Alexander called his assistant to deliver food and necessities. He instructed the assistant to leave the delivery at the door for later pickup. The order included noodles and other food items.

He then considered the delivery time, realizing Galen would likely be starving by then. Alexander stared dazedly at the kitchen supplies, arms akimbo. "As the old saying goes, 'no one could make bricks without straw.' I'm in a dilemma!"

"Let me do it," Austin said, appearing at the kitchen door, rubbing his legs. He assumed Alexander wouldn't cook himself.

Alexander raised an eyebrow, looking at Austin with suspicion. "You?"

Despite the pins and needles in his legs, Austin bristled at Alexander's skepticism. "Don't underestimate me!"

Alexander had already doubted Austin's medical skills; now, his cooking skills were in question. How could a man so admired be so incompetent in Alexander's eyes?

Austin retrieved eggs and jars from the refrigerator, and bowls from the cupboard. Breaking the eggs into a bowl and beating them, he said, "Although the food here can't compare to yours, it's still home-cooked. It won't be unpalatable."

He turned on the stove and opened a pot lid. "Hey—" Before Alexander could intervene, a pungent odor overwhelmed Austin.

"F*ck!" Austin swore, stumbling back in a coughing fit. He hadn't expected such a stench, nor the food inside the pot.

Alexander frowned. "How long has it been since you washed that pot?" The food's taste was secondary to its hygiene.

Austin hastily set down the bowl, pinching his nose while carrying the pot to the sink. He tossed it in and said, "How would I know? I never used it..."

Alexander glanced at a bin overflowing with empty instant noodle packages, quickly surmising Austin's recent habits.

Austin felt a pang of embarrassment after his arrogant claim. "Back then, the servants cooked. When they fell ill two days ago, I had to prepare my own food. I didn't know there was soup in the pot."

Having witnessed everyone fall sick, Austin's mind was consumed by thoughts of the virus – identifying it, and a furious desire for revenge. Eating was merely a necessity.

"Throw that pot away," Alexander said. "I've got someone bringing food. It'll be here soon. You can help me pick it up later."

"Me?" Austin was dumbfounded.

"Otherwise?"

Austin was the only healthy person. His vibrant appearance contrasted sharply with his weakness just days before. His energy had not only recovered but was significantly enhanced.

Alexander sized Austin up thoughtfully. 'Could that be the function of the "symbiote" Dominic mentioned before passing out?' he pondered.