The first main course was grilled sea bass. When the server brought out a platter of flaming white desert, Lin Xiaojue felt she was in over her head.
The server was tall and slender, her hair tied in a neat ponytail, and she carried the faint scent of roses.
She methodically separated the bones from the meat of the sea bass using a fork and spoon. her movements were exceptionally skilled, in sharp contrast to the flustered server nearby.
“Honestly, why add this kind of thing during the Lunar New Year? There’s no tip, and they’re just mimicking foreigners,” the server who had spent forever on the task grumbled before straightening her collar and leaving.
The server de-boning the fish for Lin Xiaojue and her companion simply kept a smile on her lips, her movements remaining elegant, appearing not to agree with her colleague’s sentiments at all.
“Heh, you two, serving customers is only natural. You don’t need to mind that person’s words.” She held the knife and fork, resting her hands on both sides to flip the sea bass.
“Both of you are rare beauties. It’s my honor to serve you.”
Her words were perfectly polished; she was clearly a seasoned professional. Lin Xiaojue watched the server’s movements, finding them exceptionally skilled—and not just skilled, but strangely familiar.
To give her teammates a better dining experience, Lin Xiaojue had once practiced western dining etiquette.
However, she hadn’t practiced much, which resulted in her looking particularly awkward in the western restaurant.
At the very least, Lin Xiaojue had watched plenty of instructional videos back then.
She had even specifically asked Su Yaqing to rehearse with her, letting her taste the food while she figured out the techniques herself.
The server’s movements were swift. She soon placed the tender, snow-white fish onto clean porcelain plates.
Following that, she poured drinks into their glasses. The golden, clear white wine shimmered in the glasses, reflecting the starlight-like glow of the lamps.
“By the way, are the two of you here for a meal? Or a date?”
The server suddenly tried to strike up a conversation. Lin Xiaojue looked over, a look of vigilance on her face.
Xia Yao didn’t seem to mind much.
“We’re just ordinary friends… We’ve been friends for a few years and just came here for a meal together.”
“Is that so? But to me, you two look like a couple no matter how I see it. When you arrived, this beauty was staring at you the whole time.”
The server smiled, pointing at Lin Xiaojue. Xia Yao’s cheeks instantly turned scarlet.
“Uh… eh? Re-really? Was she really staring at me…?”
“Really. This beauty’s eyes were practically glued to you. Perhaps…”
The server cut herself off, stopping just in time, but the underlying meaning was self-evident.
She winked at Xia Yao with an ambiguous look. Xia Yao’s face grew even redder, as if steam were beginning to rise from her entire body.
“Ah, th-thank you.”
She thanked the server’s retreating back in a voice as soft as a mosquito’s buzz. Lin Xiaojue frowned.
This meal wasn’t harmonious; it was spent almost entirely in silence. Lin Xiaojue tried repeatedly to bring up a topic, but Xia Yao always avoided them evasively, seemingly having other things on her mind.
During their brief chat, Lin Xiaojue had gradually accepted Xia Yao’s flighty state of mind and planned to take her out to clear her head.
Perhaps because she was facing an unfamiliar environment, Xia Yao couldn’t open up her heart and seemed constrained.
Lin Xiaojue had experienced similar things. People are always uncomfortable in unfamiliar environments, just like birds fresh out of a cage.
***
After finishing the western meal, there were far fewer pedestrians in the mall, no longer as crowded as usual.
Large gaps remained between the sparse crowds. Looking through these gaps, one could see many tempting stalls as their gaze wandered.
Lin Xiaojue led Xia Yao to a steaming shop, where mist drifted out from behind a curtain marked with the character for “Kanto.”
Lifting the curtain, a tall woman with a ponytail and a baseball cap was behind the stall.
“Yo, what a coincidence for you two beauties. The shop just got new stock today. If you want something to eat, you can grab it from the refrigerated display and bring it to me to cook.”
Lin Xiaojue gave a soft hum, took the tray from the woman, and began rummaging through the freezer.
For some reason, she had been smelling a faint scent of roses in this shop since a moment ago.
Lin Xiaojue couldn’t help but knit her brows, but seeing Xia Yao’s gradually relaxing smile, she relaxed as well.
“Predecessor! So many — delicious things!”
Xia Yao stared at the fish balls in the small box, her eyes sparkling.
“It smells so good~ *nom*~” Disregarding the heat, she picked up a bamboo skewer and poked one, covering her cheek with her hand to enjoy the delicious taste while enduring the burning sensation in her mouth.
“Heh heh, I’m glad you like it, Xiao Xia.”
Lin Xiaojue subconsciously stroked Xia Yao’s smooth long hair. Xia Yao usually maintained it well; her hair felt like the fur of a small animal—soft and fluffy—making Lin Xiaojue reluctant to let go.
Xia Yao also squinted her eyes comfortably, seemingly enjoying this moment as an atmosphere of happiness filled the air.
The scent of roses lingering at the tip of her nose grew a bit stronger. Lin Xiaojue’s relaxed brows furrowed unpleasantly.
“What’s wrong?”
Facing Xia Yao’s smile, she relaxed and smiled again.
“It’s nothing. Let’s go see a movie.”
With that, Lin Xiaojue led Xia Yao out of the shop.
***
When they stepped out of the oden shop, there were almost no figures left outside. Many square shops that were usually open all night were closed, with a pair of couplets hanging on their doors.
The movie theater was on the third floor of the mall, but there was no skybridge connecting it to the dining street. It took Lin Xiaojue quite some effort to find the way.
Upon arriving at the theater, it was nearly closing time. There were few people in the waiting area; most were looking down at their phones.
Occasionally, someone would look up, only to be attracted by their appearance before quickly looking back down again.
“Predecessor, stand behind me.”
Noticing those gazes, Xia Yao naturally stepped in front of Lin Xiaojue, giving the others no chance to scan Lin Xiaojue’s figure.
After all, Lin Xiaojue’s figure was indeed too eye-catching.
Lin Xiaojue lowered her head and gave a soft hum, letting the black-haired girl stand in front of her. Being by Xia Yao’s side always provided a different kind of peace of mind than usual.
Xia Yao was warm, like a gentle summer evening breeze, making Lin Xiaojue instinctively want to get closer.
The two bought tickets for 10:00 PM, deciding to leave as soon as it ended.
There was still one hour before the movie started. Lin Xiaojue found a seat for Xia Yao to sit down and wait while she went to get popcorn.
“That will be thirty-five.”
The attendant behind the popcorn machine had a high ponytail, a tall figure, and emitted a scent of roses from her body.
Lin Xiaojue’s face scrunched up.
She could no longer hold back her urge to ask. “Excuse me, are rose perfumes very popular today? I’ve been smelling it the entire way here.”
The clerk smiled.