The Universe Snack Stand was selling braised large intestines this week.
Of course, "large intestines" is just the term used for public consumption; in actuality, it was a desert worm resembling intestines, filled with an astonishing amount of fat and a taste very similar to that of intestines.
It's said that their method of attacking prey is quite unique—they spew a mucus from their body cavities, which contains high concentrations of anesthetic substances. If prey happen to inhale it, they quickly fall into a drowsy state, unable to move.
Then the desert worms crawl over their prey, tightly coiling around the target with their bodies and secreting digestive juices that slowly dissolve and digest the prey.
All this knowledge was shared by He Yueji with Ma Lu, and she was beaming with excitement and panting heavily while imparting it, sparking some inexplicable enthusiasm. Ma Lu wasn't sure about the credibility of this information or if she had embellished it with her own additions.
However, it's true that these creatures, which seem like archenemies to magical girls, are a delicacy in the Giant Curtain.
And with the beast tide in full swing, the price wasn't too steep—Ma Lu spent 2,200 Electric Degrees to buy 800 pounds.
As for the Six-armed Ancient Ape and the Iron-Eating Scarab, the hunters decided to work together to haul them back after the sandstorm had subsided.
But with the store's opening imminent, Ma Lu also took precautions, no longer putting high-star ingredients on sale too early, especially those above 5 stars.
These high-star ingredients are readily available now only because they're located right in the middle of the beast tide, which drives all kinds of wild creatures rushing towards the Giant Curtain.
Ma Lu had also inquired with Boggy and Mai Mai that during normal hunting seasons, even venturing deep into the Death Forbidden Zone might not guarantee a catch every time, especially with legendary beasts like the Six-armed Ancient Ape—a creature many hunters might not encounter even once in their lifetime.
Though most people wouldn't want to meet one, to be fair.
However, such premium ingredients couldn't fetch too high a price at the snack stand. If he were to bring them back and sell them for twenty or thirty a portion, Ma Lu would feel a twinge of regret.
So he rented a refrigerated storage unit in the Giant Curtain and froze his share of the Six-armed Giant Ape meat and the Iron-Eating Scarab in there.
This time, he chose to purchase ingredients directly from the market.
—[Fragrant Braised Worm] Deliciousness Index: ★★☆.
After searching, Ma Lu found this outstandingly flavorful dish, which also had a relatively low procurement cost.
The price was set at 21 bucks a serving, two bucks cheaper than the previous Earth Dragon Meat Sandwich.
However, selling braised large intestines outside a university entrance still required a bit of courage, as students were often concerned about their image as young idols.
Furthermore, socially speaking, it wasn't as easy to market as Volcano Grilled Sausages or Queen's Crisps, because while you could invite your crush to have grilled sausages or crispy pork, braised large intestines—even if she really wanted to eat it—might not be something she'd be comfortable admitting.
For instance, Little Snail, a regular customer and devoted fan of the snack stand, didn't show up this time, and there were fewer people joining the WeChat group than before.
But the number of people privately messaging Ma Lu to place orders had skyrocketed.
It seemed that there were still plenty of braised large intestine enthusiasts out there; it's just that some of them needed to manage their appearances and could only sneak around to buy it.
"Hmm, but I can't recall which 'Tong' is in your name, and the 'Yu' as well, I've forgotten it, let me think... It should be the one with the 'single person' radical, Yi."
"Childish," Yu Yitong adjusted her hair once more.
"No, I truly don't remember, and as I told you, I already have a job. Not only a job but also a partner. Our business is thriving, and we've already established strong bonds. I'm not like some selfish ghosts who would abandon their companions for the so-called future and job."
"What's wrong with pursuing a career?"
"Ha, that is such a selfish ghost question."
"Forget it, it doesn't matter anymore. You're selling braised intestines; give me a serving. I'll consider it supporting your business."
"Not selling."
"Why not?"
"Because it's my rule of doing business, not to sell to my enemies." Ma Lu crossed his arms, "Haven't you heard that old saying? Every serving of intestines you sell will turn into a weapon for your enemies to use against you."
"I've never heard that," Yu Yitong played with her hair again, "So our relationship now... is that of enemies?"
"Exactly."
"And this is how you strike at me, by not selling your braised intestines to me?" Yu Yitong said incredulously, "Do you think that will hurt me?"
"So tell me if you're upset now or not."
Despite not wanting to admit it, Yu Yitong was indeed seething with annoyance at this moment.
Particularly since Ma Lu, while talking, had deliberately scooped up a box of braised intestines and handed it to Hou Yihan, who was in line behind Yu Yitong, "Here's yours, enjoy. If you want a flatbread with that, just add 3 yuan."
"Oh, oh, oh."
Hou Yihan, sensing the charged atmosphere, quickly left with her braised intestines in hand, but she couldn't resist the gossip unfolding before her eyes.
So she didn't go far and edged up next to Shen Yue, who was thoroughly enjoying the show, and whispered.
"Sister Yue, what's the deal between the boss and that pretty sister?"
"What else could it be? They were a couple, oh, but they broke up two years ago. Now, I guess, they're enemies," Shen Yue said while cracking sunflower seeds, "Hmm, at least in Brother Ma's view, Sister Yu must have been categorized as an enemy."
Hou Yihan's gossip radar started spinning.
Love and hatred! There wasn't a woman who didn't enjoy such stories, "Quick, tell me, how did they break up?"
"I'm not clear on the specifics; Brother Ma didn't share with anyone, but it seemed there wasn't any third party. Probably because Sister Yu wanted to study abroad, and then she broke up with Brother Ma. He says it doesn't matter to him, but he's actually quite vindictive about it.
"Guess he's been pondering how to retaliate, tsk tsk, there's probably more drama to come."