The vendor's smile remained fixed, yet under the eerie lighting, it appeared disturbingly sinister.
"Are you certain you don't want any?" she asked.
She stopped in front of Meng Changyi and lifted a meal towards her.
"It's quite delicious, you know."
Meng Changyi shook her head firmly. "No, thank you."
The vendor slowly withdrew her hand, releasing a soft, bone-chilling chuckle.
"Hehe…" she pushed the cart forward, her voice lingering like a shadow, "Perhaps you'll change your mind soon."
The conductor's odd behavior, coupled with the mysterious free meals, cast an even darker pall over the already oppressive atmosphere inside the carriage.
The young couple watched the vendor retreat, and the boy whispered,
"Baby… thank goodness we didn't eat. That woman gives me the creeps…"
A visible shiver ran through him.
The girl nodded, still rattled.
"Yeah… this train is getting scarier by the minute. When will we finally arrive?"
She clung tightly to her boyfriend's arm.
The young mother gently patted little Jiajia in her arms, her heart heavy with unease, though she struggled to remain composed.
"Be good, Jiajia, it's alright…" she murmured, though her anxious eyes darted nervously around the carriage.
Meanwhile, those who had accepted the meals opened their boxes.
Instantly, an enticing aroma wafted through the air.
Inside, each grain of rice was plump and glistening, side dishes rich in color—vibrant greens, golden scrambled eggs, and richly braised chunks of meat, each radiating an irresistible allure.
Under the warm, amber glow of the carriage lights, the meals looked even more appetizing.
They picked up their chopsticks, stirred the food lightly, and brought a bite to their mouths.
Satisfied expressions bloomed across their faces as soft chewing sounds filled the air.
The fragrant steam seemed to dance, unshackled, spreading rapidly in the confined space.
The aroma pierced into the noses of those who had refused, causing them to inhale deeply, unable to resist.
A man swallowed hard, his throat bobbing, eyes fixed unblinking on the food, unable to tear his gaze away.
Regret crept in—had he known, he would've taken a box without hesitation.
Next time, he swore to himself, he would.
"Mommy, it smells so good! I'm so hungry! I want to eat too…"
Little Jiajia tugged on his mother's sleeve, whining sweetly.
The elderly man smacked his lips at the scent, his stomach growling audibly, but he consoled himself with a sigh.
"Ah well, I'm old. Missing a meal won't kill me."
The mother's stomach rumbled too as she swallowed nervously, but she forced herself to resist.
"Sweetheart, hold on a little longer. Mommy will find you something else soon," she said gently.
The burly man's stomach howled in protest as he watched others eat with relish. He gulped, muttering under his breath,
"Can the food really be that good…?"
The girl from the young couple wrinkled her nose and muttered bitterly,
"Hmph, what's so great about it anyway…"
Though her own stomach growled in betrayal, she tried to maintain her composure.
"Who knows what's really in it."
The older woman, overhearing this, exaggerated her chewing and said with mock innocence,
"Mmm… so tasty. Someone sounds a bit jealous—sour grapes, anyone?
Tch tch tch… youth these days…"
Meng Changyi, who had been focused on her phone, found her fingers slowing.
Her eyes slowly drifted away from the screen and settled on the meal boxes.
It smelled divine.
Her appetite stirred.
Strange… she had just eaten not long ago.
Why was she hungry again…?
Clatter…
At the familiar sound, several of the previously tempted passengers perked up with delight.
Was the vendor coming back?
This time, they were determined—they wouldn't miss their chance.