Alex_Fabianoki
patreon
Chapter 177: Dinner with Delicious Dishes
🕑 Added 2024-10-04 13:05:52 +0000 UTCThe freshly cooked white rice emitted thin steam, adding warmth around the table. Crispy fried potatoes, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, were served with bright red ketchup, as if they wanted to provide a sweet surprise with every bite.
At the end of the table, a glass of ice water with a hint of vanilla sat, its chill causing dew to form on its surface, adding an elegant touch to the presentation. Overall, the dining table looked so beautiful and appetizing, as if it were a lavish feast for a special occasion.
However, behind the grandeur of the food, Haruto felt an oddity that couldn't be ignored.
'What is all this for?' Haruto wondered to himself. The dishes laid out were so abundant and enticing, resembling a royal banquet, while the atmosphere around him did not reflect any special event at all. Haruto tried to recall; there was no celebration happening. It wasn't a birthday, nor a victory celebration—so what was it?
Haruto's gaze shifted to Mei Li, who sat calmly at the end of the table. Mei Li's face was serene, yet there was a glimmer of excitement in her eyes, as if she was anticipating something.
But nothing was spoken from Mei Li's lips, no explanation for this sudden feast. This only added to Haruto's confusion.
'What does she really want?' Haruto thought, trying to grasp the meaning behind this banquet.
On the other side, Jie Li, Mei Li's daughter, sat with an indifferent demeanor. However, the woman's gaze betrayed her indifference—Jie Li kept glancing at the food in front of her, a small smile appearing on her face as her eyes lingered on the tempting fried potatoes. Despite her disinterest, Haruto could see that Jie Li was eager to dive into the dishes before her.
The atmosphere at the dining table felt increasingly strange to Haruto. The beautiful and delicious-looking food, combined with Mei Li's calm yet spirited demeanor and Jie Li's apparent temptation but restraint, created a puzzle that further ensnared Haruto in his confusion.
"Please eat, don't be shy, Haruto," Mei Li said in a calm yet friendly tone, gesturing for Haruto to start.
"Of course, Miss Mei," Haruto replied with a bright smile on his face, taking a tempting piece of meat from the plate. The warmth of the food's aroma immediately filled Haruto's senses. Without hesitation, Haruto began to eat heartily.
Mei Li, Haruto, and Jie Li dined together in a comfortable, almost humble atmosphere. Light laughter occasionally echoed, especially from Haruto and Jie Li, who seemed to share a similar taste—they both enjoyed spicy food. Perhaps that was why Mei Li had intentionally cooked several dishes heavily seasoned with chili, knowing that they would both relish the spicy flavors.
As the food was finished, Haruto felt satisfied, but there was a strange feeling in his heart. Among the three of them, Haruto and Jie Li had eaten the most. Meanwhile, Mei Li only smiled gently, enjoying the time together even though she didn't eat much.
After they finished, Haruto noticed Mei Li starting to gather the dirty plates from the table. He immediately stood up, offering to help.
"Let me help clean this up, Miss Mei," Haruto said politely, reaching for one of the plates.
"No need, Haruto. You are a guest in my home. As a guest, your only duty is to enjoy the food. Let me take care of this." Mei Li smiled softly but quickly shook her head.
Haruto looked at Mei Li for a moment, but he eventually nodded, respecting Mei Li's decision. Haruto stepped back slowly as Mei Li carried the dirty plates to the kitchen. He sat down again, but his mind began to fill with questions.
