turned his head that was red as a beet and bowed it. ''I am truly sorry about this. I have no idea what happened to us when we started eating. The only thing I can say to our defense is, your food is amazing!''
Everyone nodded while holding their overfilled bellies. They couldn't look at Nalan Ko right in eyes as they felt ashamed but heard her talking. ''My food is amazing as it is prepared differently as you are used to. I can't tell you why, as it is a secret. But I promise that with time I will teach you how to prepare some dishes like me.''
They all started thanking her at the same time making it lively. But suddenly Mei Ling stood up and went to the kitchen. Even Nalan Ko was surprised when she did that so she shook her head in confusion as well.
As there were ten pairs and mei Ling found out they didn't come with children, she set aside some food and started taking it out. Every pair had a big plate with different kinds of food in front of them.
When she came out with the first two everyone was confused. She just smiled and winked at Nalan Ko. ''I prepared this for kids. If you don't mind, every one of you will take one plate home to give kids as well. I hope you liked it enough and wouldn't look down if we give you more for kids?''
Her humble words woke them all up. The first two pairs looked at the huge plate filled with all the food they just ate, beautifully arranged. They couldn't believe that someone would do this. Nalan Ko and Noak rushed to help her as well.
On the end, all of them had a big plate of food to take with them. They sat there silently, not knowing how to react. Noak just coughed and trough cough mumbled. ''Thank them...''
Everyone stood up and bowed slightly with big smiles thanking them for everything.
Nalan Ko rose her hands. ''Please sit down. We will take the dirty plates away and let's talk about the future. Pick up the filled plates away from table please...''
She patted the table three times and the screen came up. She pressed the 'clean table' and suddenly all the dishes disappeared. Only the empty table was left.
They put their plats back on the table and started talking seriously.
''Mei Ling, as you already know is tracker and has power of nature. She probably will need some training. I realized that many people can't eat while questing, so I plan to invent takeable food. But for that I need a bunch of meat. And to buy it is ridiculous. As my partners your duty will be that every time you go questing, you will bring me the meat of some bigger animal. One of you is good with formations?'' She looked around and saw one man raising his hand.
''My name is Sou, second grade formation master gold level.'' He introduced himself with a slight bow.
Nalan Ko nodded. ''Can you make portals yet?'' He shook her head so she thought about it. ''Can you make formation inside a bag...''
He got silent but then asked. ''Like soul stone pouch?''
''Yes. I am sick and tired of all the bags. Why no one ever invented a small subspace that you can take with you and put stuff inside that you need. Like spare clothes, weapons, stones, food and so on?'' Naan Ko started pointing at things she would take making everyone not only silent then as well thinking deeply about it.
Sou suddenly jumped from the chair. ''I can do that, but space would be extremely small. Maybe size of bathroom or even smaller than that.''
Nalan Ko chuckled. ''Think about it. If you make that, you can sele those bags for huge amounts of stones. Don't make many, make it rare and expensive. And in different sizes. You can do the same with jewelry, I hear there is ring jewels that can contain potion inside for emergency. Why not making it with enough space to take basic things you truly need. Make it with expensive materials and make it look rare. But for us make it for free. I gave you the idea anyway.''
Sou just nodded and started thinking deeply forgetting where he is while everyone spoke at the same time in excitement. Nalan Ko rose her hands and stopped them.
''That is not the reason I mention that. You need to bring back a dead animal and wouldn't it be too complicated? Just stuff the whole animal in such space and you can travel then more comfortable.'' Her idea was accepted by everyone with cheer.
''Now, Noak. You seem to have the power of metal and strength. It seems Mei Ling has some ideas for furniture. If you all help her invent furniture you will get the percentage of sale. She still will get half but will share the rest with you. Is that acceptable?'' Listening Mei Ling's ideas about house she decided she needed help.
Noak almost lost it. ''You can invent stuff as well? I guess I need to start celebrating the day we met, right Mei Ling?''
She chuckled. ''Uncle Noak, that day is important for me as well. That day I started a new life. What about celebrating it as double happiness. My birthday and start of our new lives.''
Everyone cheered and with laughter and ideas, the night continued until they saw girls started yawning. They knew it was already too late so they picked their plates and went back home. Only Noak was left last as Nalan Ko stopped him. ''Wait, we have something for you as well.''
Mei Ling came out with one more plate of food and stuffed it in his hands. He looked at the plate in surprise and blinked. ''But there is no one home except me.''
''Eat for breakfast! I hate throwing away such a good food. Don't you think its quite wasteful?'' Nalan Ko reprimanded him with her finger in front of his nose close to him.
His eyes suddenly constricted as he looked ta her cute fingers that pointed at his nose and then food and suddenly his face became extremely red. He just grumbled thanks and rushed out like someone was chasing him.
But the best point was made by little Kiu. ''Mother, I think uncle Noak could be the best father for us. Right?'' Nalan Ko speechlessly looked at her serious looking child and her face became red as well and she just picked her up and rushed up under queer eyes Mei Ling gave her.
Incredible... These two cute people are sooo shy...