Chapter Fifty-One: The Peculiar Restaurant

Luo Chen silently withdrew his hand. As expected, even though they both wore berets, the sensation of touching different girls was not the same. Should he ask Yan He to try it next time?

"It's getting late. How about I walk you home?" Luo Chen glanced at the girl before him. After being interrupted like this, she probably no longer felt like staying.

Moreover, with the sky darkening, Luo Chen really couldn’t feel at ease letting such a somewhat absent-minded girl go back alone.

"Yes, it is late, but you don’t need to walk me back." Dai Xinhua turned her head slightly, her expression complicated.

Everything that had just happened left her mind in utter chaos. She desperately needed to be alone and collect herself.

First, her sketchbook incident had been discovered by its subject, and she’d been caught red-handed. Then, while still in a daze, she had followed him home and ended up accepting a job with no end date and no pay in sight.

Looking back now, Dai Xinhua felt she had been terribly rash. She’d allowed herself to be taken to Luo Chen’s house without knowing anything. Luckily, Luo Chen didn’t seem to harbor any ill intentions—otherwise...

"Don’t be so hasty to refuse. It’s dangerous to walk alone this late. How about Yan He and I both walk you back?" Luo Chen guessed she was embarrassed after what had just happened and didn’t want to face him alone. But with two people, it might be less awkward—though it would mean troubling Yan He as well.

"Yan He? No, no, that’s not necessary. How about just the two of us?" Hearing Luo Chen’s suggestion, Dai Xinhua panicked. She hadn’t figured out how to face Yan He yet. Better not to meet today if possible.

Luo Chen opened his mouth, intending to say that Yan He wouldn’t mind, but then remembered the strange look on Yan He’s face that morning. While Yan He’s personality wouldn’t lead her to anger, perhaps waiting another day to meet was best.

By evening, the streets of Qingshui City were still bustling with people. Many strolled and shopped after a long day’s work, choosing to relax with loved ones in this vibrant city.

On the street, Luo Chen and the girl walked side by side, keeping half a body’s distance between them. They said nothing, but could feel the envious stares of passing tourists who mistook them for a couple. Luo Chen could only smile wryly.

Why was he always misunderstood? Whenever he walked with Luo Tianyi or Yan He, those looks always followed him. Especially when there were three of them together—only he knew he was still single.

Gurgle.

As they walked, a small sound came from beside him. Luo Chen turned to see Dai Xinhua, her face stiff, right hand gently pressing her stomach. The dim light hid the blush on her cheeks, but seeing her cute pretense that nothing had happened, Luo Chen suppressed a laugh.

"I’m hungry too—how about you keep me company for a bite?"

"Is that really okay?" Dai Xinhua was tempted, but on reflection, wouldn’t a meal for just the two of them be a date?

Luo Chen lowered his head and looked at her before asking, "If you go home now, is there any food waiting?"

He realized he’d forgotten to invite her to dinner, not knowing if her family might be waiting for her. But seeing the darkening sky, it seemed her family wasn’t worried—she hadn’t even received a call.

"If I go home now, I’d still be eating out." Dai Xinhua thought of her workaholic mother, who hadn’t come home on time in days.

"Then what’s there to hesitate about? Food is food, no matter where." Seeing Dai Xinhua was still a little embarrassed, Luo Chen led the way into a nearby restaurant. After hesitating, Dai Xinhua followed him in.

Luo Chen hadn’t chosen the restaurant deliberately; it happened to be close by.

Inside, the decor was unique, clearly showing the owner’s creativity. Even though it wasn’t peak hours, the restaurant was still bustling. In such a competitive city as Qingshui, only places with real character could draw steady crowds.

The most distinctive feature was the large TV in the main hall. Thanks to its clever placement, it could be seen clearly from anywhere in the restaurant.

Luo Chen chose a good spot and invited the still-nervous girl to sit.

"Hello, may I help you?" The restaurant staff was quick. Though they hadn’t greeted them at the door due to the crowd, as soon as Luo Chen and Dai Xinhua were settled, a waiter hurried over.

"Excuse me, may I ask what that big TV is for?" Before Luo Chen could respond, Dai Xinhua blurted out the question. It was impossible not to notice the eye-catching screen upon entering.

"You don’t know?" The waiter looked surprised. Most people came here for that special feature. After a moment, the waiter realized they must be first-timers. "Sorry, I got distracted. This is your first time here? No one recommended it to you?"

"Is there something special about what’s on that TV?" Luo Chen asked, giving the waiter a curious look. Was this some kind of special gathering place, needing an introduction?

"Are you a couple? Do you ever follow the Stardust Platform or have a favorite streamer?" The waiter wasn’t sure if this pair liked that sort of thing, but judging by their age, they seemed to be the target audience.

"Stardust Platform?" Luo Chen asked, puzzled. Was this related to Stardust Platform?

Though unfamiliar, Luo Chen nodded, and Dai Xinhua, sitting across from him, didn’t object—she just turned her head slightly to listen.

"If you know about it, then there’s no problem. Forgive me for keeping it a secret for now—there’ll be a surprise soon." The waiter gave a mysterious bow and a knowing smile to both of them.

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