Chapter 40: Reincarnated as a Starving Ghost

Glancing at the dishes on the stove that Mu Qing had previously handled, she flickered her gaze, used her chopsticks to neaten them up so they looked a bit more presentable, and then carried them over to Su Lie.

After all, she and Mu Qing were partners; neither should look down on the other. Besides, this was a perfect opportunity to gauge his attitude toward Mu Qing and Mia.

Since she couldn't carry everything in her hands, she packed them into a wicker basket, using padding to stack the bowls securely. Along the way, the aroma of the dishes caught the attention of many females and beastmen. Seeing the basket she held, they couldn't help but swallow their saliva.

Soon, a female couldn't resist stepping forward and asking, "Su Xiyue, what are you carrying? It smells so good."

Su Xiyue stopped and looked at the female. She recognized her as Yun Xiang from the tribe—a woman with an average appearance, a round, sturdy build, and a slightly heavy frame, likely weighing around 150 pounds. Her skin was rough and slightly dark; while not exactly beautiful, she couldn't be called ugly either. At least, she looked better than Su Xiyue currently did. Yun Xiang had four beastman husbands and was known not only for being diligent and capable but also for her high fertility, having already given birth to seven children.

These details flashed through her mind in an instant. Su Xiyue smiled warmly and said, "I’ve made a few delicious dishes and am taking them to my father. Would you like to try some?"

Upon hearing this, Yun Xiang’s eyes lit up, but then dimmed as if remembering something. She waved her hand shyly, "No, no, that’s quite alright. I just wanted to ask if you could teach me how to prepare food."

Although she wanted to eat it, she felt embarrassed. After all, this was specifically made for the tribal chief. Though the chief seemed to dislike this daughter, everyone knew it was merely frustration over her past lack of ambition; deep down, he still cared for her. Otherwise, he wouldn't have assigned her five top-tier beastman husbands and forbidden others from bullying her.

Su Xiyue gave a faint smile. "Of course. Come find me tomorrow, and I’ll teach you."

Seeing her ready agreement, Yun Xiang was delighted. "Thank you! I’ll come find you tomorrow."

"Yes, that sounds good. However, I suggest you first find a stone pot and build a stove. You’ve probably seen the style at the entrance of my cave. If you aren't sure how to build one, you can ask Bai Qi; he’s the one who built mine," Su Xiyue suggested.

Yun Xiang nodded earnestly. "Alright, I’ve noted that down. Thank you, Su Xiyue."

Though Su Xiyue used to be lazy, greedy, and malicious—making her very unpopular—she had changed a great deal. Not only had she awakened an ability and learned to identify various foods, but she was now creating delicacies never seen before. She seemed like an entirely different person.

"You're welcome." Su Xiyue smiled, said nothing more, and continued toward Su Lie’s dwelling with the basket in her arms.

The tribal chief’s residence was located quite far from the other beastmen’s living areas, separated into its own designated zone. Aside from the chief, the witch doctor and the shaman also lived in this area. They did not live in caves, but in stone houses. The three stone structures, built from stacked rocks, were sturdy and spacious, standing out prominently and marking the unique status of the three occupants.

Su Xiyue arrived at the largest stone house—Su Lie’s home. Being the chief, he naturally occupied the largest one. When she arrived, the door was wide open, and she could see a hulking figure inside, stooped over as he reached for something. It was Su Lie.

She called out softly, "Father."

Hearing her voice, Su Lie turned toward the entrance and saw her standing there, cradling a wicker basket and smiling at him. Their eyes met. Su Lie was slightly taken aback, his gaze shifting from her face to the basket in her hands, from which waves of fragrance wafted. He couldn't help but frown. "What are you carrying? It smells so strong."

Su Xiyue looked at him and said with a smile, "I made a few delicious dishes and brought them over specifically for you to try, Father."

Su Lie stared at her with a peculiar expression. "You made them? What kind of delicious food could you possibly make?" This daughter had been spoiled rotten by him since she was small; she was willful, lazy, and greedy. She couldn't even roast meat, let alone cook a decent meal. She had always relied on others to provide for her.

She laughed awkwardly. Knowing the reputation of the original owner, she didn't mind Su Lie’s attitude and just chuckled, "Father, I’ve changed a lot. I’ve learned to make quite a few tasty dishes. Try it; it tastes very good."

As she spoke, she walked into the stone house, placed the basket on a nearby stone table, and brought out the dishes. The "stone table" was actually a large, polished circular stone with a solid, cylindrical base, but its surface was flat and functional.

Su Lie’s gaze fell upon the dishes, which he had never seen before. Yet, the aroma kept钻ing into his nostrils, tempting his appetite. He couldn't help but swallow his saliva, looking at her suspiciously. "Did you really make this?" It was truly hard to believe she could prepare such refined food.

"Of course it's true. Why would I lie to you, Father? Don't underestimate me." Su Xiyue rolled her eyes in silent frustration and muttered unhappily.

Su Lie watched her expression and chuckled. Considering she had awakened an ability, discovered that mushrooms weren't poisonous, and even woven such an intricate basket, he didn't press the matter. He decided to believe these dishes were her handiwork. After all, no other female in the Wolf Tribe knew how to do such things.

Not only were there none in the Wolf Tribe, but there were none in other tribes or even in the Beast King City. As for places further away, Su Lie didn't know; he had never been. A thought stirred in his mind: perhaps his daughter had been favored by the Beast God. How else could one explain this series of changes?

Su Lie walked to the stone table and reached out to grab a piece of stir-fried pork heart with ginger and garlic, popping it into his mouth. He had expected that food with such an exquisite appearance would likely taste mediocre, given it was made by his lazy, greedy daughter.

To his surprise, the flavor was exceptionally good—tender, smooth, and delicious. It was infinitely better than any roasted meat he had ever tasted. He couldn't help but widen his eyes in disbelief. Heavens, his daughter could actually make such wonderful food?

Seeing his reaction, Su Xiyue felt amused but kept it off her face. She handed him a pair of chopsticks. "Father, I specifically made these chopsticks. They are very convenient for picking up food and won't burn your hands. Give them a try."

Su Lie took the chopsticks, staring at the two long, thin sticks in his hand with confusion. "How do you use this?" It was his first time seeing chopsticks; he had no idea how they worked.

She gave a faint smile and demonstrated. "You use them like this. See? Isn't it convenient?"

Su Lie attempted to mimic her, trying to pick up some food, but found it incredibly awkward. After failing several times, he was tempted to throw them away. However, he didn't want his daughter to look down on him, thinking he couldn't even use a pair of sticks, so he kept trying.

After a few more attempts, he discovered the ingenuity of the design: it was more hygienic than using his hands, and it didn't burn his fingers. It was just very awkward and unfamiliar.

He tasted every dish, finding the flavors superb—a true revelation for his palate. He began eating faster and faster, unable to stop. He devoured the food like a whirlwind. Seeming to feel that the chopsticks were too slow or too difficult to get used to, he simply lifted the stone plate and tilted it toward his mouth, pouring the contents in. Oil ran down the corners of his mouth onto his face and neck, but he didn't bother to wipe it off. He ate voraciously, like a starving soul reborn.