Chapter 179
“Since you’re so into it, I might as well give it a try,” Benjamin sald, with a voice tinged with relief that he had chosen the right restaurant. “I heard from Mr. Lopez that you’re a fan of Southern fare, so I picked the most renowned Southern cuisine restaurant in Crestwood, They say their signature dish is top–notch, even more authentic than in the South itself. Want to give it a try?”
With high hopes, Xanthea tasted every dish on the table, but none of them matched the flavors in her memory. In fact, they weren’t even close to Orion’s cooking skills.
She worned whether her taste buds had been spoiled by Orion,
“How is it?”
“It’s okay, but it’s not outstanding. I have a friend whose cooking beats this place hands down!”
“Really? I didn’t know you had such a talented friend. The chef’s here are certified culinary experts, Benjamin exclaimed, looking surprised.
“When can 1
love to try his cooking tool”
I meet him? Id love to try his
“Introduce you to him?” Xanthea chuckled at the thought,
If she dared to introduce her friend to Orion, and let him cook for them, Orion might kill her with his glare alone.
“Maybe someday, he’s usually pretty busy.”
Absolutely no chance. She couldn’t afford the chairman of the Lockwood Group cooking a meal for them.
“By the way, I’ve been thinking of buying a gift for a friend but I’m n
not sure what to get. Any suggestions?”
“Of course, what’s it for?”
“An apology”
“What kind of friend is this?”
“Hmm.” Xanthea pondered for a moment, “A quy, tall, rich, and handsome, incredibly good–looking, seems like he lacks nothing”
Benjamin paused, while having his grip on his utensils tightened slightly.
Orion?
“Is this friend important to you?:
“Very important” Xanthea nodded without hesitation.
“I see.” Benjamin slowly put down his fork. “Since he’s an important friend who seems to have everything, there’s no need for overly extravagant gifts. Maybe choose some small, everyday decorative items based on his likes.”
Likes?
A lightbulb went t off in Xanthea’s head. Got it!
“Thanks a lot!”
“No problem.”
Watching her smile, Benjamin barely maintained the cheerfulness of his own expression.
The atmosphere at the table slowly turned quieter; one was savoring the meal, while the other found no taste in the food.
Toward the end of the meal, Benjamin couldn’t help but ask, “Xan, are you dating anyone lately?”
Xanthea, with a meatball stuffed in her cheek, shook her head, “No, why do you ask?”
“Just wondering.”
Benjamin’s expression instantly brightened, and even the food seemed to taste better to him. “Just thinking about the upcoming romantic scenes we have to shoot.”
Sunset Hills Estates, 3001
As the midnight was approaching, the man in the vast, dark bedroom slowly woke up, shaking off a slight dizziness and the remnants of a fever. The passionate smiles and glances of the girl from the night before seemed like an illusion until he saw a note.
Remember to have breakfast and take your medication after you wake up! I left breakfast in the thermal box at the door, and I’ve prepared your pills too. Be sure to take them! Also, remember not to go far, I’ll be back tonight to check on you! (smiley face)
The bright noon sun streamed through the gaps in the curtains, which cast a faint golden hue around the man’s defined features, making the slight smile in his eyes even more captivating.