Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 256 Good Cop, Bad Cop

"What are we going to do for lunch, then?"

"Why have so many of the town's restaurants closed up?"

"Are they no longer open for business? It's all rather peculiar!"

The inn staff were taken aback to find them all still in town.

"Didn't you lot go out rowing together?"

"No."

"Well, that's a shame!"

The inn staff looked genuinely sorry. "Your school had organised the rowing activity to finish up at Lake Skyward,

famous for its crabs. Many of the town's restaurant owners were called in to help cook there, but you missed

out."

Half of the restaurant owners were busy preparing meals, while the rest didn't want to miss the crab feast and

set off early in the morning.

That was why the town was now so quiet.

On hearing this, everyone was dumbfounded.

Silence grasped them.

Then, shock grabbed their hearts.

What? Today's rowing is meant to end with a crab feast at Lake Skyward!?

Good Lord, we've missed out, big time!

Why hadn't they mentioned this earlier?

Someone piped up, "Why didn't you tell us yesterday? | would have definitely joined in!"

The innkeeper happened to pass by and chuckled at the comment. "Lake Skyward is near our town, and it's

really renowned. Didn't you check all the info beforehand?" A momentary silence followed.

"No."

"Well, that's a shame. But don't fret. Even though we didn't prepare meals today, we've got plenty of instant

noodles in the pantry to tide you over." Instant noodles!?

How could instant noodles compare to a crab feast?

They were speechless.

Words failed them.

They had assumed rowing would be a fruitless task, but now they were told there were rewards waiting.

"Then bring them out quick. I'm famished. Haven't eaten a thing since morning, and it's already noon."

The innkeeper motioned for a staff member to fetch the instant noodles, but cautioned, "Mind you, the instant

noodles aren't complimentary." Silence hung in the air.

Previously, expenses were covered by the school, hence there were no charges.

However, today, with the school arranging a lavish crab feast at Lake Skyward that was open for everyone, these

students opting for noodles at the inn meant the owner couldn't extend free hospitality.

Meanwhile, on the shores of Lake Skyward, Violeta and her companions had already assembled at the lakeside

mansion for the crab banquet.

While custom dictated first-come, first-served, it was more of a motivational ploy for the rowers. In the end,

everyone would have an equal portion.

At the mansion, a bountiful spread of fresh food awaited, buffet-style, offering everyone the freedom to savour

as they pleased.

For city-raised youngsters, a crab banquet was a rare indulgence.

Today, they could feast to their heart's content.

They could even acquire keepsakes carved from wood. They were made in the image of crabs.

The craftsmen put a lot of work into these souvenirs. Every crab had little differences between one another, but

all looked like they could spring to life at any moment. Post-feast, they were treated to crab-catching and a tour

of the ecological farms, an enlightening experience indeed.

Dinner proved a hearty affair, eclipsing lunch in both warmth and variety.

They didn't have to row back; transport was arranged, and they were all ferried back to the town together.

It was a day's end that couldn't have been more perfect.

The couple who had joined Violeta's group couldn't hide their elation.

Initially hesitant about the boating trip, they had expected little in return.

Little did they know they were headed for such a heavenly destination.

They captured numerous photos and shared them, quickly catching the eye of their classmates.

Meanwhite, back at the inn, everyone else made do with instant noodles. They crumbled about the lack of

exquisite crab soup and could

enhance their meal with a tone

sausage!

only

As the images spread like wildfire, envy and remorse swept through the group. Seven directed their

frustration towards Zelena and Hattie.

"There's a crab feast out there, and I'm stuck here with noodle soup. The difference is stark!"

"Yeah, if I'd known, I'd have joined Violeta without hesitation. It's just unbelievable."

"I'm a sucker for crab roe. Seeing that crab roe mixed rice in the photos is making my mouth water ... Zelena and

Hattie, seated nearby, exchanged eye rolls at the grievances aired.

Hattie, known for her fiery

temperament, rose abruptly from her seat and retorted, "What's the fuss? It's just crabs. Ever tried king crab? ?

When we return, I'll treat you all at Yumloft. Enough fuss over something so trivial. It's beyond belief."

With that declaration, Hattie stormed off upstairs to her room.

Zelena, also standing now,

addressed the group with a reassuring smile, "Don't let it get tox you, everyone. That's just how Hattie is. Rest

assured, since we promised yesterday to treat you, we'll make good on it. When we're back, forget

treat you to a lavish seafood feast."

the crab banquet; we get

Silence swooped down on the room.

"1

With one as the tough enforcer and the other as the comforting voice, they managed to mend fences and soothe

bruised egos.