Chapter 32: Forge Barbecue

Chapter 32: Chapter 32: Forge Barbecue

Lin Ji stood on the deck, his gaze fixed on Tang Ling, who was bent over fiddling with the system panel.

Since she had heavy work to do, Tang Ling wore only a tight white tank top underneath, covered by a loose pair of overalls.

As she bent over now, the side seam of the overalls revealed a large expanse of snow-white, delicate skin.

Her impressive peaks swayed heavily under the force of gravity, their astonishing curves almost bursting from the neckline.

Especially the part wrapped by the overalls, round and perky, swaying left and right with her movements, full of youthful, fleshy vitality.

Lin Ji narrowed his eyes, having to admit that this messy little Artisan, once she took off her glasses and cleaned up, was absolutely a captivating beauty.

"Perfect! Finally enough storage space!"

Tang Ling straightened up excitedly, the waves on her chest trembling violently, enough to make one dizzy.

Lin Ji withdrew his gaze and pointed to the mountain-like pile of Demon Shark Meat on the deck.

"Alright, let’s process this meat first."

He picked out two units of the most tender spine meat, then turned to look at Su Qingyue beside him.

"School Belle Su, a bit of hard work—freeze all this meat."

Su Qingyue’s slender fingers pinched the hem of her clothes, a flicker of struggle passing through her cool eyes.

As a once-adored young lady, this feeling of being ordered around was something she wasn’t accustomed to.

But seeing Lin Ji’s unwavering gaze, she straightened her slightly immature yet perfectly shaped chest, and ultimately obediently stepped forward.

Now, she was gradually getting used to being ordered around by Lin Ji.

Hiss—

The Frostglove erupted with a sapphire-blue light, layers of frost quickly covering the shark meat.

In less than five minutes, the deck was piled with hard, frozen lumps.

"Tang Ling, store them in the Backpack."

Lin Ji instructed calmly.

"Freezing before storage not only extends the shelf life in the System Space but also locks in freshness all at once.

When we take it out later, it’ll be ready to eat directly, saving you and Qingyue from repeatedly expending Spiritual Power to maintain it."

Lin Ji explained, this was also to preserve both their stamina as much as possible before the expedition freighter.

With a wave of her small hand, Tang Ling stored all the frozen Demon Shark Meat into the expanded Backpack.

"Captain, are we eating raw meat slices for lunch?"

Tang Ling wiped the sweat from her forehead, a few strands of hair sticking to the sweat-dampened tank top, revealing a hint of fleshy color.

"I’m not in the habit of eating raw meat."

Lin Ji pointed at the red Crimson Sky Forge.

"Move it over here. We’re having barbecue for lunch."

Tang Ling was stunned, looking at her treasure with some heartache.

"You’re actually going to use this divine-level forge to grill meat?"

"Nonsense, this fire never goes out—it’s the top-tier natural heat source. No use wasting it."

Lin Ji patted the furnace body as if it were the most natural thing.

"If it gets cold at night, this thing can double as a bed warmer—might even be cozier than hugging you."

Tang Ling’s pretty face flushed red. She shot him an annoyed glare but didn’t argue back.

By now, the sun had climbed directly overhead, its scorching rays heating the deck until it was slightly warm to the touch.

"Wait a moment. This sun is unbearable—I’ll make us some shade."

Though still weak, if it was just a small creation that didn’t consume much Spiritual Power, Tang Ling could push herself a little further and fire up the furnace again.

Under the Mind Shaping influence of the furnace, several thick wooden planks quickly transformed into a broad, fixed sunshade, securely positioned above the wooden cabin.

Next, six wooden chairs with backs and a specially crafted round table took shape.

Tang Ling even used alloy sheets to press out several sets of delicate knives, forks, straws, and plates.

"Much more spacious now! Once the ship reaches Level 3, I’m definitely expanding our cabin into a luxurious bedroom!"

Tang Ling patted one of the chairs and flashed Lin Ji a proud smile.

Lin Ji nodded and handed her the green Water Purifier Blueprint.

"While you still have Spiritual Power left, make this too."

Tang Ling took the blueprint. Thanks to her increased proficiency, in less than ten minutes, a uniquely designed device appeared before everyone.

The Water Purifier consisted of two layers, with a Filtration Membrane made of fine sand, charcoal, and System Materials sandwiched in between. It looked both exquisite and sturdy.

Lin Ji promptly handed it to Bai Taotao.

"Taotao, keep a close eye on this. Replace it as soon as the seawater is filtered—don’t let anyone go thirsty."

"Aye aye, Captain!"

Though her stomach was growling with hunger, Bai Taotao immediately straightened her small frame upon hearing the order.

Her twin tails, tied with silk ribbons, swayed slightly as she looked at Lin Ji with a hint of fear in her eyes.

Sizzle—

Lin Ji laid the sliced Demon Shark Meat on the grate atop the furnace.

The high heat forced out the fats, producing a sizzling sound. A rich, charred aroma instantly burst across the deck.

Lin Ji sprinkled a handful of fine sea salt over the meat. Under the glow of the flames, the flesh appeared golden and glistening with oil.

Shen Manyun and Su Qingyue gathered around the furnace, their eyes fixed intently on the sizzling, oily meat slices, their throats unconsciously bobbing.

Lin Ji was the first to pick up a piece of roasted meat, placed it on a plate, and headed toward the cabin.

Inside, Gu Yihan was curled up asleep on the wooden bed.

Her impossibly long legs were draped diagonally over the edge of the bed, the curves beneath her yoga pants breathtakingly dramatic.

Lin Ji walked to the bedside. Looking at her slightly parted red lips as she slept, he raised his hand and gave her firm, round buttock a sharp slap.

Smack!

A crisp sound echoed through the quiet cabin.

"Ah!"

Gu Yihan let out a startled cry, springing up like a frightened rabbit.

One hand covering her tingling, sore buttock, her beautiful eyes wide open, her face still flushed with sleep and embarrassment.

"Lin Ji! You... what are you doing?!"

"Get up and eat some meat."

Lin Ji handed the fragrant plate to her.

"Eat your fill, so you’ll have the strength to be my sniper on the ship later."

Gu Yihan looked at the golden piece of roasted meat, her initial embarrassment instantly transforming into overwhelming sweetness.

Biting her lower lip, she took the plate and, right in front of Lin Ji, took a big bite, her face revealing an expression of utmost satisfaction.

Gu Yihan quickly ate more than half of the roasted Demon Shark Meat on the plate.

Her originally pale complexion visibly flushed with color.

"Lin Ji, this meat..."

Gu Yihan put down the plate, her beautiful eyes filled with astonishment.

"I feel a warmth spreading in my stomach, as if all the pores in my body have opened up. Most of the energy I consumed last night has actually been restored."

Lin Ji cut off a piece of meat and stuffed it into his mouth, chewing slowly.

"These Sea Monsters have long absorbed the energy in this environment, so their flesh naturally contains abundant Life Essence."

"Eat more. This stuff not only fills your stomach but also replenishes the depletion after using your talent."

Hearing this, Tang Ling beside them quickly picked up a piece and stuffed it into her mouth.

"Mmm! It’s true!"

Tang Ling exclaimed indistinctly, her eyes sparkling.

"My hands were still a bit shaky, but now I feel like I can fire up the furnace again this afternoon and handcraft a few crossbow bolts!"

Watching the women eat with relish, Lin Ji revealed a mischievous smile at the corner of his mouth.

"Eat more, get plump and fair. I prefer them a bit chubby."

As soon as these words were spoken, the air on the deck fell silent for a second.

Su Qingyue, Gu Yihan, and Shen Manyun almost simultaneously looked up, glaring at him in unison.

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