In Charlie's palm lay a ring, and the information it provided was quite simple."Lynch's Magic BagEquipment Level: 120Additional Magic Pattern: Basic Spatial PatternPassive Skill: Creates a 2x2 magical space that can be used to store anything.Lynch advises you not to stuff living things inside."
This ring had a very straightforward function and a relatively small capacity, yet it made Charlie's heart race. The value of space equipment was undeniable; it was the most sought-after type of gear for outdoor adventures. The reason was simple:
A 1x1 capacity space item could sell for at least 4,000 points in the virtual auction house of the points system, while this piece of equipment was worth at least 10,000 points—meaning this ring was valued at a minimum of 50 million gold coins, which indicated a genuine intention.
Charlie's consciousness probed into the ring, revealing a multifunctional steel frame that fit perfectly within the space, dividing the magic bag into several layers, complete with a weapon rack. This setup made organizing items within the space much easier.
In the center of the steel frame, a cabinet contained stacks of shimmering golden notes, which were currency exchange notes issued by the four major trading companies of the empire. Roughly estimating, these notes were worth around 70 to 80 million.
This indicated that the net worth Donald had previously revealed was actually understated.
Charlie exclaimed in surprise, "You really dare to carry all your wealth with you? Aren't you afraid someone might covet your riches?"
Donald chuckled self-deprecatingly, "In the Arcane Circle, this amount of money is nothing."
"Then aren't you afraid I could kill you after signing the contract and take your assets?"
"I believe in Leon's judgment." Donald met Charlie's gaze and smiled, "Besides, you wouldn't be that foolish. I think you and Leon are similar; you both aim for personal strength, not wealth. Trust me, I will be a very suitable partner."
"Your insight is quite accurate!" Charlie nodded slightly and pondered, "I'll give you a 60% share. After we sign the magical contract, I'll hand over the formula to you. Let's make this work! I hope by year-end we can all enjoy the first slice of the cake, and I wish you success in achieving a more significant position in the Lewis family!"
Charlie could roughly guess Donald's reasons for such a gamble. The reasons he stated were only a small part, as the main reason was likely that the power struggle for succession within the Lewis family had already reached a boiling point. With the resources Donald currently controlled, he risked being eliminated from contention.
Rather than losing all hope in a stable situation, it was better to wager everything and fight for it.
Feeling Charlie's gaze, Donald felt as if he was being seen through. His face flushed with excitement, and he exclaimed, "My goodness! Don't you understand the value of a 10% share? Within a year, it could mean millions in profits, and after ten years, it could be hundreds of millions! This is not a small amount."
"To prove your insight is correct, I have to puff myself up!"
Donald laughed heartily, grasping Charlie's arm, continuously thanking him. "Thank you for your generosity! Charlie, here's to a successful partnership!"
"Here's to a successful partnership!"
As they spoke, Donald chuckled sheepishly, "By the way, could you return the gold notes to me? Running this business requires gold!"
Charlie pulled out a pile of shimmering magical currency notes from the ring and handed them all over to him.
...
Two hours passed quickly, but fortunately, Charlie had prepared well. There were sufficient stocks of Swallow Grass and Firefruit Juice for two people's consumption.
Charlie left a purchase request for Swallow Grass and Firefruit in the points system's virtual auction house, and for a cost of 50 points, he could gather enough materials.
Then, Charlie headed toward the restaurant.
"Brother Charlie, over here!" Qianxue cheerfully ran over, pulling him into a high-end restaurant.
The environment was nice, and the decor was quite exquisite. In the most prominent spot of the restaurant, a magical message board displayed the prominent words: "Medicinal Cuisine from Afar—A Secret Recipe Underrated for a Century? A Blessing for Warriors!"
Charlie was taken aback. "Are they advertising now?"
Following his gaze, Qianxue explained, "This was Fili's idea. He thinks promoting this is beneficial for you, and the restaurant wants to create a hot topic."
Sensing that Charlie wasn't particularly enthusiastic, Qianxue cautiously asked, "What's wrong? Are you not happy?"
Charlie smiled, "I might not have that much time. Although points are precious, my time is equally precious!"
Qianxue hesitated, "Then… should I help you talk to him?"
"It's fine." Charlie waved his hand, contemplating, "With such a setup, if I'm not mistaken, someone will come looking for me."
"Oh! Alright then!"
"Where's your brother?"
"He was just here." Qianxue looked around, searching for Qianjue's figure.
At that moment, a man in a server's outfit approached and asked, "Are you Mr. Charlie?"
"I am."
"Mr. Charlie, the kitchen is ready. Everyone has been cleared out; you can start at any time. If you need anything, just call me through the magic communication device inside, and I'll respond to your requests immediately."
Charlie nodded silently, "Alright, take me there."
Qianxue chimed in, "Then I'll step back! Otherwise, if the recipe leaks, I won't be able to explain it."
"You can come along! It's not a big deal; this recipe isn't anything extraordinary. I'm already mentally prepared."
Qianxue immediately brightened, "Hehe! I'm glad you said that! But I've decided not to go in; I don't want to make things complicated for you!"
"Stop dawdling! If I ask you to come, just come!!" Charlie feigned anger.
"Oh!"
"I'll give you a little punishment."
Qianxue asked curiously, "What's a little punishment?"
"You'll find out later."
Soon, under the server's guidance, Charlie and Qianxue arrived at the kitchen.
The warehouse at the back of the kitchen had been temporarily modified, with a specially customized gigantic steel frame embedded in a cave, heated by a charcoal fire, creating a perfect charcoal grill.
It seemed Fili had put some effort into understanding Charlie's methods and had prepared a good setup for him.
In front of the steel frame, a huge table was placed at the center of the warehouse, upon which lay a massive rhinoceros that had been skinned—approximately 1.8 meters tall and 4 meters long, its size was quite spectacular. Without the thick rhino skin, the red and white muscle blocks were particularly gruesome.
Qianxue immediately covered her eyes, crying out, "It's so terrifying! It's both disgusting and scary!"
"You'll feel differently soon," Charlie chuckled, saying, "If you're uncomfortable, you can sit aside for a bit."
Then, Charlie began to process the rhino meat. Following the recipe, he marinated the meat chunks and placed them on the steel frame, igniting the fire to begin the long charcoal roasting. There wasn't much technical difficulty; the most critical factor was patience. Fortunately, Charlie had exceptional mental power, allowing him to control the fire element, and with the chip, he could precisely regulate the temperature.
Before long, a rich meaty aroma mixed with a mysterious herbal scent, accented by a hint of spiciness, filled the room, provoking hunger. Unable to resist the temptation, Qianxue walked to the fire, watching the golden roasted meat bubbling with fat on the steel frame, her mouth watering uncontrollably.
"Now that you see it, do you still think it's terrifying?"
"Umm!" Qianxue shook her head vigorously.
"Do you want to eat?"
"Mm-hmm!"
"I'll save you the best piece later."
"Great! Great!!"
"Do you now understand the meaning of a little punishment?"
Qianxue cupped her flushed face, smiling happily, "I understand now. Thank you, Brother Charlie!"
"Is your mouth so sweet because there's food?"
"Hehe!"
Time passed, and outside, the guests could no longer wait, urging several times through the magic communication device. Finally, Charlie felt the grease level and texture had reached their peak. He extinguished the flames and called a group of servers using the magic communication device.
Golden roasted meat, still on the bone, was arranged in two rows on the table, served on white porcelain plates, both visually appealing and aromatic. Charlie had noticed several servers swallowing hard as they carried the plates; if it weren't for their strong professional restraint, they likely wouldn't have been able to resist diving into the feast.
In contrast, Qianxue was much happier, holding the most tender piece of rib, biting into it with grease dripping everywhere, entirely unbothered by her lady-like image.
"Ah! Ouch! It's so spicy!!" Qianxue fanned her tongue with her hand, exclaiming, "Wow! I feel like I'm going to faint; my head is spinning! What should I do? But I still want to eat! What should I do?"
Charlie poured her a glass of water, and Qianxue grabbed it and gulped it down in one go.
"Alright, don't eat so quickly! I'll take you outside to find your brother!" Charlie supported Qianxue as they exited the kitchen.
This girl was also someone who loved indulging in good food. When there was something delicious, she wanted to devour it all in one bite without waiting.
After a hearty feast, they were both sweating, and the medicinal effects of the dish were already starting to take effect.
"Mr. Charlie, my superior is requesting to see you." Just as Charlie was about to take Qianxue away, a server stopped him.
"My friend isn't feeling well; I want to take her out first and come back later."
"This… I'm afraid I can't make that decision. How about you meet my superior first and then decide?" the server hesitated.
"Charlie, I'll take care of her; you go ahead," Qianjue appeared just in time.
It was good that her brother had arrived.
Charlie handed Qianxue over to her brother and said, "She ate the rhino meat, so take good care of her! She'll be fine once she wakes up."
Qianjue smiled wryly, "You! You can't wait to let everyone around you try good food. Why does she, a girl, need to strengthen herself so much? There's no competition for muscles."
Charlie laughed, "You're overthinking it; it's not specifically for building muscles. It's for strengthening the body, boosting health, enhancing constitution, and reducing illnesses—there are many benefits."
"Alright then!"
The server interjected, "Mr. Charlie, I'm afraid my superior is getting impatient. Shouldn't you discuss your matters later?"
Charlie chuckled, "Then let him wait! He's your superior, not mine!!"
Qianjue suppressed a smile and gave Charlie a thumbs up.