"Ah, what's the big deal? It's just a small boat. I can just return it next time."
"The capital ship is handing out subsidies tomorrow. How about we go to the hot pot place in Da Yu's Sector F, Level 7 tonight for a feast? My treat! None of that synthetic, pre-packaged stuff—all fresh ingredients. I've been dreaming about it ever since we got back from the Kunwu. The food you get on missions out there... it's not something a normal person can stomach!"
With the first mission complete and a lead on the second, Rong Bing was in high spirits.
He invited Li Jiuyuan, Shentu Kuo, and Dr. Chongwen to go out for a feast.
Dr. Chongwen politely declined the captain's kind offer. His mind was completely preoccupied with his student and the few pieces of spent Sea-Rising Cherry Root. He needed to seize this golden window of opportunity to research them and had no desire to waste time and energy on a meal.
