“I think it’s quite novel there,” Cen Chen explained.
“I’ll just follow your lead.”
Cen Chen’s eyes lit up beside her: yes, they took the first successful step.
Initially nervous, Cen Chen relaxed with Ye Qiu’s cooperation and fully immersed himself in the atmosphere of the date. An indescribable joy surged in his heart; the guide said that those who feel a spark at first sight tend to grow fonder of each other.
The car stopped in an underground parking lot, which felt dim despite the lights. Ye Qiu helped open the car door.
“I know the way; it’s a bit dark here, and it’s easy to get lost. I’ll hold your hand,” Cen Chen explained seriously, showing no hint of ulterior motives.
Ye Qiu smiled, reaching out to take his hand. “Then hold on tightly and don’t lose me; I’m terrible with directions.”
“You might be bad with directions, but I’m quite good at finding my way. That’s perfect,” Cen Chen replied, his face unflinching.
At this hour, the mall was crowded. The elevator they had arrived at, which had been empty in the basement, filled with people by the time they reached the first floor. Cen Chen found himself squeezed into a corner while Ye Qiu stood slightly outside, creating a small space in the corner to separate them from the crowd.
Their fingers interlocked tightly; even now, in a brightly lit area, Cen Chen didn’t let go. He felt that his face must be as red as a boiled crab.
A few girls, initially joking around, noticed Ye Qiu and gasped, huddling together to whisper, casting glances their way, particularly at Ye Qiu.
When the elevator stopped, Ye Qiu led Cen Chen out. The remaining people let out a sigh of relief, their voices returning.
“Being in the same space as a handsome guy is indeed a challenge; I’m too scared to even speak!”
“So handsome, really handsome! I wonder if I could ask for his contact information if I approached him.”
As they spoke, footsteps echoed behind them, drawing closer as if they were figuring out how to ask for contact details.
Cen Chen hadn’t walked far when he heard the girls’ chatter and felt a pang of anxiety. He suddenly realized he might have underestimated Ye Qiu’s charm.
Looking around, he noticed many eyes beaming with desire, all focused on Ye Qiu.
Urgently, he grabbed Ye Qiu’s hand and quickened his pace, pulling Ye Qiu forward regardless of direction.
“Tsk, stop thinking about it. Can’t you see they’re holding hands?”
“Ugh, what a shame. Out eating and I spot a handsome guy who’s taken. But they do look good together; even in the elevator, their hands are intertwined. So clingy, I can’t take it.”
“Look at you, you scared them all away.”
“What? I wouldn’t do something so unrefined.”
Upon entering the food court, as Cen Chen anticipated, Ye Qiu still turned heads—this time, merely a few lingering glances without rushing over.
“You look different today,” Ye Qiu remarked.
Cen Chen had changed his usual style, specifically getting a new haircut. He wore a white shirt and a light brown coat, looking gentler compared to his usual serious suit.
“Quite handsome.”
Cen Chen felt uneasy under Ye Qiu’s assessing gaze. He wanted to touch his hair but remembered the stylist’s advice and quickly withdrew his hand, feeling ecstatic upon hearing Ye Qiu’s compliment. “Really?”
“Very handsome,” Ye Qiu confirmed.
Receiving praise from a lover was the greatest affirmation for someone who had dressed carefully.
“Just got off work?” Ye Qiu asked, amused at Cen Chen’s bashful demeanor.
“Yeah,” Cen Chen felt a surge of uncontrollable joy.
Actually, it wasn’t true; it was Cen Chen’s first, no, second time, skipping work on a weekday, spending the entire day preparing for today’s date.
He began to understand why the women in the office were willing to live on grass and spend two hours getting ready to meet their boyfriends.
Ahead was the restaurant Cen Chen had reserved, known for only accepting couples. He had booked a table in advance to enter directly, maximizing their date’s time.
“Hello, the wait here is about 25 minutes, do you have a reservation?” The server looked up in surprise, muscle memory making him recite what he usually said.
“We have a reservation, Mr. Cen.”
“Please wait a moment.” The server at the entrance checked the list, puzzled. After confirming over the phone, a female server arrived in high heels and paused upon seeing the two.
Yesterday, she had lamented why other people’s boyfriends were so considerate and made preparations a day in advance. She didn’t expect two very handsome men instead, her inner self longing for a beautiful relationship.
“Mr. Cen, please this way.” As they walked, she couldn’t help but discreetly glance at their intertwined hands, though she remained professional and didn’t say anything superfluous.
Countless fiber optic lights hung from the ceiling of the corridor, and in that small passageway, it felt as if they were strolling through a galaxy flowing with shimmering starlight.
“Hello, if you’re worried about being disturbed, you can pull the door shut; if needed, just ring the bell.”
Though her service was professional and even considerate, it couldn’t disguise her curiosity. Cen Chen cautiously looked up. “No need, we just want to eat ‘alone’ together.”
“Alright.” The server, understanding, gave Cen Chen a knowing look and left with the door slightly ajar.
Cen Chen felt helpless, sensing that today’s date might stir up some unexpected complications.
There was only one menu, and Cen Chen graciously placed it in front of Ye Qiu. “This restaurant has very unique dishes; many people come specifically for them. Take a look and see what you’d like to eat.”
Flying together in harmony… adding beauty to the occasion… hearts intertwined… growing old together…
There were also some regular dishes.
Seeing the peculiar dish names, Ye Qiu looked across the table at Cen Chen’s flickering gaze and realized something.
Ye Qiu chuckled. “How can one person order? Isn’t it better to ask the server for another menu?”
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