As he stepped into the warship cafeteria, the lively chatter and laughter of the boisterous crew came to an abrupt halt. The clattering of utensils and clinking shot glasses ceased. All eyes turned toward his imposing figure that had just entered the room. The recruits, already on edge with anticipation, trembled in fear as they watched their new boss make his way through the silent room.

The crew responsible for the cafeteria, caught off guard by this unusual occurrence, quickly sprang into action. They fervently cleared a table near the centre of the room, ensuring it was spotless before meticulously sanitizing it.

The crew members exchanged bewildered glances, astonished by the fact that their Captain, known for his reclusive nature and having never eaten at the cafeteria was actually eating with them today. The sun must have risen from the west or something because otherwise how would one explain his presence in the cafeteria right now?

Meanwhile, Qie Xieling seemed oblivious to the tense atmosphere. That’s because his mind was on something else. With a mischievous grin, he focused his attention on the seafood platter that he had won as his prize, eagerly anticipating the feast he was about to enjoy. He didn’t even realise that Mauve still had his arm draped on his shoulders admiring his new cash cow.

Qie Xieling picked up his pair of chopsticks and was about to pinch a piece of scallop when the platter was swiftly snatched away leaving Qie Xieling pinching air.

Qie Xieling, "The fuck?"

Bo Ailun’s stern expression silenced any further protest from him. Oh, Qie Xieling couldn’t wait to return sixfold of everything Bo Ailun did to him. He was going to take away every plate in front of Bo Ailun that had his favourite food until he was satisfied.

Bo Ailun who had been glared at by Luo Muchen several times before found himself sweating bullets when Qie Xieling glared at him. He had completely forgotten that he wasn’t a regular recruit but a psychopath with so many bodies behind him.

He cleared his throat nervously before turning to the crew, "At ease gentlemen... ladies," he said sternly. The crew looked like they had been granted amnesty as they resumed their activities. The once-muted noise gradually returned, though with an underlying tension that had not been present before. Captain Luo, observing the scene with a calm demeanour, gestured for Qie Xieling to join him at the cleared table, motioning for him to sit opposite.

Qie Xieling smiled slightly as he rose from his seat without hesitation. He wasn’t cowering nor was he overly confident as he walked over to Captain Luo. With a defiant glimmer in his eyes, he took the seat opposite him showing no sign of fear or trepidation.

Luo Muchen’s expression was cold but internally he was scoffing. Everything about Qie Xieling irked him so much but here he was seeking him out without provocation. And what was his excuse? He thought that Qie Xieling was plotting something.

The only thing Qie Xieling was plotting was how to devour that damn seafood platter.

"Where is my prize... captain? I just drank ten shots of that nasty liquor and I need to pad my stomach," he said and Luo Muchen almost subconsciously wanted to meet his needs which was incredibly puzzling.

"... I need spicy dipping sauce as well," continued Qie Xieling as though placing an order.

The crew members around the cafeteria were laughing their voices blending with the clinking of glasses and the boisterous music playing in the background which was a far cry from what was happening here. Qie Xieling and Captain Luo were locked in a silent battle of wills, their gazes fixed upon each other, the tension palpable.

After a few moments, Luo Muchen relented. He motioned for Bo Ailun to approach and he said, "Bring Qie Xieling his seafood platter and red reaper chilli sauce." Bo Ailun’s eyes widened as he realised the sauce his boss was asking for. It was known to be lethal, capable of bringing even the strongest to their knees. If Qie Xieling truly intended to die then this was the way to go. Consuming it was a daring move and it would undoubtedly lead to a painful demise.

Bo Ailun hesitated for a moment, contemplating the consequences, but the Captain’s command brooked no argument. He returned with the platter with seafood and he didn’t dare tell the chef to pour it over. He told him to put it on the side.

As he placed it before Qie Xieling, the crew already knew what was about to go down. The last guy who ate a drop of that sauce was on life support for a week and when he came out he was a changed man. No drinking, no smoking and less gluttony.

Their attention was now fixated on this brave soul who dared to face the wrath of the Reaper. Undeterred by their expressions he poured out the sauce on the entire platter. "Ugh, don’t," exclaimed Bo Ailun but Luo Muchen raised his hand telling him to stay out of it. ’Ah, the expensive seafood platter was ruined’ exclaimed Bo Ailun internally. It was a waste of good food.

Qie Xieling on the other hand began to eat with gusto, devouring the meal like a mukbang streamer putting on a show. The spiciness of the sauce assaulted their noses and their eyes due to their proximity to it but Qie Xieling showed no signs of faltering. The crew watched in awe, their admiration growing with each bite. First, it was the drinking, now this.

Captain Luo maintained a stern expression, yet his eyes betrayed a flicker of intrigue. He continued to observe Qie Xieling intently, captivated by his audacity and resilience. He had already seen him devour spicy food but that was nothing compared to what he was eating now.

With each bite, his face contorted with a mix of pleasure and pain, relishing the intense flavours that set his taste buds ablaze. Luo Muchen found himself unable to tear his gaze away. Qie Xieling had earned his respect in that regard but he would never admit that.

Luo Muchen’s eyes lingered on his red lips, glistening with oil from the spicy dish. He found himself captivated by the way his mouth moved, a delicate dance that revealed his enjoyment. It was an unexpected sight, one that stirred unfamiliar emotions within him yet every bone in his body hated this man with a passion.

As Qie Xieling savoured the last morsel, a warm flush spread across his cheeks, a result of the alcohol he had guzzled down to get this platter. The effects of the drink were evident, causing a slight unsteadiness in his movements. Luo Muchen took note of this, his gaze lingering on the flushed complexion that added a touch of vulnerability to his features.