The chapter opens with a description of the smell of venison, and the narrator tells us that he smells "a special aroma" . He apologizes to the two men for being so rude, and says that he hasn't introduced himself yet. He tells them that he's not sure if he has offended them, and apologizes for not being more polite earlier. He compliments the hair on the man's head, and thanks the woman for her kindness. He says that the meat is "cold thanks to you" , and that it's nice that she's been so kind to him. The narrator tells the men that he met a man many years ago who roasted meat that was quite good, but that he doesn't want to eat it, because he has to follow the "basic laws" when pretending to eat meat. The spices in the meat are very much like those used by the man who roasted the meat, and they're also very similar to the spices used in the black bean sauce that the men serve. The two men agree to make a promise to each other, and to the tulip family, in exchange for the venison.