MARD Chapter 16 Delicious Food

A restaurant’s lanterns glowed warmly, casting a gentle amber light across polished wooden tables. The aroma of sizzling meats, fragrant spices, and freshly steamed dumplings filled the air, wrapping the room in a comforting blanket of flavor. The steady murmur of conversation from other patrons blended with the clink of bowls and chopsticks.

At one table sat Issei and the Wu sisters, a spread of dishes laid out before them—braised pork belly, stir-fried vegetables, dumplings stuffed with fragrant herbs, and bowls of steaming rice.

Issei leaned forward eagerly, chopsticks snapping up a dumpling. “Man, this is amazing. Way better than the dried rations.”

Across from him, Wu Xiao already had sauce dripping from her lips, her cheeks puffed as she stuffed herself. “Mmm! So good! This is even better than Big Sis’s cooking!” She said cheerfully, reaching for another dumpling without hesitation.

Wu Lan’s eyes twitched as she delicately placed food into her bowl, her every motion graceful. She turned her head slowly toward Wu Xiao, a smile that wasn’t quite a smile tugging at her lips and her eyes narrowed. “…What was that, Xiao?”

Wu Xiao froze mid-bite, blinking innocently. “Uh—I said—it’s almost as good as your cooking?”

Wu Lan’s glare softened into something deceptively sweet. “That’s what I thought you said.”

Issei chuckled nervously, scratching his cheek. ‘Man, Xiao’s playing with fire.’

But not everyone was enjoying themselves.

Wu Ying sat stiffly at the edge of the table, her chopsticks unmoving, a deep frown etched into her face. She hadn’t touched any of the food on her plate. Her sharp eyes weren’t on the food—they were locked onto the newcomer at their table.

The brown-haired flower girl sat hunched forward, her ragged sleeves brushing the table as she devoured the food with almost frantic hunger. Dumplings vanished into her mouth, rice disappeared from her bowl at alarming speed, and she barely paused to breathe. Her purple eyes were glazed with single-minded focus on the feast before her.

To anyone watching, she looked less like a guest and more like a starving wolf let loosed on a banquet.

Finally, Wu Ying snapped. She slammed her chopsticks down, her voice rising above the hum of the restaurant.

“Why is she here?”

The table fell into an awkward silence, a few nearby patrons glancing over curiously. Mei froze mid-bite, a dumpling halfway to her mouth. Wu Xiao snickered behind her hand. With Issei wincing.

Wu Ying stood halfway out of her seat, pointing directly at Mei, her voice cutting like a blade. “She’s not part of our family nor is she our problem. And yet she’s sitting here, eating our food like it’s her last meal! Why?”

Mei shrank back in her seat, cheeks burning with shame, her chopsticks lowering.

Wu Lan sighed softly, her voice calm but firm. “Ying. Please sit down and enjoy the food. You’re making a scene.”

But Wu Ying didn’t budge. “I’ll enjoy the food if it’s just us. But having her here? Absolutely not.”

Issei finally slammed his chopsticks on the table, standing to meet her glare head-on. “That’s enough, Ying. Don’t talk about her like that.”

Wu Ying turned on him, her emerald eyes blazing. “Don’t talk back to me, Issei. We’re not a charity! We don’t pick up strays every time you decide to play the hero!”

Issei took a step forward, their faces inches apart, their voices rising in unison. “She’s not a stray! She’s a person! What if that spoiled brat comes back for revenge? You want her to fend for herself?”

“She’s not our responsibility!” Wu Ying shot back, her hands curling into fists. “We already have enough on our plate without dragging her into it!”

“You’d really just abandon her after what happened?!” Issei growled, his tone fierce.

Their glares locked, the air between them charged. To anyone watching, they looked less like cultivators and more like an old married couple locked in yet another spat because one of them wanted to adopt a stray cat.

Wu Xiao leaned over to Wu Lan, whispering loudly enough for both combatants to hear, “Wow… they’re really going at it like husband and wife again.”

Wu Lan pressed a hand to her temple, sighing as though this entire scene was giving her a headache.

Mei, cheeks flushed with both embarrassment and gratitude, finally set her chopsticks down. Her voice trembled, but she forced herself to speak. “Please… don’t fight because of me.”

Wu Ying whirled toward her, ready to bite. “If it weren’t for you—”

But Mei cut her off, her purple eyes steady despite her trembling hands. “I’m fine with you being angry at me. But you shouldn’t get angry at my savior.”

Wu Ying’s face twisted in frustration, her lips parting for a retort. But Wu Lan’s calm voice cut in before she could.

“That’s enough,” Wu Lan said firmly, her expression showing that she will expect no further argument. “Like I said, we shouldn't ignore those in need. Issei was right to intervene, and Mei deserves our kindness, not hostility.”

Wu Ying clicked her tongue, glaring down at the table. Her fists trembled, but she swallowed her words and sat back down, frowning heavily.

Issei let out a slow breath, easing back into his seat. He glanced at Mei and offered her a reassuring smile. “See? Just eat as much as you like.”

Mei’s blush deepened, her fingers tightening around her chopsticks. “Th-thank you, Issei…”

Wu Ying’s scowl only darkened at the way Mei’s eyes lingered on him. Wu Xiao smirked knowingly, already plotting how much she could tease Ying about this later.

And Wu Lan? She simply picked up her chopsticks again, calm as ever. “Now… shall we finish this meal in peace?”

Wu Ying with her frown still firmly in place, stood still. For a long moment, she simply glared at the food in front of her as if it had personally offended her.

But Wu Lan, calm as ever, delicately placed a morsel of pork belly into her bowl. “Ying,” she said gently, “stop sulking and eat. You’ll only embarrass us further if you continue acting like a child.”

Wu Ying’s eyebrow twitched, but she reluctantly picked up her chopsticks. “Tch… fine.”

The moment she took her first bite, however, her scowl faltered. The savory juices of the pork practically melted on her tongue, the herbs perfectly balanced. Her eyes widened slightly before narrowing again as if to cover her reaction. She quickly scooped up rice, then vegetables, then another piece of pork.

Without meaning to, her pace increased. Bite after bite disappeared, and before long she was eating with the same enthusiasm as Wu Xiao—who, of course, noticed.

Wu Xiao grinned, her cheeks stuffed with dumpling. “Haha! Look at you, Ying! You’re eating like you haven’t had food in days!”

Wu Ying shot her a withering glare, but with her mouth full it lost much of its power. She settled for huffing through her nose and continued eating.

Issei couldn’t hold back a chuckle, shaking his head as he watched. ‘So even the iron-willed Wu Ying can’t resist good cooking. Guess everyone has their weaknesses.’

For Wu Ying, though, the experience was different. ‘This is… the first time I’ve eaten food prepared by someone other than Lan,’ She realized mid-bite. Her sister’s cooking had always been reliable, but this… this was indulgent, full of flavors she had never tasted. She hated to admit it, but it was good. Really good.

—-----------------------------

By the time their bowls were empty, Wu Ying leaned back slightly, her chopsticks resting across her plate. Wu Xiao gave a loud sigh of satisfaction, patting her stomach with zero shame. “Ahhh, that was amazing!”

Issei wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Yeah. Definitely worth it.”

Wu Lan, ever composed, nodded lightly. “It was excellent.”

But Mei sat stiffly, her face flushed with embarrassment. She glanced at the empty dishes, then at the nearly bare platters, realizing that she had eaten far more than anyone else at the table. Her hands trembled as she set her chopsticks down, her voice small.

“I-I’m sorry…” She said, bowing her head. “I didn’t mean to eat so much. I just… it’s been so long since I’ve had food like this. I couldn’t help myself.” She said, squeezing her hands, guilt in her purple eyes. “And I’m sorry for the trouble I’ve caused you all… especially with the mayor’s son. I didn’t want to bring this on you.”

For a moment, silence lingered. Wu Ying’s eyes narrowed, her lips parting as if she was about to speak sharply again. But before she could, Issei leaned forward with an easy smile.

“Don’t worry about it,” He said, his tone warm and steady. “Like I said, you’ve got nothing to apologize for. I’m glad you ate your fill. And as for the trouble…” He shrugged. “That spoiled brat needed someone to stand up to him. If it had to be me, so be it.”

Mei’s face burned a deep crimson, her breath hitching as her heart skipped. The way he said it, so casually, as if defending her had been nothing, made her chest tighten. “Y-you’re too kind…” She mumbled, her eyes dropping shyly to her lap.

Wu Xiao caught the blush instantly, grinning like a fox. She leaned forward, resting her chin in her hands. “Ooooh, Big Bro, I think she’s falling for you.”

Issei blinked, his cheeks turning pink. “H-hey, don’t say weird stuff like that!”

Wu Lan and Wu Ying, however, were less amused.

Wu Lan hid it well, her serene expression barely changing, but her chopsticks tapped lightly against her bowl—a small tell of her irritation. ‘He’s far too gentle with strangers…’

Wu Ying, on the other hand, didn’t bother concealing it. She glared at Issei, her lips pressed into a thin line. ‘Of course he’d go soft over some girl. Always playing the hero, no matter the consequences.’

Still, neither sister spoke their thoughts aloud. 

Instead, Wu Lan set her chopsticks down, her calm eyes studying the ragged girl seated across from her. Mei still kept her shoulders hunched as if afraid she might be scolded again.

“Tell me, Mei?” Wu Lan began softly, her voice cutting through the quiet of the table, “Why was the mayor’s son bothering you?”

Mei froze for a heartbeat. Her purple eyes flickered nervously before she bowed her head slightly. “I… might have bumped into him while selling my flowers,” She said hesitantly. “He also didn’t like that I didn’t recognize him.”

Wu Ying snorted. “Of course. That’s all it takes for people like him.”

But Wu Lan’s eyes narrowed. “Flowers?” She asked gently. “Is that how you make your living?”

Mei nodded as thought of all those flowers that were destroyed by Yao. “Yes. I… I spend my time outside the town’s walls, gathering any wild flowers I can find, then I sell them to the townsfolk.” Her voice lowered, softer now, her fingers trembling slightly. “I don’t really have another choice.”

Issei interested leaned forward, his brows furrowing. “But… why? Where’s your family? Your home?”

Mei’s shoulders tensed, and she bit her lip before finally whispering, “…I don’t know.”

Everyone blinked in surprise.

Wu Xiao tilted her head, confusion plain on her face. “Huh? What do you mean you don’t know?”

Mei looked down at her lap, her voice fragile. “I mean… I don’t remember. I woke up here in this town one morning a month ago, with nothing but these clothes. No memories of where I came from, who I was… nothing. All I knew was that I needed to survive, so I started gathering flowers.”

For a moment, silence wrapped the table. Even the noise of the restaurant seemed to fade into the background.

Issei’s eyes widened, shock rippling through him. “Wait—you’re an amnesiac?”

Wu Xiao blinked owlishly, clearly lost. “A… amna-what?”

Issei glanced at her, trying to give a simple explanation. “An amnesiac. It means she’s lost her memories. She doesn’t remember her past, who she was, or where she came from.”

Wu Xiao’s mouth formed a small “o.” “Ohhh… that sounds awful.”

Wu Ying’s frown deepened, though her sharpness was tempered by genuine curiosity. “How long have you been like this?”

Mei pressed a finger to her chin, her face thoughtful. “A month, maybe a little more. Since then… nothing has come back.”

Issei leaned forward, earnest worry in his eyes. “Not a single memory? Nothing at all?”

Mei shook her head quietly.

Issei then frowns and quickly makes a connection with Mei as they were both lost with no home.

Seeing the sadness in his expression, she quickly tried to reassure him with a small smile. “It’s alright. I’ve gotten used to living on the streets. And the people here are mostly kind. Some even buy my flowers just to help me. With a few… exceptions.” Her voice trailed, clearly remembering Yao.

But Issei’s heart twisted at her words. ‘Living on the streets? Used to it?’ His fists clenched beneath the table. ‘That’s not good enough. Not for someone like her.’

“That’s not good enough,” He said aloud, his tone firm. “A cute girl like you deserves better than that.”

The words slipped out before he could stop them.

Mei’s face turned crimson, her hands flying to her cheeks. “C-cute…?” She stammered, her eyes wide. Inside, her thoughts spun wildly. ‘Me? Cute? But the truth is… no one has ever looked at me like that. The only reason I’ve been left alone is because of how filthy I looked. Maybe if I was cleaner…’  Her blush deepened as she dared not finish the thought.

Wu Lan’s serene mask faltered for just a second as irritation tugged at her lips. Wu Ying’s eyes, on the other hand, blazed like a blue fire. She grit her teeth, the corner of her mouth twitching dangerously. ‘He just had to call her cute again.’

Issei, completely oblivious to their rising annoyance, leaned closer to Mei with a determined grin. “Listen if you want, you could come stay with us and won’t have to live in the streets. I promise you’ll have food, a roof, and safety.”

The table went deathly silent.

Wu Xiao blinked in surprise, dumpling halfway to her mouth. Wu Lan’s eyes narrowed slightly. But it was Wu Ying who slammed her hands on the table.

“Are you insane?!” She snapped, her voice sharp enough to make nearby diners glance their way. “You want to drag a stranger into our home? Into our group? Do you have any idea what you’re suggesting? She’ll know our secrets, see everything we’re trying to keep hidden!”

Issei met her glare head-on, his jaw set. “And what? You’d rather leave her out there to fend for herself, when we know she’s in danger from that brat Yao? We can’t just turn our backs on her.”

“I just said we’re not running a charity!” Wu Ying shot back, her cheeks flushing with both anger and something she couldn’t quite name.

“Maybe not,” Issei growled, “but we’re not so heartless either.”

The tension between them crackled, drawing curious glances from other patrons. Mei shrank in her seat, her hands clutching the edge of her skirt, guilt and gratitude warring in her eyes. 

Wu Xiao leaned back, whispering under her breath with a grin, “Here we go again. They really do fight like an old married couple.”

Wu Lan, pinching the bridge of her nose, exhaled softly. ‘These two will drive me to madness.’

The clatter of dishes and the hum of conversation had dulled around their table. More and more patrons had begun sneaking glances their way, whispers carrying through the restaurant.

Wu Lan noticed it too. Her eyes softened, but her voice sharpened. “I will repeat myself again, that’s enough.”

Her calm but firm tone cut through the air like a blade. Both Issei and Wu Ying froze mid-argument, though they continued to glare at each other. Wu Lan set herself down neatly on the table, folding her hands.

“Each of you has made your point,” She said evenly. “Ying, you’re right to be cautious. We cannot recklessly accept strangers. But Issei, you are not wrong either. We should not turn away from people in need.”

Wu Ying’s eyes flickered with annoyance, but she didn’t break her sister’s gaze. “Lan, you don’t understand. We can’t accept every outsider we meet. If we let people get close, they may betray us.” Her voice dropped lower, her fists tightening in her lap. “All it takes is one slip.”

Issei leaned forward, his voice equally fierce. “But Mei doesn’t even know who she is! She’s got nothing to gain by betraying us, she’s just trying to survive! You said it yourself, Wu Lan, ignoring someone in need isn’t an option. That’s not who we are.”

Wu Ying snapped back, her tone like steel striking steel. “No, that’s who you are, Issei. You’d believe any girl who gives you a sad look and a story. You never even think that they could be lying or trying to trick you!”

Issei opened his mouth to counter, but the words caught in his throat. His jaw worked, but no sound came out. Because she wasn’t entirely wrong. ‘I guess, she's got a point…’ He grit his teeth, frustration welling up in his chest.

Wu Xiao, who had been happily nibbling on dumplings while watching the verbal spar like it was prime entertainment, leaned back with a grin. “Well, she’s not wrong, Big Bro. You are kind of a sucker for a pretty face.”

“Not helping, Wu Xiao,” Issei muttered, his cheeks warming.

Wu Lan raised her hand, her patience thinning. “Enough. The both of you. We haven’t even asked Mei what she wants.”

That silenced the table.

Three pairs of eyes turned sharply toward the flower girl.

Mei froze. Beads of sweat gathered at her temple as the intensity of their gazes pinned her down like spears. Her breath quickened, her hands trembling slightly.

‘Why are they all staring at me like this?’ She thought desperately. ‘It’s like being caught in a storm…’

Wu Lan’s voice softened, seeing her discomfort. “Relax. Take a breath. This is a major decision, and we won’t force it on you. But you must give us your answer. Do you want to stay with us, Mei?”

The girl swallowed hard, her purple eyes flicking between them. She clutched the edge of her skirt like a lifeline. Her lips parted, her voice trembling as she tried to form words.

“I… I would—”

The heavy doors to the restaurant burst open with a thunderous slam. The chatter of the room died instantly. Patrons flinched, bowls rattling on their tables as a new voice echoed inside.

“There they are!”

All heads turned toward the entrance. Young Master Yao strode in with all the arrogance of a king returning to his throne. His robes shimmered in the lantern light, his chin tilted high. But this time, he wasn’t alone.

Beside him walked a broad-shouldered man in his thirties, his presence radiating menace. A thick, bushy beard framed his face, and his eyes gleamed with cruelty. Power rippled faintly from his body forming an unmistakable aura.

Wu Ying’s eyes narrowed instantly. “Third Stage Fighter.”

The murmurs in the restaurant swelled, fear spreading through the crowd.

Yao sneered as his gaze landed on Issei and Mei. “So, you thought you could humiliate me and get away with it?” He stepped forward, his voice dripping venom. “This time, I’ve brought someone who will make you regret it.” He gestured proudly to the bearded man. “Meet my uncle, a cultivator far beyond your reach.”

The uncle cracked his knuckles, the sound like thunder in the quiet room.

Yao’s grin widened, arrogance oozing from every pore. “Kneel before me now, and perhaps I’ll feel merciful enough to spare you. Otherwise…” His eyes flicked to Mei, who flinched back instinctively. “Well, I’ll enjoy watching you crawl.”

The tension in the restaurant thickened, the patrons holding their breath as all eyes turned to Issei and the Wu sisters.

Issei’s jaw tightened. He hated this type—the kind who strutted around, puffing their chest while trampling others beneath their ego. And now, with the entire restaurant caught in their little display of dominance, it was clear enough: if no one stood up, things would only get uglier.

With a scrape of his chair against the wooden floor, Issei stood. The eyes of the patrons shifted instantly to him. His red robe caught the lantern light, making him appear more composed than he actually felt. He rolled his shoulders once and stepped forward, ready to confront them.

But before he could take another step, a small, trembling hand clutched his hand.

Issei looked down to see Mei gripping him, her wide purple eyes full of fear. “Please… don’t fight them,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “You’ll get hurt because of me. I’ll just apologize—it doesn’t matter.”

For a moment, Issei blinked. ‘She’s terrified of what they’ll do to her but still thinking about me. She really is a good girl.’

A faint, gentle smile spread across his face. He lifted his free hand and softly rubbed her head, ruffling her brown hair. Mei stiffened at first, then blinked rapidly, her face burning crimson.

“Don’t worry,” Issei said, his voice steady and warm. “They’re not a big deal. I’ll be back in a minute. Just keep eating—and when I get back, I’ll still be waiting for your answer.”

Her lips parted, her breath catching, but no words came. She only watched him as he pulled his hand free and stepped toward Yao and his uncle.

Issei raised his voice, his tone cutting through the silence. “If you want to fight, fine. But we’re not doing it in here. People are trying to enjoy their meal, and you’re ruining it. Let's take it outside.”

The bearded man’s brows furrowed, his presence radiating like heat. But Yao only smirked, his laugh sharp and mocking. “You think this is even going to be a fight? Hah! Fine. I’ll humor you. Let’s give these peasants a show.”

The patrons shifted nervously. A fight between cultivators—even low stages—wasn’t something they wanted anywhere near them. But already a large group of people were abandoning tables, shuffling out to witness from the relative safety of the street.

Issei walked out the door with even strides, his eyes forward. Behind him, the heavy footfalls of the bearded uncle shook the floorboards. But it was the lighter steps just behind his shoulder that caught his attention.

He glanced sideways to see Wu Ying following, her arms crossed, her usual scowl in place.

“You came to help?” Issei asked.

She scoffed, flicking her braid back over her shoulder. “Hardly. This is your mess and your problem. I’m just here to laugh when you get your ass beaten.”

Issei chuckled, the corner of his mouth quirking into a grin. “Thanks, Ying. I knew I could count on you.”

Her steps faltered, and a faint blush crept across her cheeks. She turned her head sharply away from him. “D-don’t get the wrong idea, idiot.”

Issei smiled knowingly but said nothing more.

Outside, the street had already turned into an impromptu arena. Townsfolk crowded at a safe distance, muttering in anticipation. Children were pulled back by anxious parents while vendors craned their necks from doorways.

From the restaurant, Wu Lan emerged with her usual calm expression, Mei trailing closely beside her, wringing her hands nervously. Wu Xiao bounded out last, her face lit up with pure excitement.

“Big Bro’s gonna crush them!” Wu Xiao declared loudly, her voice full of unshakable confidence. She bounced on her toes like she was at a festival performance rather than about to watch a street fight.

Mei’s heart, however, twisted with guilt. ‘This is my fault… If only I hadn’t bumped into Yao, none of this would be happening.’

Wu Lan placed a steady hand on Mei’s shoulder, her voice soft yet unwavering. “Do not blame yourself. This is no reason to worry. Issei is strong, stronger than he looks—and stronger than most would ever believe.”

Mei’s eyes widened slightly, her lips parting as she turned to glance at Issei. He stood tall at the center of the street, facing down Yao and the hulking uncle without a hint of fear.

The crowd hushed. The air grew thick.

And Issei cracked his neck once, his light brown eyes steady as he raised his voice. “Alright,” he said simply. “Let’s get this over with.”

Finally done. Tell me what you think and if I made any mistakes. What do you think is Mei’s background? How do you think this fight will go?