After ensuring it was tender enough, Betty Starmount turned off the stove, then retrieved a box from her pocket that contained a mysterious black powder. She sprinkled the powder over the dish, quickly dissolving into the sauce without a trace.

She then cleaned the box and tossed it into the trash can before carefully carrying the braised pork into the dining room.

She stood staring at the dish for a long while with trepidation upon placing the dish on the table. She then returned to the kitchen and brought all the other dishes into the dining room.

The dishes included braised pork, pork ribs, sour-and-spicy stir-fried potato strips, steamed fish, sea cucumber with scallions, bird’s nests, and savory duck stew.

Everything looked appetizing and smelled great.

Once the table had been set, she went to address everyone in the living room. “Dinner is ready, everybody.”

Jeremy was joyfully holding Xyla Quest and Stanley Batton’s hands as he spoke to them.

Seeing his joyful grin, Betty