Meanwhile, Stellar arrived at the restaurant with Shane.
The restaurant exuded a classic, elegant charm, with beautifully carved wooden screens separating the seating areas in graceful, flowing lines.
It felt like stepping into a serene landscape painting, enhanced by the soft, melodic strains of a guzheng being played in the background.
The tranquil and refined atmosphere had a calming effect, making it easy to relax.
The place was clearly high–end, its quiet sophistication speaking volumes.
Shane, ever the gentleman, pulled out a chair for Stellar.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
His tone was warm as he thoughtfully arranged her utensils and poured her a glass of water before sliding the menu in front of her.
“This is my first time bringing a lady here for dinner. I’ve heard great things about the ambiance, and the dishes are said to be quite special. I hope you’ll enjoy it.”
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Stellar paused for a moment, sensing an unusual warmth in Shane’s demeanor.
A strange feeling crept up on her–it almost felt like… a date.
But she quickly brushed the thought aside, telling herself she was overthinking it.
Lowering her gaze to the menu, she raised a brow in mild surprise.
“The dish names are definitely unique. I’ll go with ‘Veiled Blossoms in Mist,‘ ‘Crisp Emerald Leaves, and this one- ‘White Truffle Delight.‘ That should be good. You can pick the rest.”
She passed him the menu.
Shane glanced at it briefly before adding, “I’ll include one more–‘A Worthy Pursuit.‘ The name has quite the meaning behind it, don’t you think?”
As he spoke, his gaze lingered on her, his deep–set eyes carrying a touch of intrigue.
Stellar’s mind immediately recalled an old line of poetry: “A true gentleman seeks a worthy match, drawn to beauty and grace.
Her chest tightened slightly.
Was she reading too much into this again?
“It sounds… fine,” she said vaguely, not wanting to dwell on it.
Shane didn’t seem to mind her lukewarm respor
response.
Casually, as if it was just an offhand remark, he tested the waters.
“By the way, Miss Rivers, I never asked before since we weren’t that familiar, but are things between you and the Moore Enterprises‘ CEO completely over? He seemed rather persistent. I was a little worried he might interfere with our collaboration.” Thinking he was simply concerned about business, Stellar quickly nodded.
“You don’t have to worry about that, Mr. Howe. Percy and I have no ties whatsoever–no personal connection, no shared interests.
“Everything I’ve provided for this project is my own work. Even if he wanted to stir trouble or take legal action, it wouldn’t make a difference.”
“Good to hear.”
A glint of something flashed in Shane’s eyes, his smile deepening.
“A woman as exceptional as you… it must have been frustrating to have someone like that clinging to you.”
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Then, with a tone that was far too casual to be innocent, he added, “I’ve heard that the best way to get over an old entanglement…
is to start a new one.”
A dull thud sounded in Stellar’s chest.
That strange feeling she had earlier?
It just intensified.
So… she wasn’t imagining things after all.
The air suddenly grew thick with an odd tension.
“Excuse me, your food is here.”
Right on cue, the waiter arrived, breaking the awkward atmosphere.
Stellar let out a small breath of relief.
Shane, on the other hand, looked slightly disappointed.
But when his gaze shifted to the dishes being placed on the table, his expression quickly turned to one of bewilderment.
“Uh… this is what we ordered?”
Stellar eyed the plates uncertainly. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” the waiter confirmed with a polite smile, gesturing to each dish. “This is Veiled Blossoms in Mist-”
Stellar stared at the plate of stir–fried cauliflower with shredded pork
Emerald Leaves-”
“This is Crisp B
Her gaze shifted to
to… toasted bread slices.
“And this is White Truffle Delight—”
It was just sautéed greens with radish.
The only dish that seemed remotely fitting was A Worthy Pursuit–a delicate soup made with herb–infused broth, tender asparagus tips, and roasted quail.
Stellar nearly blurted out that this felt like a scam.
But since she wasn’t the one paying, she decided to hold her tongue.
Shane’s expression shifted through a range of emotions, none of them good.
He had invited a woman he admired to enjoy a fine meal, and this was what they got?
If he had known the place was this disappointing, he never would have trusted his friend’s recommendation.
At this point, he was starting to suspect it had been a setup.
“Ahem… Could we get three more dishes, please?”
He had no choice but to hide his humiliation by ordering more food.
Stellar quickly waved her hands, trying to ease the awkwardness.
“It’s fine! This is more than enough. The dishes are… uh, unique. A fresh experience, really! Haha!”
Shane was speechless.
This was humiliating.
