Xia Wan didn't refuse this time. She tilted her head slightly, her playful gesture revealing her cuteness. After thinking for a moment, weighing various ideas in her mind, she nodded gently and said, "Okay, anyway, I haven't eaten yet."
Her lips curved slightly upward, revealing a faint, perfectly timed smile. That smile was like a flower quietly blooming in spring, gentle and charming, with morning dew still clinging to its petals, fresh and beautiful. Instantly, Li Chengjun's heart began to race, as if it were about to leap out of his throat, and he felt his breathing become rapid.
The two walked side by side on the way to the state-run restaurant, the warm sunlight generously shining on them, as if draping them in a golden cloak.
The sunlight clearly outlined their figures on the ground, forming two long, intertwined shadows.
The shadows sometimes overlapped, as if telling a story of intimacy, sharing each other's joys and sorrows; at other times they separated, as if enacting a tender yet distant relationship, with a touch of shyness and reserve.
Throughout the journey, Li Chengjun racked his brains to find topics to chat about, trying to break the tension and unease in his heart.
He vividly recounted some amusing incidents that had recently occurred, such as the neighbor's dog, which seemed to be under a spell, chasing its own tail for an entire afternoon. Its comical appearance made everyone around laugh, and the laughter echoed in the alley for a long time, as if the whole alley was immersed in a joyful atmosphere.
There was also a peddler at the market who was shouting loudly, but he accidentally messed up his voice. His originally melodious hawking voice suddenly became strange and weird, which attracted everyone's attention. Some customers couldn't help but laugh out loud, making a funny joke that made people burst into laughter.
As Li Chengjun recounted the story, he gestured wildly, imitating the actions of the puppy and the peddler. When he imitated the puppy, his adorable appearance, with its twitching ears and tail seemingly wagging behind it, and his exaggerated expressions and strange voice when imitating the peddler, made everyone burst into laughter.
He was eagerly anticipating making Xia Wan happy, and Xia Wan would occasionally respond with a few words, always with a faint smile on her face. That smile was like the blooming flowers in spring, splendid and charming, with each petal exuding a captivating fragrance. Li Chengjun was somewhat mesmerized by her, his gaze always unconsciously lingering on her face, as if he was deeply attracted to her and could no longer look away.
Soon, they arrived at the state-run restaurant.
The restaurant was bustling with activity, with people coming and going and noise rising and falling.
The sounds of people talking and laughing, and the clinking of cutlery, mingled together, like a grand symphony concert, playing a lively and joyful symphony of life.
The waiters hurried between the tables, carrying steaming hot dishes with steady hands. The aroma of the food filled every corner of the restaurant, its rich fragrance tantalizing the taste buds and making people's mouths water, eager to dig in immediately.
The restaurant's dim, warm lighting cast happy smiles on people's faces, while simple decorative paintings on the walls added an artistic touch to the lively space.
Li Chengjun found a seat by the window. After the two sat down, Li Chengjun enthusiastically took the menu and began to enthusiastically recommend the restaurant's signature dishes.
"Their braised pork is so delicious! It's fatty but not greasy, melts in your mouth, and every bite is like a dance on your tongue. The rich meaty aroma and mellow sauce are simply divine. And this sweet and sour carp is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a delicious sweet and sour flavor. Its unique taste will definitely leave you wanting more. You'll love it."
As Li Chengjun spoke eloquently, he tapped lightly on the menu with his finger, his eyes fixed on Xia Wan, afraid of missing any subtle expression from her. It was as if every reaction of hers was crucial. He was looking forward to her approval of the food and, more importantly, to giving her a pleasant dining experience.
Xia Wan looked at Li Chengjun's busy appearance and couldn't help but feel a little puzzled.
She sensed that Li Chengjun's attitude was a bit unusual today. Usually, he was carefree and easygoing, like a heartless child. He had a generous and cheerful personality, spoke and acted in a whirlwind, walked with a brisk pace, and had a hearty laugh.
But today he was completely different. He seemed awkward and evasive, and his eyes kept darting away when he spoke. He dared not look her in the eye. Every time their eyes met, he would quickly look away as if he had been electrocuted, as if he was running away from some unspeakable secret. This change filled Xia Wan with curiosity.
The dishes were served quickly, one after another, each dish with excellent color, aroma, and taste was placed in front of us, and the fragrance was irresistible.
The braised pork belly, with its glossy red color, gleams under the light, releasing a rich and mellow aroma that whets the appetite. Its vibrant red hue seems to proclaim its deliciousness. The sweet and sour carp, exquisitely presented like a work of art, is drizzled with a layer of crystal-clear sauce that sparkles under the light. Its sweet and sour aroma fills the air, tantalizing the taste buds and making one eager to take a bite.
The two ate and chatted. However, Li Chengjun was noticeably quieter than usual, and he always seemed to want to say something but then hesitated and closed his mouth again. His conflicted expression made Xia Wan even more curious, and her doubts grew stronger. She felt that Li Chengjun must be hiding something important from her.
"Brother Jun, is something wrong with you today? You seem a bit strange." Xia Wan finally couldn't help but ask, her eyes filled with concern and doubt. Her gentle gaze seemed to see right through people, and she hoped to help Li Chengjun share some of his troubles.
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