Chapter 26 - Chapter 26: Can?

 The Duchess, with her extensive experience and discernment, immediately recognized that the crystal necklace was purchased from the Fallen Market, a high-end market in the mysterious realm. The Duke's wife had often gone shopping at the Fallen Market with other noble ladies of the bizarre world. However, even for someone as esteemed as the Duchess, the prices at the Fallen Market were often too steep. For example, she had once been very fond of this crystal necklace, but when she saw the price tag of one million spirit coins, she hesitated. Although the Duke held a noble position, as a military man, he didn't have an abundance of spirit coins. Moreover, he had a large family to support, including servants, attendants, and followers. Such a grand entourage required a significant amount of spirit coins. Therefore, those who could truly afford to shop for the Duchess were limited. This crystal necklace, which she had admired, now seemed out of reach. However, the Duchess never expected that she would receive this delightful gift at tonight's dinner party. Before Chen Mu was reborn, he remembered the Duchess's preferences and chose this particular necklace just for her. Instantly, the atmosphere at the dinner table changed. The Duke wore a smile as he looked at Chen Mu, as if he were looking at a good friend. The Duchess also displayed a radiant smile, gazing at Chen Mu as if she were seeing her future son-in-law. "Come on, Madam," the Duke said. "Assign some food to Chen Mu." Chen Mu understood what the Duke was doing. According to the rules, any food allocated by the Duke must be eaten. However, there was no mention that food assigned by the Duchess must be consumed. In other words, Chen Mu could avoid eating the disgusting food. Although the Duke was a man of status, even if he was trying to give Chen Mu a chance, he couldn't do it too obviously. Chen Mu marveled at the Duke's subtlety. The Duke noticed Chen Mu's realization and was pleased. This was a smart young man! He appreciated Chen Mu's discretion. Such a clever and generous young man with a seemingly impressive background could make an excellent partner. When the Duchess received the crystal necklace, she was overjoyed. The more she looked at Chen Mu, the more she liked him. She didn't care about the Duke's subtle hints and blatantly favored Chen Mu. Without hesitation, she ordered the servants to bring some cake and gave it to Chen Mu. It was clear that she wanted to prevent the revolting food from being served to Chen Mu. This sudden change of events left Liu Da Fu and Huang Mao stunned. My God! Can we play like this? Liu Da Fu had a flash of inspiration. Remembering that he still had ten spirit coins in his pocket, he thought about using them. Spirit coins were precious in the bizarre world, especially in the afterlife. He had spent a considerable amount of effort and resources to acquire these ten spirit coins. Now, it was time to use them. Chen Mu had taken something worthless, so how could his spirit coins be compared? Clearly, Liu Da Fu only knew that spirit coins were the most valuable and believed that all other items paled in comparison. When Chen Mu presented two gifts that delighted the Duke and Duchess, Liu Da Fu assumed that his own offering would be even more treasured. With this in mind, he took out ten spirit coins, intending to impress the Duke and the Duchess. However, he didn't realize that his actions would lead to his downfall. Liu Da Fu's behavior infuriated the Duke. "How dare you insult me at a dinner party!" the Duke shouted. "Take him away and execute him." The Duke ordered his attendants. Liu Da Fu was dumbfounded. What had happened? Weren't spirit coins the most valuable item? Why had his display of wealth backfired? The Duke's reaction left him confused and horrified. Chen Mu also found it amusing. Liu Da Fu's antics were indeed laughable, and Chen Mu was amazed by the situation. Liu Da Fu's actions provided Chen Mu with a new perspective. After Liu Da Fu was removed from the premises, the dinner continued. The Duke and Duchess remained smiling as they looked at Chen Mu and offered him more cake. When it came time to serve food to Huang Mao, the Duke turned to Chen Mu and asked, "Is this person your friend?" Chen Mu shook his head. "I don't know him." Since Chen Mu and Huang Mao were strangers, he had no intention of using his resources to help Huang Mao. Furthermore, Huang Mao harbored hostility towards Chen Mu, making it even less likely that Chen Mu would assist him. Without Chen Mu's intervention, the Duke treated Huang Mao according to the rules and served him a plate of rotting flesh, eyeballs... Watching his own plate filled with repulsive food while Chen Mu enjoyed delicious cake, Huang Mao was devastated. Even during the hide-and-seek game, there were different treatments, but why were their conditions still so disparate at the dinner table? Why did he have to eat such disgusting things while Chen Mu had cake to eat? Why did Chen Mu even get a choice not to eat if he didn't want to? Huang Mao's mood exploded. Jealousy mixed with resentment and malice filled his gaze as he looked at Chen Mu. He had already planned to kill Chen Mu. Once Chen Mu was dead, everything he possessed, including the spatial ring, would be his. Then, when he entered the bizarre mission, he could live as freely as Chen Mu did. Huang Mao harbored these thoughts and occasionally shot venomous glares at Chen Mu, plotting his assassination. Chen Mu was aware of Huang Mao's murderous intentions. With this in mind, he decided to let Huang Mao go and wait for him to cause trouble. Against someone who wanted to kill him, Chen Mu wouldn't show mercy. Chen Mu dialed the phone number of the mysterious driver outside and instructed him to wait for Huang Mao. The driver was powerful and could easily eliminate Huang Mao. Chen Mu knew a fundamental principle: cut the grass without removing the roots, and the grass will regrow in spring.