Hogan opened the lid, and an even stronger, delicious smell rushed out, making everyone's mouths water.
Inside the bowl, the once dry and hard noodles had turned soft and springy. They soaked in a golden broth, with some green scallions and small chunks of meat floating on top. It looked incredibly tempting.
But even though the smell was mouthwatering, no one dared to be the first to take a bite.
This "food" was too strange. None of them had seen or eaten anything like it before, so they felt a bit uneasy.
"Who wants to try it?" Hogan looked around.
His guards looked at each other. Everyone wanted to try, but no one was brave enough to go first.
"I will!"
A rough voice broke the silence inside the tent.
A large, broad-shouldered man with a kind face stepped forward. His name was Dajia, one of Hogan's personal bodyguards. He was known for being brave and careful.
Dajia took the chopsticks Hogan handed him. He took a deep breath, picked up some noodles, and put them in his mouth.
The moment the noodles entered his mouth, a rich and savory flavor exploded. Dajia's eyes widened, and he looked completely shocked.
This taste…
He thought the noodles were soft yet chewy, and the broth was delicious and strong. He had never tasted anything like it before.
He couldn't stop himself, he picked up another bite, then another, and another…
Soon, the entire bowl was empty. He even drank all the soup without leaving a drop.
"Delicious… So delicious!"
Dajia put down the bowl and chopsticks and wiped his mouth, still craving more.
"Master Hogan, General Meng, this is amazing! It's the most delicious thing I've ever had!"
General Meng and Hogan were both stunned as they watched Dajia look so enchanted.
Could it really be that good?
General Meng looked doubtful, he still couldn't quite believe it.
But Hogan remembered Celine's confident smile and how highly she spoke of these "foods."
"Dajia, make a few more bowls," Hogan ordered.
"Yes, sir!"
Dajia replied excitedly, grabbed a few more instant noodle packs from the box, and prepared them just like Hogan had.
Soon, several steaming, fragrant bowls of noodles were placed in front of Hogan and General Meng.
Hogan picked up his chopsticks, took a bite, and finally understood why Dajia had acted like that.
These instant noodles were truly amazing.
After finishing a bowl, both General Meng and Hogan felt completely warmed and satisfied, as if their whole body was soothed.
"I can't believe something this delicious exists in the world," Hogan said, putting down his chopsticks, his eyes still filled with shock and wonder.
General Meng didn't speak, but the look on his face clearly showed he felt the same way.
"Master Hogan, General Meng, there's more food in the box!" Dajia grinned, showing his white teeth, his eyes full of excitement.
He had clearly seen that Celine's box didn't just contain noodles.
Hogan and General Meng looked at each other and saw the same eager look in each other's eyes.
And so, a strange feeling filled the entire tent.
Next, they opened a "fruit juice." A strong fruity smell spread instantly. It was unlike any fruit they had ever known, yet it smelled sweet and inviting.
They carefully poured a bit and took a small sip. A cool, sweet liquid slid down their throats, refreshing them like nothing they'd ever tasted before. It left them deeply satisfied and refreshed.
"This... what is this thing?"
General Meng couldn't help but cry out in surprise. He felt that this "fruit juice" was more delicious and satisfying than any wine he had ever tasted.
Hogan also couldn't stop praising it. He even thought that this juice tasted better than the legendary nectar of the gods.
Next, they started unwrapping those colorful and beautifully packaged "candies" one by one.
There were milk candies that melted in the mouth and tasted sweet and comforting.
There were chewy and tangy soft candies that were fun to eat.
There were also mint candies that were refreshing and left a lasting taste.
Each type of candy gave them a different experience, but all of them were so good they couldn't stop eating.
When they tasted the "milk chocolate," the smooth, rich, slightly bitter but sweet flavor completely won them over.
"So sweet... way too sweet..." Da Jia mumbled while chewing on the chocolate. His face showed a big happy smile, like he had just received the whole world.
Hogan and General Meng were no different. They had never imagined such sweetness could even exist in the world.
The group was completely immersed in this sweet "feast," unable to pull themselves away.
Then suddenly, General Meng snapped out of it.
He put down the candy in his hand, his eyes lit up with a sharp look. He turned to Hogan and spoke urgently, with a bit of excitement in his voice.
"Young Master, if we use this kind of food during military campaigns, wouldn't that be..."
He didn't finish the sentence, but his meaning was clear.
These foods weren't just tasty. They were easy to carry, easy to store, and most importantly, they could quickly give people energy and restore strength.
For soldiers who fought long battles and lived in tough conditions, this was priceless.
Just imagine, in the freezing cold, when everyone is tired and starving, being able to eat a hot bowl of instant noodles, drink a cup of sweet juice, and have a few refreshing candies...
That would feel like heaven.
Not only could it raise their spirits, but it would also help the soldiers fight better in battle.
Hogan clearly understood what General Meng meant. He nodded and thought for a moment, then said,
"Celine once told me these foods are things she trades with others. I think we can do the same."
General Meng's worried expression instantly relaxed when he heard that.
"Young Master, this food is too important for the army. Please, you must talk to Celine and trade for as much as you can."
He paused, getting more excited.
"All the military funds we receive from the court can be used for the trade."
Hogan looked at General Meng's eager face and felt deeply moved.
He knew General Meng was right. The value of this food couldn't be measured by money.
It could increase their army's strength, keep their morale up, and help maintain order.
This meant a lot for the Qin Empire.
"What you say makes sense, General Meng. But…"
Hogan looked slightly helpless.
"Celine's world is already late at night. She needs to rest. We shouldn't bother her now.
Let's wait. Tomorrow morning, I'll go talk to her and discuss the trade."
"Good! Good! Good!" General Meng nodded repeatedly, his face full of joy. "Thank you, Young Master."
In his mind, he was already planning. Once the food arrived at the army camp, he would make sure every soldier got to taste this amazing "delight from the human world."