Chapter 413
“To be liked by you is their honor. If they had thoughts, they would definitely run out to sing praises of your admiration.” The man wore a comforting smile that was just right.
He wasn’t particularly striking in appearance, nor could he be considered young, but his entire aura and surrounding vibe made it impossible for anyone not to like him or be fascinated by him.
“I really want to know why so many people like you. I like you too, even if what you make doesn’t taste good, I won’t blame you and will still want you to join our family, become one of us. Whether you want to stay in the kitchen or become my butler, I can satisfy you.” At this moment, Ariel seemed like a spoiled little girl, or a princess who had been pampered all her life, confidently planning this man’s future.
The man’s smile did not change, in fact, it became even kinder. He stood quietly to the side until Ariel finished speaking before he opened his mouth to decline. Even if you heard refusal from his lips, there was no way to be angry with him, or feel any negative emotions, only making you feel your request seemed a bit unreasonable.
But Ariel was not among those people; she naturally lacked those emotions, but it was certain she did not dislike this person.
“Is there something wrong with him?” Xu Ke asked as he watched the man’s departing figure.
“Why do you ask?” Ariel tilted her head, her eyes glinting mischievously.
“You never show such enthusiasm for someone without a reason, unless there’s something wrong with them, or you’re very interested in them. But generally, someone you’re very interested in indicates a significant problem.” Xu Ke remained calm as he explained under Lin Mengyao’s puzzled gaze.
“I didn’t expect you to understand me so well.” Ariel chuckled, her gaze involuntarily falling on Lin Mengyao, only to find that her eyes bore no jealousy or displeasure. Ariel’s smile diminished slightly, her earlier good mood instantly dampened.
“I just feel like our vibes mesh well. We’ll be great friends in the future; he has a scent I like.” Ariel’s expression turned serious and earnest, then she seemed a bit dejected.
“But he doesn’t trust me or want to come into my territory, which is truly a pity. If possible, I’d like to exchange experiences with him.” Ariel seemed like a child who couldn’t get candy, her entire demeanor deflated and listless.
Yet Xu Ke’s expression was far from pleasant, and Lin Mengyao could guess a bit. In an instant, all her good impressions of the man crumbled. If Xu Ke hadn’t been sitting beside her, she might have bolted out the door.
Someone Ariel, who loves collecting bones, wants to exchange experiences with — how could that be a normal person?
The smile at the corners of Lin Mengyao’s mouth faded slightly. Upon closer inspection, one might find that this smile seemed fabricated, as false as can be, devoid of any genuine delight.
Seeing Lin Mengyao’s defensive demeanor, Ariel couldn’t help but burst into laughter, “You’re so funny, don’t be so tense, I think he probably doesn’t have a bone-collecting habit.”
“How do you know?” Lin Mengyao was curious. It was everyone’s first meeting; how could Ariel know so much? Was it because they just exchanged a few more words?
“Because they both have the same scent.” Xu Ke glanced at Ariel and said.
Ariel gave a sidelong glance at Xu Ke, nodding with a smile, “That’s right, we both have the same scent. I knew it the moment he came over.” As Ariel spoke, a smile spread across her face, her eyes bending into crescent shapes.
The conversation stopped there with a tacit understanding. After a while, the man returned with the ordered dishes, and as he approached, the aroma of the food permeated the air, instantly filling the noses of the three. They closed their eyes in enjoyment.
“It smells great. Even in a five-star restaurant, I’ve never experienced such a rich aroma,” Lin Mengyao said with a smile to the man, but as if recalling something, her smile faded slightly.
The man seemed not to notice at all, maintaining a polite smile as he said, “It’s my honor if what I’ve made pleases you.”
“This steak looks different from any I’ve had before.” Ariel used a shining silver knife and fork to cut a slice from the cooked steak, revealing the bright red inside.
“It’s a specialty of our restaurant, prepared only for special guests,” the man’s eternal polite smile seemed more genuine.
“I wonder if it will suit your taste.” The man’s eyes gleamed with pride, clearly not thinking anyone would dislike this special steak.
Ariel’s lips curled slightly, she gave the man a glance, then decisively cut a piece and placed it in her mouth, savoring it slowly.
After Ariel had swallowed the piece of steak, the man spoke, his voice slightly nervous, “How’s the texture? Do you like it?”
“The texture is tender and juicy, the blend of black pepper aroma with the charred flavor of the meat is intriguing, truly deserves the label of specialty. However, no matter how delicious, it’s not for me. Please take it away and bring back what I originally ordered.” Ariel wiped her mouth as she spoke.
The man’s smile returned to its previous state, but his eyes showed a hint of displeasure. Yet Ariel seemed oblivious, disregarding his emotions and the burning gaze he directed at her, focusing only on eating the steak freshly served on her plate.
The group exited the restaurant, and as the sunlight hit her, Lin Mengyao let out a deep sigh, feeling warmth spread from her body to her heart.
Xu Ke, noticing that Lin Mengyao seemed relieved of a heavy burden, smiled slightly, “What’s the matter?”
“Nothing really, just felt uncomfortable inside. Finally being out in the sun feels so much better. Tell me, there was clearly nothing inside, so why did I constantly feel like I was still in the Silk Cave, feeling chilly to the core, as if I were in a freezer?” Lin Mengyao said as she rubbed her arms, showing a look of lingering fear.