Perception beyond ordinary humans allowed Jason not to need to enter the kitchen of the restaurant to clearly smell the aroma of various foods.
The scent of pan-fried steak.
The scent of roasted lamb.
The scent of braised pork bones.
The mixed scent of greens and fruits.
And the scent intermingled with various seasonings.
Each scent was rich and fragrant, making it obvious that the Amada restaurant only selected top-quality ingredients.
Among these ingredients was mixed a bizarre scent.
What a bizarre number.
Jason thought, as he took his seat on the sofa, quietly waiting under the waiter’s direction.
Edward sat opposite him, while the female pastry chef conscientiously took a seat next to Jason.
“Please wait a moment.”
“The meal will be ready shortly.”
After brewing the tea, the waiter poured it for the three of them, speaking as he did so.
Then he stood up, bowed, and left the private room.
When the door to the private room closed, the sound of flowing water outside abruptly ceased.
“The soundproofing is quite good.”
Edward remarked, looking towards the female pastry chef.
The pastry chef was taken aback for a moment before she realized what was happening.
“I’ll go watch the television.”
Having said that, she stood up and made her way to the television.
After the power was turned on, the screen was filled with static at first, but as the pastry chef fiddled with the antenna, an image gradually appeared, fuzzy as if viewed through a frosted glass.
“Pretty good, isn’t it?”
Edward pointed to the television.
Even though he found the old television quite outdated, it was nevertheless very familiar to him, having not seen such appliances for many years.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for us.”
Edward, sitting there, suddenly stood up straight and bowed deeply.
Without waiting for Jason to speak, he sat down again, the solemnity leaving his face, replaced by his usual polite smile.
“But if you commit a crime, I’ll arrest you just the same.”
“Just like those bastards.”
“You are heroes, but that does not mean you can act recklessly because of it.”
During his speech, his eyes were fixed intently on Jason.
When he noticed that Jason remained calm, his tone softened somewhat.
“You’re not like them.”
“You’re more powerful.”
“But you aren’t bloodthirsty, and that is why… I am sitting here with you.”
In his slightly softened tone was a heavy undertone of reluctance.
Jason could hear it, but he didn’t speak, having already guessed as much; he simply picked up the tea in front of him, took a small sip, and waited patiently for what was to come.
“I don’t want to do this.”
“But I have no choice.”
“I don’t fit in with the existing system of Newdeth City, and on top of being constantly constrained, some people harbor ill intentions toward me.”
“Now, my situation is even more perilous.”
“The death of several of my subordinates is enough to serve as a weapon for them to attack me with.”
“I don’t have much time.”
“I must form a counterattack before they complete their assault!”
“And there’s an opportunity right in front of me!”
Edward spoke frankly.
Just as Edward was about to reply, the door to the private room knocked.
The door opened, and the waiter who had left returned with several others, carrying dishes covered by elegant silver cloches.
Seeing the silver cloches that instilled in him a sense of familiarity, Jason’s eyes involuntarily twitched.
His foreboding feeling grew stronger and stronger.
And then, when the silver covers were lifted, Jason saw a glass of water and a bill.
The water, clear and still, at room temperature.
The bill, clearly marked, 66 dollars.
Edward saw it too, especially when he noticed the bill.
He couldn’t help but cover his chest with his hand.
66 dollars for a glass of tap water?!
He genuinely felt a pang in his heart.
“Is this glass of water the ‘painful feeling’?”
Edward couldn’t help but ask.