Chapter 50: A Feast of Gluttony

“Oh, right, what are you planning to livestream for us now?”
Natasha looked at the monitor with anticipation, eager to know what their broadcast would be about.

Yao Ling cleared her throat and then transformed into a lively food host, patiently introducing the program to her colleagues in the sky. “Here’s the plan: we’re going to explore the culinary culture of Skystar.”
“This is the most famous food street on Skystar.”
“See the smoke rising from that shop? That’s a barbecue place!”
“We’re about to investigate what barbecue on Skystar really tastes like.”
“I’ve spent my whole life eating synthetic meat, never had real barbecue, especially not from another civilization. I’ll experience it for you, on your behalf.”
“See that huge sign? They have everything! Pork belly… chicken cartilage…”
“Oh my god, is that a lobster? It looks half as big as I am! I’ve never seen anything like it, not even back on Earth!”
“I wish I could try everything…”

With a voice brimming with passion and energy, Yao Ling vividly described the customs and mouthwatering delicacies of Skystar to her colleagues above. Her voice traveled through the communicator to the experimental spacecraft.

However, as those aboard the experimental ship listened to Yao Ling’s commentary, their emotions grew steadily more agitated. Their hands clenched into fists, their teeth ground audibly, blood surged hotly through their veins, their eyes reddened, and their hearts pounded so violently it threatened to shatter their reason.

Even Natasha, usually the epitome of calm and elegance, could no longer control herself. She swiftly drew her energy pistol from her pocket, whirled around, and fixed the pilot with a murderous glare, her voice seething with rage:
“I can’t take it anymore. Land immediately! I’m going to kill that girl! Prepare her next clone!”

Her eyes blazed with fury, like a lioness ready to strike. The terrifying sight sent a chill through the pilot’s heart.

“Professor Natasha! Please, don’t be rash!”
Other scientists hurried forward to restrain her, their voices full of anxiety, trying desperately to quell her anger. One quick-thinking scientist snatched the energy pistol from her grasp, averting a potential tragedy.

With everyone working together to restrain and calm her, Natasha was finally forced back into her seat, though her heart still surged with turbulent emotion.

“Professor Natasha! Please calm down—impulsiveness is the devil’s tool!”
“I can’t calm down!”
“Those bastards, I thought they were in danger! Turns out they’re down there enjoying themselves, and now they’re rubbing it in!”

Ivanov, burly and imposing, and the blonde, blue-eyed Claire both clenched their fists so tightly that veins stood out on their hands, ready to vent their rage at any moment.

“What are they bragging about? When they get back, I’m going to teach them a lesson!”
“Damn it! They’re unbelievable!”
“Researching culinary culture, my foot! They’re just finding excuses to indulge themselves and making it sound so legitimate!”
“When they return, we can’t let them get away with this!”

Down on Skystar, Yao Yuan and his team clearly heard the angry protests of their colleagues on the experimental ship through their earpieces. Their hearts clenched, and they exchanged uneasy glances, instinctively shrinking their necks as if they could feel their colleagues’ fury pouring through the headset.

Yet Yao Ling remained as unbothered as ever, taking her colleagues’ anger in stride.
“We’re livestreaming for you out of kindness, and not only are you ungrateful, you’re getting angry? Are you going to watch or not? If not, I’ll turn it off!”
“We’re watching! Why wouldn’t we?”
Natasha practically ground the words out between her teeth. Despite her burning rage, missing the broadcast would be an even greater loss for her.

Yao Ling didn’t push further. She stuck her tongue out at the camera. Natasha, well aware of the girl’s usual antics, found herself unable to suppress her irritation at being caught off guard.

Yao Yuan and the other four had already entered the bustling night market food street of Skystar City. The crowd surged around them, the streets aglow with lights, the air filled with lively chatter—a scene of vibrant prosperity.

As they reached the barbecue shop, the rich aroma of grilling meat wafted over them, making their mouths water. The five of them couldn’t help but drool, and Yao Ling eagerly pointed the camera at the barbecue shop, capturing every tempting detail.

“This smells incredible! Synthetic meat doesn’t even compare—it’s garbage next to this!”
“And it’s so cheap! We could eat here a hundred times with our money!”
“Boss! We’ll take one of everything on the menu!”

Yao Ling’s boldness left the shop owner stunned. He stepped out, peering at the group in disbelief and tried to dissuade them, “Are you sure you want one of everything? Five of you can’t possibly finish it all.”

“We’ll take one of everything! Don’t worry about us—we can afford it!”

The owner shook his head and took their order, then motioned for them to sit at a table nearby.

The five of them sat at an outdoor table. Yang Kui’s eyes lit up as if he’d discovered a new continent. He shouted, “There’s beer here too! Boss, bring us a case!”

“The beer is so cheap! The stuff on the ship is way too expensive—we can’t ever afford it. Tonight, I’m going to drink until I drop.”

Rubbing his hands in excitement, Yang Kui glanced at Zhang Yu, who wanted to join in but managed to keep his composure.

Every word from Yao Ling was like a sharp needle, pricking the hearts of everyone aboard the spacecraft. Their hearts churned with envy, jealousy, and longing. Ivanov’s drool was already pooling on the floor.

Barbecue and beer—these weren’t just luxuries; they were cherished memories of life on Earth, now out of reach after centuries adrift in space. Over a thousand years ago, when Earth still boasted fertile lands, such feasts were everyday affairs for ordinary people. But now, in the endless journey through the stars, these delights had become unattainable dreams.

When all the dishes were served, and a whole case of beer set on the table, the five of them couldn’t wait to fill their glasses and dig in, beginning a truly lavish feast.

“This is amazing! I never knew barbecue could taste like this. Once we settle here, I swear I’ll eat it every day!”

“It really is delicious!”
“So satisfying!”
“The beer is fantastic!”
“Exhilarating!!”
“We’re not going home sober tonight!”

They ate and drank with gusto, leaving the crew on the ship trembling with longing. Ivanov even sank to his knees, silently weeping.

“This is paradise! I want barbecue and beer too!”

Natasha’s anger finally ebbed, and she gazed longingly at the monitor. In a gentle voice, echoing Aribert’s usual reassurance, she comforted everyone:

“We’ll have it soon. It won’t be long before we can settle on Skystar. Then we can eat barbecue and drink beer as much as we want!”