Chapter Three: The New Manager's First Midnight Meal

“I don't care whose feud is centuries old,” she told the white umbrella. “A child has a fever. If you want to deliver a political manifesto, wait until she finishes eating!” The badge burned. Three rules glowed on the wall: Ask not a guest's true form. Bring no old feud to the table. Speak one truth before you leave. The umbrella was crushed beneath the congee. Su Li understood: the missing ingredient was not technique, but a truth strong enough to keep Little Lamp here. She faced Zhou. “Why did she touch the paper?” His human voice and true voice aligned. “Because I told her the Between was our homeland. Every day I pretend to be human. I smile, clock in, say welcome. I told her I hated it. She thought going back would make me happy.”