Universe Infinite Canteen

33 had already enjoyed three courses, all of which had satisfied her, especially considering the Plane she was currently in.

What followed was a dessert.

— Lemon mousse cake.

This was the last dish 33 had ordered, but she didn't rush to taste it. Instead, she used her spoon to cut the cake in front of her in half and pushed it towards Lao Hei.

"Eat some as well, you'll need the energy to struggle later."

Lao Hei's face turned gloomy at the thought of his impending death; he had lost all appetite.

However, upon seeing 33's little gun, he quickly picked up the spoon.

The cake was very delicious, but Lao Hei wasn't in the mood to savor the culinary experience; he ate it hurriedly and set the spoon down again, with cream still stuck at the corner of his mouth.

33 quietly waited for about five minutes, during which she constantly observed Lao Hei's reactions.

Seeing that she didn't exhibit any unusual signs, 33 then ate the remaining half of the dessert.

33 ate much more elegantly than Lao Hei. She scooped a small spoonful into her mouth, the first sensation was coolness.

Since mousse cake is different from other cakes—no baking required, set by chilling—it was somewhat like ice cream yet didn't melt as soon as it touched the tongue.

The mousse cake melted slower in the mouth than ice cream, while also having the soft and light feeling of jelly, with a strong cream flavor, almost too strong.

However, the addition of lemon balanced out the sweetness of the mousse beautifully, making the cake refreshingly tart.

The sourness traveled down 33's throat all the way into her heart and spleen, making her shiver involuntarily.

How could it be so sour?!

This was definitely the sourest lemon 33 had ever tasted, yet she couldn't help but want to take a second bite, then a third...

Before she knew it, she had finished the remaining half of the lemon mousse cake. Still longing for more, she licked her lips, then looked up at Ma Lu.

"What did you put in there?"

"Nothing much, just... some ingredients."

33 sneered, "On the menu you gave me, there were two dishes with lemon added. You seem very keen on having me eat something related to lemons."

"Three dishes," Ma Lu corrected, "There was another one where I didn't write lemon in the dish's name, but it actually also contains lemon."

"Now you've got your wish," 33 stared at Ma Lu, her hand already gripping the small gun.

"Was starting this really worth it? Your relationship with her doesn't seem that close, and yet, you're willing to go to such lengths to save her, even risking yourself. Could it be that you've actually been secretly in love with her?"

"I'm not interested in her. Though she does look quite cute, I've seen what truly lies beneath that skin of hers, and her previous appearance. Since then, I've found it difficult… to have any thoughts about her beyond being a partner."

"Then why take the risk for her, poison my food?" 33 asked.

"I didn't poison the food," Ma Lu explained, "As I said, I never poison the food; that would ruin the restaurant's reputation."

"Why does my heart feel so sour now, and why is there this burning sensation that comes and goes?"

"Because based on the customers' needs, recommending dishes that suit them has always been a part of top-tier restaurant service."

33 raised her eyebrows, "You think I enjoy this constant sourness?"

"No, your psychologist was right, you need peace, to relieve your stress."

"I'll find peace after I've killed you, her, her, and everyone else in this restaurant," 33 said, pointing her gun at Ma Lu, Ma Youyou, and Lao Hei, then gesturing towards the kitchen.

"Maybe, but such peace would only be temporary," Ma Lu replied without changing expression.

"Hmm?"

"You need to address the root of all your problems, only then can you find lasting peace."

"You're saying your lemon cake will rid me of mental stress forever?" 33 said sarcastically.

"Of course not, in fact, you should be able to feel that you're more irritable now. That's right, because the purpose of that cake was to help you locate the issue, but I can't help you solve the source of your stress."

"Then who can solve it for me?" 33 frowned, feeling the sourness in her heart growing stronger, making her restless.

"You," Ma Lu answered with certainty, "The bell ringer must untie the bell. Only you can resolve your psychological issues. Relying on others would only turn it into a permanent demon in your heart."

33's grip on the pistol didn't loosen at her words, but her eyes revealed a thoughtful look.

A moment later, she exhaled a name.

"99, you're right. Most of my stress and irritation is because of her. It's also because of her I started regular therapy.

"Because she's always copying you?"

"No, not just that. I hate her more because she reminds me of my younger self. When I first entered the field, I wasn't like I am now, always talking about taste and imagination.

"I just pulled the trigger, took the money, didn't care if the posture was cool or if someone had used a similar killing method before. I would crazily collect the deeds and cases of those predecessors and learn their skills like a sponge.

"Of course, such barbaric and crude methods got me lots of disapproval. A senior I deeply respected once warned me; now that I'd made a name, I should pay attention to my taste.

"Don't keep copying. Try to think hard and come up with more novel and artistic execution methods. So I ruminated for a week, then went to the museum and stole a piece of contemporary art.

"I presented it as a gift to him, and while he was appreciating it up close, I came behind him and pinned his head to it with an awl.

"I renamed the painting, now stained with his blood and featuring a new hole, 'Taste' and returned it to the museum.

"After that, I had an epiphany. Inspiration flowed endlessly and my taste improved. I quickly became the top assassin in the Multiverse."

33's face showed a hint of nostalgia, but then she sighed, "Now it's my turn to be the senior. Even though I don't admit it and always say I look down on 99, deep down, I'm actually very envious.

"Envious of how wild and free she lives, and her terrifying speed of growth. Two months ago, I had a nightmare; my head had a nail in it too. It was one 99 had hammered in.

"You're right," 33 told Ma Lu, "This is my own illness, only I can cure it. I can't drag it out any longer; I must resolve it now!

"Otherwise, this sourness will only grow stronger and ultimately ruin my life."