In the vegetable patch, Zhang Wei laid out a spread of snacks.
Xie Min, Zhang Wei, and 626 sat in a circle, eating, drinking, and chatting.
Xie Min said, "So, you're Chef Tam's nephew, and you've come here to investigate the reason for his disappearance?"
Zhang Wei said with a sorrowful expression, "My uncle was exceptionally talented, and though a bit hot-tempered, he never harmed anyone. Who would attack him?"
"You... don't be too sad. He's only missing, not necessarily in mortal danger."
"Right, after my uncle went missing, who was in charge of delivering food to the lords?"
"The Crane City Chain Burger Shop. Although their head chef is also missing, they have many very skilled cooks."
"Oh~ Thanks! I have an idea."
...
Six hours later, a burly crab monster pushed a food cart slowly into the Fade-away Immortal Palace.
Boss Crab had been in a terrible mood lately. Ever since the Octopus incident, the burger shop had been in chaos for a long time. If it weren't for a few reliable backup chefs, the business would have collapsed.
With troublesome matters occupying his mind all day, Boss Crab decided to take the opportunity of delivering food to get some fresh air.
It was the same intersection, the same foolish guard, the same familiar scene.
"Halt! Who are you? This is a restricted core area, unauthorized personnel are not allowed!"
Boss Crab said helplessly, "I'm in a hurry to deliver food. I'm the owner of the Crane City Synthetic Chain Store. Does anyone in Crane City not know me?"
"I don't care. Follow the rules, fill out the form!"
"Alright, then make it quick..."
"Name."
"Eugene Crab, but everyone calls me Boss Crab."
"Gender."
"Male crab."
"Address... Contact information... How many people in your family... Why did your ex-wife divorce... Where does your daughter Zhenzhen go to school... Store revenue situation..."
Boss Crab said angrily, "Why do you ask so many gossipy questions when filling out the form! Where Zhenzhen goes to school has nothing to do with delivering hamburgers!"
"Alright, I have enough information!"
With a chop to the old crab, he replaced all the food on the cart.
Pushing open the door, an old acquaintance, Lord Claude, walked towards him.
"Boss Crab, wishing you prosperity! You look well lately, it seems good fortune is coming your way."
Claude was adept at dealing with people, always presenting himself this way to everyone.
Zhang Wei scanned the surroundings. There was no sign of the Golden Horn and Silver Horn, and only five lords remained.
"Five of them... If I were to launch a surprise attack, the chance of resolving it instantly is not high..."
Zhang Wei said with a shrewd smile, "I'm in a good mood today, Boss Crab has specially prepared something good for you."
On the cart, jars of fruit wine were neatly stacked.
Claude said with difficulty, "There are only five of us left in the Fade-away Immortal Palace now. We can't afford to drink and jeopardize matters during this sensitive period."
"Hey, I know your drinking capacity! Don't worry, it's all fruit wine. It's not only thirst-quenching but also doesn't get you drunk."
The few people didn't refuse, but they didn't reach out to take anything. Instead, their eyes were fixed on the hamburgers.
Upon taking a bite, Claude's eyes widened!
"These hamburgers... are so fragrant!"
"How can they be so delicious! You all try them quickly!"
"Boss Crab, how did you manage this?"
Zhang Wei smiled mysteriously and whispered, "What I've prepared is more than just fruit wine."
"A few days ago, I happened to acquire a batch of salt essence. Adding this to the patties makes the taste astonishingly good. I specially made some for you to try!"
"Salt essence?"
"That's a rare and precious item! It's said to be hard to come by even in the mortal realm. Boss Crab truly has connections!"
The Cloud Kingdom was short on salt and high in sugar, with commoners subsisting on fruits and vegetables. The noble class naturally favored the distinguished taste of salt.
And salt essence, such a delicacy, was enough to excite Claude and the others.
Zhang Wei had added a considerable amount of salt essence, making the hamburgers a bit bland, but it couldn't dampen the lords' enthusiasm.
Opening the wine jars, Zhang Wei said, "Your mouths are salty, quickly drink some fruit wine to quench your thirst. The pairing of these hamburgers with fruit wine is truly wonderful!"
Claude hesitated for a moment, then took a sip of half the wine.
"Ah~~ It's refreshing and sweet, and the wine taste is really not very strong. What kind of fruit wine is this? It tastes so good."
"I told you, this fruit wine doesn't get you drunk. Feel free to drink it with confidence!"
The hamburgers were quite dry and needed a beverage to accompany them. On Planet Blue and in Shokugeki no Soma, people enjoyed sugary sodas. Coupled with the extra salt Zhang Wei had sprinkled, the situation became even more pronounced.
But Zhang Wei's true killer move lay within the wine.
Jar after jar...
The taste of these wines was not much different from fruit juice. Claude and the others drank them as if they were beverages.
"Hic~ This is truly a perfect match. Hey, why is my head...?"
"Boss Crab, you go ahead with your work. The alcohol is going to my head, I'll sit for a while."
Claude found a comfortable position and chatted with Zhang Wei, "This wine tastes really good~ Does it have a name?"
"Seduction Wine."
"Huh? What a strange name."
"This wine rarely appears at formal banquets. It's usually found in places of revelry and indulgence."
"This fruity taste does suit that kind of amorous atmosphere."
Zhang Wei smiled and shook his head, "This wine is not well-intentioned."
"The alcohol content of this wine is not low, about 20-25%, which is comparable to some yellow wine and sake. Ordinary people would feel dizzy after a pound."
"But!"
"The ingredients of this wine include a large amount of lemon juice and mint to neutralize the taste of alcohol, as well as caffeine and taurine. Furthermore, these bubbles are not carbon dioxide, but nitrous oxide!"
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a medical anesthetic gas and a raw material for accelerating nitrogen. In recent years, it has also been sold by criminals as an addictive drug, harming ignorant people.
Claude's eyes grew increasingly blurry, his mind becoming extremely unclear.
He still said foolishly, "Wow, amazing~ As expected of Boss Crab~"
Zhang Wei squatted down and continued to explain, "The human body has a defense mechanism. Excessive alcohol intake will cause sluggishness, sleepiness, and vomiting, thus alerting the brain and stopping alcohol intake."
"However, nitrous oxide and caffeine have strong stimulating effects and can paralyze the central nervous system, causing the body to lose its vigilance. By the time you feel drunk, you are already close to alcohol poisoning."
"Mr. Claude, do you understand?"
"Mr. Claude?"
He didn't respond to Zhang Wei, only the sound of snoring gradually rose.
Besides Claude, the other four lords were also sound asleep.
"Although your physiques are astonishing and your resistance to alcohol is high, my mother wine is no ordinary concoction."
"Food cells must be countered with food cells!"
"Now, the plan begins!"
Zhang Wei transformed into Claude's appearance, put on his clothes, and walked out of the core area.
"You two, come here."
"Lord, please instruct us."
Zhang Wei pulled out a large chest of gold coins and said, "Take this and go procure according to this list."
The guards were clearly of high status. The attendant unfolded the list and glanced at it, "Lord, these are all high-quality wines."
"Yes, and then order some gourmet food from various restaurants. Remember, the quantity must be sufficient."
The attendant asked doubtfully, "Why is this so?"
Zhang Wei imitated Claude's voice and tone, speaking softly, "You may not know the situation on the front lines. The rebel army from the mortal realm has reached the Two Realms Spring. I suspect spies might infiltrate the Fade-away Immortal Palace."
"Then these wines and dishes..."
"From this day forward, the Fade-away Immortal Palace will enter defense mode. All personnel are not allowed to enter or leave. All communication with the outside world will be cut off to prevent spies! In this way, we naturally need to stock up on more food to meet daily needs."
The attendant was surprised, "Even if it's stocking food, the items on this list are too extravagant."
"We've lived a hard life recently, so I'm footing the bill myself to get you brothers something good. Also, you're asking too many questions."
The attendant, realizing he had spoken out of turn, quickly excused himself.
The remaining guards immediately gathered around, constantly flattering him.
They praised his care for his subordinates, his love for his soldiers, and his generosity.
Zhang Wei said, "Don't you all be idle either. Immediately relay the order of martial law, including laborers, guards, and relatives... After the lockdown, not even a fly shall pass."
"Understood!"
"Also, immediately prepare a venue. The war situation is urgent now, and the days ahead will likely be tough..."
"Are you going to give a speech?"
Zhang Wei glared, "A speech? What good is that! I'm going to hold a grand feast so everyone can eat and drink well. Spread my order, tonight everyone must get drunk, and anyone who dares to hold back will be court-martialed!"
The cheers of the many guards resounded through the heavens!
Does a speech work?
No!
Do leaders know it doesn't work?
Of course they know. Who would become a leader if they were foolish?
Then why still give speeches?
Naturally, it's to save money!
Everyone knew this in their hearts, but Zhang Wei was so generous, the guards were naturally delighted.
"Don't worry, my lord, the venue will be set up perfectly for you!"