Hot Enough to Rage, Angry Enough for a Discount

The message contained one sentence: “Congratulations on passing the first tasting, Mr. Chen. For the next course, you will be tasted.” Xiaoman's first response was to open the donation dashboard. “Scared?” Chen Nuo asked. “Terrified. We revealed a corporate conspiracy without putting up a paid link.” Su sealed the sample. A tiny smile touched her mouth. Outside, the boy apologized to the cashier. The two old men lifted a fallen shelf together, still debating whose back was stronger, but now in quieter voices. The Fire-Pepper Beast sneezed in the ice. Chen Nuo offered it a plain chip. It turned away, waited three seconds, then stole it.