"Almost," Meng Shen echoed dryly, though there was a tiny smirk tugging at his lips. He jabbed at the broth with his chopsticks. "Enjoy it while it lasts. Once we start climbing toward the Core Sect, this kind of free time will vanish."
Xiao Rou stuck her tongue out at him. "Don't jinx it! Besides, when I become a Core disciple, I'll make sure we still sneak out for hotpot. It's practically cultivation fuel if you think about it—meat for strength, mushrooms for vitality, broth for soul nourishment—"
Wei Zhen nearly choked on his soup, coughing. "Soul nourishment? That's just your excuse to eat more."
"Call it whatever you want. It works," she said proudly.
Tian Lei set down his chopsticks, his gaze flicking between them, softer than usual. "Then I'll hold you to that. Next time, Xiao Rou, you're paying."
Her eyes went wide. "Me?! Why me?"
