The God of Cookery and the Stove God's faces flushed red with embarrassment; they had wanted to leave a good impression on Shopkeeper Chen.
Now it seemed they had to make the best of this mess. As veterans of bureaucracy, the God of Cookery and the Stove God immediately made the same move without delay.
They didn't get up; instead, they just tucked their legs in and knelt on the ground, with their bodies leaning even lower, naturally presenting the gesture of worship.
"This humble Stove God."
"This humble God of Cookery."
"Pays respects to Shopkeeper Chen!"
The God of Cookery and Stove God said respectfully, without any eye contact or verbal communication between them, a silent understanding that comes from working together.
Jeez, they're even doing a duet. Are they playing the straight man and the comic?
Chen Nuo quietly criticized in his mind, subtly sidestepping to dodge the two deities' formalities.
He really hated this kind of fussy ceremonial etiquette.
