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Chapter 697: Lanchi and Talia's Heart-Racing Moment
Chapter 697: Lanchi and Talia's Heart-Racing Moment
As the two exited the Platinum Forest Palace, it was nearing noon.
"Can you let go of my hand for a moment?"
Talia felt that the weather in Pariette, the Flower Capital, was a bit warm.
Perhaps it was still summer, or maybe she had been walking for a while, or perhaps it was because she was standing too close to Lanchi.
Lanchi, who had just regained his composure, hesitated for a moment.
Then, a smile blossomed on his face.
"What's wrong? We've barely been holding hands for a while."
Lanchi's eyes held a hint of pity.
He never expected that Talia would be ready to concede so early in the day.
"No, it's just warm, and I want to take off my gloves."
Talia's rebellious streak rose, and she added, "Or maybe you don't dare to hold my hand directly."
There was a hint of mischief in her eyes as she asked.
Talia knew that Lanchi didn't like physical contact with others.
In a sense, he was like a principal who not only avoided being touched by students but also refrained from touching female students to prevent any allegations of harassment.
"I don't mind."
Lanchi released Talia's right hand, which was still clad in a glove, and spread his hands helplessly.
He smiled, waiting to see if she was truly going to take off her gloves or if she was just making an excuse.
Talia decisively removed her gloves and placed them in her small handbag.
"Here, hold my hand."
Talia raised her hand, initiating the contact.
She was betting that Lanchi wouldn't dare to hold her hand directly.
"..."
After a moment, Lanchi indeed didn't reach for her hand.
"I knew it, Lanchi," Talia said, narrowing her eyes slightly as she appraised him.
It was as if she was asking him—do you know when you're at your most adorable? It's when you're pretending to be calm and collected.
She had won this round.
When playing mind games with Lanchi, one had to go all in.
"..."
Lanchi seemed to feel his blood pressure rising as well, and he took a deep breath.
"Shall we go to the Cologne Sun Bridge Inn restaurant?"
Lanchi took Talia's right hand in his.
He seemed to have just been thinking about where to have lunch, hence his momentary daze.
"Ah, okay."
Talia had an instinctive urge to pull her hand back, but doing so now would reveal her momentary panic.
She could only suppress her flustered heart and reply.
So this is what it feels like to hold hands with a boy... Is this his touch, his warmth?
The more Talia focused on their joined hands, the more her heart raced.
She finally realized that she might have been a bit impulsive earlier.
Lanchi, you dare to keep up!
No, no, no, no, I must not be intimidated by him. If I show fear, I lose. I'll keep up with this gambler to the end!
The two walked on the roads of Pariette, remaining silent for a long while.
Both of them were feeling a bit uncomfortable now, their hands stiffly holding onto each other without daring to move.
"What kind of restaurant did you mention earlier?"
Talia asked a random question to ease the awkward silence.
She already knew the answer, having read the Bosen Gourmet Guide, but she wanted to test Lanchi's knowledge.
As her teacher, it was only fitting that she examined his preparedness for this date. It was very much in line with her character, so no problems there.
"It's a restaurant opened by Bro Pagus, a famous chef in the Bosen Kingdom, fifty years ago. He is hailed as the Pope of the Bosen Kingdom's culinary world and has received the Royal Golden Dining Fork Medal. The Cologne Sun Bridge Inn is also one of the culinary landmarks in Pariette, the Flower Capital, and even the entire Bosen Kingdom."
Lanchi calculated that there weren't many well-known restaurants left in the Bosen Kingdom that he and Talia hadn't visited yet, and the Cologne Sun Bridge Inn was one of them.
"Where is it?"
Hearing a familiar topic, Talia relaxed a little and squeezed Lanchi's hand gently.
"It's also on the banks of the Selena River, about 4 kilometers from the city center where we are now. The exterior of the restaurant is simple and unadorned, but don't worry, the interior is luxuriously decorated, showcasing Master Pagus' exquisite taste."
Lanchi replied helplessly.
Earlier, when they were discussing paintings in the art museum, he felt that Talia was indeed a talented young lady. But now, talking about restaurants, she gave off the vibe of a next-door unemployed sister with gray hair.
"Not bad. When it comes to dating, I have nothing more to teach you. I can only accompany you in your practice."
Talia nodded in satisfaction.
Speaking of which, Miss Zhu Zhu was still hoping that she could continue teaching her about dating the next time they met.
The success of their previous outing had convinced her that dating was indeed a piece of cake.
However, it wouldn't hurt to improve her skills further, and practicing with Lanchi was a good opportunity.
...
In less than half an hour, they arrived at a two-story standalone building on the banks of the Selena River.
Lanchi, holding Talia's hand, led her through the oak doors of the Cologne Sun Bridge Inn.
"Welcome, sir, madam."
As they stepped into the restaurant, a waiter quickly approached and bowed, greeting them courteously.
"Do you have a reservation, sir and madam?"
The waiter asked respectfully.
"No, if there's a booth available, we'd prefer that. Otherwise, a table by the window would be fine."
Lanchi replied.
Today's date was impromptu, and he hadn't made any prior arrangements.
Even though it was still the day of the fireworks festival.
However, he was certain that there would be very few citizens on the bustling streets of Pariette today, and it might even be more deserted than a typical workday. Everyone was still reeling from the turmoil of the past two days.
This was also why Cat Boss had mentioned that today's date would feel like a private world for two at many attractions.
"Certainly, please follow me this way."
The waiter led the couple through the guest hall, which was adorned with deep red Yarolan carpets, and pushed open the double doors leading to the main hall.
The main hall was illuminated with dazzling lights, reflecting off the pristine white tablecloth and gleaming silver cutlery.
The view of the Selena River outside was unobstructed, with the midday sun casting a dreamy and ethereal glow on the calm waters.
The waiter led the couple to a sofa booth by the window and gestured for them to sit down.
They paused for a moment, standing beside the table.
Seemingly, each wanted to sit on one side, but then realized their hands were still intertwined.
They seemed unable to reach a consensus to let go simultaneously, nor could they be the first to release the other's hand, lest it be seen as a concession. Finally, to avoid any potential embarrassment in front of the waiter, they sat down on the same side of the sofa, still holding hands.
"Here's the menu."
The waiter presented them with a leather-bound menu; the brown goatskin exuded a sense of opulence, with gilded edges in a classical style.
"Thank you."
Lanchi and Talia began perusing the menu intently.
Sitting side by side made it a little easier to share the menu.
Usually, only one of them would look at it.
"You may also consider choosing one of our set meals, carefully curated combinations of our most popular dishes."
Noticing that they were foreigners and first-time patrons, the waiter additionally offered a single sheet of paper with recommendations.
"Today is the Fireworks Festival, and we're offering a 10% discount for couples. All you need to do is provide a simple proof that you're a couple. On top of that, if you spend a certain amount, you'll receive festival coupons and a limited-edition couple's souvenir from the collaboration between the restaurant and the Animal Forest Fireworks Festival."
The waiter explained as they perused the menu.
"We're not a couple."
Both Lanchi and Talia immediately rejected the idea, their gazes firmly fixed on the waiter.
"..."
The waiter felt a lump in his throat.
Here they were, holding hands tightly, yet insisting they weren't a couple?
Was this some sort of quirky game they were playing?
"Then, about the discount for cou..."
"No, thank you."
"..."
The waiter rarely encountered guests who outright refused such offers.
"How about the festival coupons and the limited-edition couple's souvenir from the collaboration with Animal Forest? Are you interested in those?"
The waiter inquired again.
"Umm..."
Lanchi and Talia exchanged glances.
Animal Forest was a popular cartoon franchise that had taken South Continent by storm recently.
Lanchi noticed that ever since their trip to Jin Feng Amusement Park, Talia seemed to have taken a particular liking to this series, always pausing to glance at any merchandise she spotted on the street.
"We'll take the souvenirs."
Lanchi replied to the waiter.
Talia breathed a sigh of relief.
She had been worried that they might miss out on the Animal Forest merchandise.
Thankfully, Lanchi agreed without hesitation.
"Talia, how about we order this ample set meal, and then I'll add a few more dishes?"
Lanchi cleared his throat, eager to shift the topic away from the waiter's suggestions, and addressed Talia.
The set meal included most of the restaurant's famous specialties.
Talia had mentioned that she had already eaten many pastries at Rosalinda's house, so she probably wasn't too hungry.
"Sure."
Talia's moment of warmth toward Lanchi quickly faded as she resolutely replied.
Ordering the set meal was enough; there was no need to emphasize adding more dishes!
Lanchi returned the menu to the waiter, who meticulously noted down the additional dishes Lanchi requested.
"May I suggest some wine to accompany your meal?"
The waiter inquired.
"Please recommend a red wine that would go well with the veal."
Lanchi nodded, as he didn't drink but was well-versed in Talia's preferences and always ordered for her.
Talia glanced sideways at Lanchi.
She knew he didn't drink alcohol, so she understood that he was ordering on her behalf.
This man, if not for his infuriating moments, could always make her heart sing.
"I recommend a red wine from the South Asian Quidan region, produced by the Baptiste family's winery. It's full-bodied and robust, a perfect complement to the delicate veal."
The waiter suggested.
"We'll go with your recommendation."
Lanchi replied.
The waiter collected the menu and notepad, bowing slightly.
"Thank you for your order. Your meal will be served shortly. Enjoy your meal."
With that, he quietly retreated, leaving Lanchi and Talia waiting by the sofa table.
As the waiter walked away, the restaurant was quieter than usual.
Yet, each table was adorned with seasonal fresh-cut flowers—delicate pink peonies or pristine white tulips arranged in pristine glass vases, exuding a subtle, enchanting fragrance.
The two sat unusually close due to their clasped hands.
This proximity made it a tad awkward for them to chat casually as they typically would.
"Don't you think we should let go of each other's hands while eating?"
Talia finally spoke up.
Sitting side by side was one thing, but continuing to hold hands even after sitting down felt a bit embarrassing, especially with the waiter nearby, pouring them water, and the amused glances from the surrounding patrons.
They both felt a bit uneasy, like they were sitting on pins and needles.
"Mhm."
Lanchi loosened his grip slightly.
"You're still holding on quite tightly."
Talia didn't move her hand, allowing him to hold it.
If she let go now, it would seem like she was conceding.
Especially with the waiter standing there, pouring them water.
Lanchi fell silent, casually glancing at a sign on the restaurant wall.
"?"
Talia followed his gaze.
On the wall, they read:
["We warmly welcome your patronage. Please keep an eye on your belongings, watch your children, and care for the elderly."]
The veins on Talia's hand began to pulsate again.
"Talia, why are you holding my hand so tightly now? Don't you want to let go?"
Lanchi's eyes widened, and he innocently exclaimed with a hint of surprise, "Ah!"
He even lifted the hand that Talia was holding, seemingly unintentionally.
The waiter noticed that Talia was the one holding his hand.
"..."
Talia restrained the strength in her hand, feeling her blood pressure rising.
That green tea btch, damn her!
But today, she would definitely hold it in.
If he wanted a fight, she'd give him one!!
"...Well, Lanchi, would you mind continuing to hold my hand?"
Talia asked with a gentle smile, her voice soft and loving.
"...Of course not."
Lanchi's scalp tingled, and he endured the discomfort, replying with forced politeness.
Far outside the restaurant.
Two figures were using telescopes to peer through the glass into the restaurant.
A black cat perched atop Rosalinda's head.
"Wow, they're still holding hands even after sitting down in the restaurant. This is just too much..."
Rosalinda covered her face and twisted her upper body in embarrassment.
"They don't seem to want to let go of each other's hands at all!"
Aethio also excitedly grabbed Rosalinda, shaking her and urging her not to miss any of the interactions between Lanchi and Talia, not wanting to miss a single beautiful moment.
These two were really going overboard with their public display of affection, completely disregarding the gazes of those around them.
But that was what they loved to see!
"Meow..."
Cat Boss felt that he was never on the same page as these two girls.
The couple in the restaurant was clearly competing with each other.
"Looks like we have a connection."
Rosalinda, through her telescope, saw Talia holding a super long-distance communication magic card in her left hand, not knowing who was contacting Talia at this time.
Elsewhere.
Cologne Sun Bridge Inn restaurant main hall.
By the window, on a sofa seat, Talia answered a flashing purple communication magic card.
Soon.
A familiar and much-missed voice asked, {"Talia, how are you doing in Pariette, the Flower Capital?"}
It was a voice that Talia heard every day before she left the Kingdom of Herton.
"I'm fine."
After receiving Shubelian's communication, Talia's expression eased, and she subconsciously pulled her hand, but Lanchi did not let go.
She was stunned.
This jerk, Lanchi, didn't even know who was calling, and he was deliberately causing trouble!
Although Shubelian had contacted her through an international communication relay station after seeing the news of the Flower Capital Pariette's unrest a couple of days ago.
But Talia had only told Shubelian that there was no problem, and Lanchi might need more rest.
Which made Shubelian very worried.
Today, Shubelian probably guessed that Lanchi might have rested enough, and calling at noon wouldn't wake him up, so she used the expensive international communication relay station again.
{"By the way, Talia, how is Lanchi doing?"} Shubelian continued to ask.
"He's awake. Do you want to talk to him?"
Talia replied, wanting to make Lanchi realize the problem.
After saying this sentence, she already felt something was wrong.
She and Lanchi were holding hands while communicating with Shubelian, and it felt a bit strange.
Normally, when a communication came in, no matter what they were doing, they wouldn't continue holding hands. But now, neither of them wanted to let go first, so they could only continue the call with Shubelian.
{"Say a few words then."}
Shubelian's voice was obviously much happier.
So Talia put her communication magic card next to Lanchi's ear, holding it up for him.
"Shubelian, sorry for making you worry. We'll probably be back in a few days."
Only then did Lanchi see the floating text on the communication magic card, which read 'Shubelian', and he looked at Talia in surprise.
{"Eh, Lanchi, were you right next to Talia this whole time?"}
Shubelian felt that Talia had immediately passed the communication magic card to Lanchi, as if the two of them were pressed tightly together.
Lanchi suddenly realized the problem, wanting to let go, but Talia held his hand tightly again, not letting him draw back, and even causing him some pain.
Perhaps this was her revenge for his earlier actions.
"Yes, I'm with her."
Lanchi's voice sounded a little strange, and he could only pretend to be normal and reply.
{"Uh, your voice sounds a little nervous. Are you guys making cards? Did I disturb you?"} Shubelian asked worriedly.
"No, no, we're just having lunch."
Talia quickly denied it.
{"......Are you two sitting next to each other during lunch?"}
Shubelian wondered if it was convenient for them to be so close while eating.
Since they could communicate with each other using just one communication magic card.
Naturally, they wouldn't be sitting across the table from each other as usual.
"We're just sitting together to make it easier to look at the menu..."
Just as Lanchi quickly thought of an explanation.
"Guests, the low-temperature slow-roasted beef shoulder in your couple's set meal is sold out. Can we change it to four slices of Waterfall Cheese Handmade Beef Burger? The complimentary Fireworks Festival couple's souvenir will remain the same."
The waiter came to their table with a magic processor tablet and apologized.
{"......"}
Shubelian fell silent.
". . ."
Lanchi and Talia's throats trembled.
The palms of their hands began to sweat.
Although they both felt more uncomfortable holding hands now, they didn't want to let go of each other's hands. They had to get through this crisis together, or else they would both be embarrassed!
(End of Chapter)
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