As they finally reached the top floor once more, the ushers were already sweating buckets from the outburst of chi from the two high level cultivators. They were standing as still as they could and only showing the way because they knew that if they moved, their legs would give way and that would cost embarrassment (Possibly the loss of their jobs too for not being professional.)
Unfortunately, one of them eventually fell to the ground as he realised that his legs could not take it anymore. Everyone in the room held back their breath as they did not know how the trio who entered the room could react to this unprofessional behaviour. The floor manager even thought of opening his mouth to beg for forgiveness but his mouth just simply could not move as the tallest among them stared at him as if he could pinpoint who was the person responsible for this entire floor.
However, Kong Rong let out a quiet cough and Kraft looked away almost instantaneously while the people guarding the doors opened it as soon as the trio were in sight. They were barely keeping their wits together and also tried to avoid eye contact even though they were as curious as they were scared.
Jin yawned again before slapping his face a little to wake himself up as they walked through the doors, knowing that there would be another trial he had to face. And sadly, the first person he saw was none other than Yuan Ba at the edge of the conference table, looking irritated at him and so did the other Zodiac Heads.
He presumed that he was not only late but also the outburst of chi which made them uncomfortable. But even before he could open his mouth, Kong Rong took the centre stage and introduced Jin and Kraft to the restless group of figureheads (quite literally.)
“Apologies for the tardiness. We were not exactly informed of the procedures and we had failed to ask Kong Rong on how to proceed with this entire meeting. Did not know there were such stringent security protocols in place and many other erm… guidelines to follow” Jin bowed slightly to show some sincerity in his apology but the Zodiac Heads were not buying it. Of course, why would they trust this new Lord who had no Royal upbringing at all?
“Hence, I asked that you all be so kind as to accept my apologies with this as your breakfast if you all have not had any,” Jin said while he opened his storage watch to take out the items he wished to present to the entire group.
“It is fine. We already had our refreshments. Do not tarry the real agenda of this meeting.” Yuan Ba said with an annoyed look but someone interjected the moment Jin took out the very first item. A small steaming basket full of Xiao Long Bao or also known as soup dumplings.
“Now this is something even more appealing than that ridiculous miniature rectangular sandwich that was given to us.” A man with an enormous beer belly stood up as he saw the steam basket still piping hot.
“Zhu Tai Fang. Head of the Royal Zodiac Pig Head. I am normally disinclined with eating food that is not associated with my clan’s restaurant but the moment you take that out, it’s releasing an abnormal amount of chi and aroma which immediately catches my attention. Defence Minister, I understand that we have lots of things to discuss but having a terribly poor breakfast is not good for the brain and the soul. Not to mention, it seems everyone is in a foul mood. I suggest we partake in his apologies and then continue on with the current meeting.”
“How do we know that he did not poison the food?” Yuan Ba was definitely still feeling sore from the aftermath of losing a few of his important territories.
“I am here. There is nothing much to worry about. And Tiger, poisoning the entire group of Zodiac Heads? You have such wild imaginations that I would never think of in this lifetime.” A rather well dressed middle aged lady said with her arms crossed. It was apparent she was in favour of eating a sumptuous breakfast before the meeting.
“But dear Sirs and Madams, if it pleases you, we can release our breakfast itinerary at this moment-” One of the many vice managers had begun to voice out but Tai Fang literally snorted.
“Please, I am kind of sick of eating such substandard food every time I have to visit this place.”
“But Head Zhu, we had employed the best of the best chefs from your clan. There should not be-” Before the vice manager was able to finish his sentence, Tai Fang had already materialised his personal pair of chopsticks and spoon to pick up the piping hot xiao long bao from the steam basket.
“Oh my… This is exquisite. The skin of the bun is translucent to the point I can see the fillings when I bring it close to my mouth but yet retain its beauty from afar. It can not only hold the weight of the ingredients within it and does not break that easily when pinching it from the top.” Tai Fang said as he took a quick breath in.
“The soup… the smell is not an ordinary recipe.” Tai Fang immediately placed the first xiao long bao in his mouth and as he crushed it from within, he could feel the umami rich soup pouring out of his mouth and pulsating through his entire body. “The minced pork…is equally fresh, and I cannot believe a single ingredient within the soup could change the flavour immensely, wait no. It should have been boiled for at least a few days before achieving such — Where did you get such an amazing basket of Xiao Long Bao?” Tai Fang with his godly tongue due to his Royal Zodiac Pig Cultivation was able to discern almost every single ingredient within that small Xiao Long Bao. He was amazed by the amount of work that was put in, significantly way more than the chefs he ever trained.
Even as ‘simple’ as a Xiao Long Bao, he could already feel the years of dedication and training being put into this product and all he wanted was another piece to be placed into his mouth so he could relive the delight. Not to mention, the chi eluded in this small dumpling was way more than he could have ever thought it was possible and it undoubtedly revitalised him.
Seeing how the Head of Royal Zodiac Pig, a critical appraiser of food, was recognising Jin’s apology meal, the rest started to feel their stomach rumbling at the sight of it and saliva sneakily drooling out of their mouths.
“It’s made by my head chef in Dungeons and Pandas. I have more than enough dim sum dishes for everyone and even Chinese tea made by her.” Jin said as he pulled more of the steam baskets out of his storage watch. Defence Minister He Fei also could not resist after smelling the rich aroma coming from the steam baskets even though he was at the far end of the conference table and admitted that a good breakfast would be useful for everyone. Thus, the Royal Zodiac Heads and their companions slowly but surely started to crowd around Jin for the food.
Even that annoyed tiger.
