Chapter 697: Lanqi and Talia's Heartbeat
It was almost noon when the two walked out of Platinum Palace.
"Can you please let go of my hand for a moment?"
Talia felt that the temperature in the flower city of Pariel was a little hot.
Maybe it was because it was still midday in the early summer, or maybe it was because she had been walking around for so long, or maybe it was because she was too close to Lanqi.
Lanqi, who had just regained his composure, hesitated slightly.
Then a smile broke out.
"What's wrong? How long have you been walking together?"
Lanqi said with a hint of pity in his eyes.
He didn't expect Talia to give in just after the morning.
"No, it's getting hot, and I want to take my gloves off."
Talia's rebellious heart suddenly rose up, "Or are you afraid to hold hands with me directly?"
She asked with a sly look in her eyes.
Talia knew that Ranch didn't like touching other people.
To some extent, he is a bit like a principal. Not only will he not let students touch him easily, he will not touch female students to avoid harassment.
"I don't mind."
Lanqi let go of Talia's gloved right hand and spread his hands.
I smiled and waited for her expression as if I wanted to see if she really intended to do so or was just making up an excuse.
Talia decisively took off her gloves and put them in her small bag.
"Here, hold it."
Talia raised her hand and began to test.
What she was betting on was that Lanqi didn't dare to hold her hand directly.
“…”
After waiting for a while, Lanqi did not reach out his hand.
"That's what I said, Ranchi."
Talia squinted her eyes slightly and looked at Lanqi, as if asking him -
You know when you're at your cutest? When you're pretending to be cool.
She won.
Playing psychological warfare with Ranch is all about playing it safe.
“…”
Lanqi seemed to feel that his blood pressure was a little high, and he took a deep breath.
"Shall we go to the Coron Zhiriqiao Inn Restaurant?"
Lanqi grabbed her right hand.
He looked like he was just daydreaming about where to go for lunch.
“…Ah, okay.”
Talia wanted to pull her hand back reflexively, but if she struggled at this time, he would notice her and she would be caught off guard.
She could only hold back her panic and answered.
So... this is what it feels like to hold hands with a boy. Is this his touch, his temperature? The more Talia focused on her hands, the more her heartbeat became disordered.
She finally realized that she seemed to have been a little drunk.
Lanqi is so brave! No, no, no, no, no, I must not be scared by him. If I am scared, I will lose. I have to play to the end with this gambler!
The two walked along the road in Pariel, and they didn't speak for a long time.
They both felt a little uncomfortable at this time. They didn't dare to move their hands holding each other, as if they were frozen.
"What kind of restaurant is that?"
Talia could only ask a random question to ease the awkward atmosphere.
She asked the question knowing the answer, because she had already read the Bosen Food Guide.
Just think of it as a test for Lanqi as a teacher to see if he is well prepared for a date. It fits her personality very well, so there's no problem.
"This is a restaurant opened fifty years ago by the famous chef Bro Pagus of the Persian Kingdom. He is known as the Pope of the Persian Kingdom's culinary world and has been awarded the Royal Gold Fork Medal. The Cologne Zhiri Bridge Inn Restaurant is also one of the food icons of the Flower City Pariel and even the entire Persian Kingdom."
Lanqi calculated that after arriving in the Kingdom of Person, there were not many famous restaurants that he and Talia had not visited yet, and the Cologne Zhiri Bridge Inn Restaurant was one of them.
"Where?"
When Talia heard the familiar topic, she relaxed a lot and her hands gradually regained some feeling. She shook Lanqi's hand and asked a question.
"It is also on the banks of the Salina River, about 4 kilometers from the city center where we are now. The exterior of the restaurant is plain, but don't worry, the interior decoration is extremely luxurious, showing the taste of Master Pagus everywhere."
Lanqi replied helplessly.
When I talked about paintings with Talia in the art museum before, I felt that she was indeed a talented woman, but when we talked about restaurants, the feeling of the unemployed gray-haired girl next door came back.
"Yes, regarding dating, there is nothing more I can teach you. I can only practice with you."
Talia nodded in satisfaction.
Having said that, Miss Zhu Zhu still hopes that she can continue to teach her next time.
The last success convinced her that dating was indeed a piece of cake.
But just consider it as improving your professional skills, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to practice with Lanqi.
…
Less than half an hour.
A two-story detached building on the banks of the Selina River.
Lanci held Talia's hand and walked through the oak door of the restaurant at the Ziri Bridge Inn in Cologne.
"Welcome, sir and madam."
The moment I stepped into the restaurant of the Coron Zhiriqiao Inn, the receptionist quickly stepped forward and bowed to greet me, "Do you have a reserved seat?"
The waiter said respectfully.
"No, if there is a booth, take it. If not, try to sit by the window."
Lanci replied.
Today's date happened suddenly and he had no preparation at all.
Even though today is still a festival of fireworks.
But he was sure that there were only a few citizens on the streets in the prosperous area of Parière in the entire Flower City today. It was even more desolate than on ordinary weekdays. Everyone was still immersed in the turmoil of the past two days and had not fully come out of it.
This is also the reason why Boss Cat said that today’s dates at many tourist attractions are almost just a two-person world.
"Okay, this way please."
The attendant led the two through the reception room covered with crimson Alolan carpet and pushed open the double doors leading to the main hall.
The main hall was brightly lit, reflecting the sheen of pure white tablecloths and silverware.
The view of the Selina River outside the window is unobstructed, and the midday sun shines on the calm river surface, like a dream.
The waiter led the two to the sofa booth by the window and motioned for them to sit down.
The two stood at the dining table and paused for a moment.
It seemed that they wanted to sit separately, but I found that they were still holding hands.
They seemed unable to reach a consensus to let go of each other's hands at the same time, nor could they let go first as if giving in. In the end, in order to avoid the waiter noticing anything, they just sat on the sofa on the same side.
“Here’s the menu.”
The waiter handed over a leather menu. The brown goatskin exuded a thick texture, and the edges were gilded to create a classic style.
"Thanks."
Lanci and Talia began to study the menu carefully.
It is more convenient to sit aside so that you can look at the menu together.
In the past, it was always one of them who watched it.
"You two can also try the set menu, which is a lunch carefully prepared based on our popular dishes."
It seemed that the waiter realized that they were foreigners and it was their first time, so he handed them an extra piece of paper with recommendations.
"Today is the Fireworks Festival. Couples can enjoy a 10% discount in our store today. All you need to do is prove that you are a couple. And if you spend a certain amount, you can get a Fireworks Festival coupon and Animal Forest Fireworks Festival couple commemorative jewelry."
The waiter introduced as the two looked at the menu.
"We are not a couple."
The two immediately looked at the waiter and rejected it.
“…”
The waiter felt like something was stuck in his throat.
You two are still holding hands tightly, and you still say you are not a couple?
Is this also part of your interest?
"Then the 10% discount for the two of you..."
"don't want."
“…”
Waiters rarely encounter customers who directly refuse offers.
"Do you still need the Fireworks Festival coupons and the Animal Forest Fireworks Festival commemorative accessories?"
The waiter asked again.
"Well……"
Lanci and Talia looked at each other.
Animal Forest is a set of mascot cartoon characters that have been very popular in the southern continent recently.
Lanqi felt that Talia seemed to be particularly fond of this series since she went to the Golden Bee Amusement Park last time. Every time she saw her on the street, her eyes would linger on it for a while.
"I still want this one."
Lanqi said to the waiter.
Talia breathed a sigh of relief.
She was worried that she almost couldn't get the Animal Forest surrounding.
Fortunately, Lanqi agreed immediately.
"Tata, how about just choosing this generous set meal and letting me add a few more dishes?"
Lanqi cleared his throat, trying to quickly avoid the topic of the waiter, and asked Talia.
The restaurant's famous specialties are basically included in the set menu.
Talia said that she had already eaten a lot of pastries at Rosalinda's house when she arrived, so she shouldn't be too hungry.
"no problem."
Talia was so touched that she gritted her teeth and said.
Just ordering a set meal is enough, there’s no need to stress about adding a few more dishes!
Lanqi returned the menu to the waiter, who meticulously wrote down the information about the meal Lanqi wanted.
"Would you like me to recommend some wine to go with your meal?"
the waiter asked.
"Excuse me, could you recommend a red wine that would go well with veal?"
Lanqi nodded. Although he didn't drink, he knew Talia's taste very well and would order for her every time.
Talia glanced sideways at Lanci.
She knew Lanqi didn't drink, so she knew Lanqi ordered it for her.
She always felt that if this man wasn't so damn annoying all the time, he would always make her happy.
"I recommend a red wine from the southern Aquitaine region, which is produced by the Baptiste family winery. It is rich and mellow, and it goes perfectly with the delicate taste of veal."
The waiter recommended.
"Just follow your suggestion."
There is no mistake in the poem, post, content, and read the book on 6, 9, and bar!
Lanci replied.
The waiter put away the menu and notebook and saluted.
"Thank you for your order. The delicious food will be served soon. I wish you two a pleasant meal."
With that, he quietly withdrew, leaving Ranch and Talia waiting on the sofa by the table.
The waiter walked away.
There are even fewer customers in the restaurant today than usual.
But each table is still decorated with freshly cut bouquets of the season, with pink peonies or white tulips decorated in pure glass vases, tender and juicy, exuding a refreshing fragrance.
The two people sat very close to each other because they were holding hands.
This distance made it a little difficult for them to chat as freely as usual.
"Do you feel that you should let go of my hand when eating?"
Talia finally spoke.
It would have been fine if they just sat on one side, but after they sat down, they continued to hold hands, and the waiter who came over to pour water and the guests around them all looked at them with a hint of smile.
This made them both feel a little uneasy.
"Um."
Lanqi loosened his grip a little.
"You still hold on tight."
Talia didn't move her hand, letting him hold it.
If she took her hand away first at this time, it would seem like she had given up.
Especially since there was a waiter watching them and pouring water for them.
Lanqi fell silent and glanced at the sign on the wall of the restaurant without any particular meaning.
"?"
Talia also looked over.
I saw——
[We sincerely welcome you to our restaurant. Please take good care of your belongings, hold your children, and take good care of the elderly. ]
The veins on the back of Talia's hand began to beat again.
"Tata, why are you holding my hand tightly again? Don't you want to let go?"
Lanqi's eyes widened and he uttered this with a look of innocence and surprise.
He even raised his hand, which was held by Talia, intentionally or unintentionally.
The waiter also noticed that it was Talia who was holding him.
“…”
Talia controlled the strength of her hands and felt her blood pressure was about to explode.
Damn green tea!
But today, she will definitely hold back.
Exploded with him!! "…Well, Lanqi, can you just continue to hold my hand?"
Talia spoke slowly and lovingly with a warm smile on her face.
“…”
"sure."
Lanqi seemed to be enduring the tingling on his scalp, and he remained polite and trembling as he answered.
Far outside the restaurant.
Two figures were looking into the restaurant through the glass with binoculars.
Rosalinda also has a black cat on her head.
"Wow, they are holding hands even when they sit in the restaurant. This is really...!"
Rosalinda covered her cheeks and twisted her upper body.
"They look like they don't want to let go of each other's hands!"
Etienne also grabbed Rosalinda and shook her excitedly, asking her to watch the interaction between Lanqi and Tata and not miss the beautiful moment.
These two people were flashing too much and didn't care about the eyes of people around them at all.
But they love watching this!
"Meow……"
Boss Cat felt that he was always on a different wavelength from these two girls.
The two in the restaurant were obviously competing with each other.
"It seems there's a communication."
Rosalinda saw through the telescope that Talia took out a super long-distance communication magic card in her left hand, and she didn't know who contacted Talia at this time.
The other side.
The main hall of the restaurant at the Zhiriqiao Inn in Cologne.
Sitting on the sofa by the window, Talia answered the flashing purple communication magic card.
soon.
"Tata, are you all doing well in the Flower City of Pariel?"
Talia's most familiar and missed voice came.
This voice was the girl's greeting that Talia heard every day before she left the Kingdom of Hutton.
"fine."
After receiving the call from Hyperion, Talia looked much more relaxed and subconsciously pulled her hand away, but Ranchi did not let go.
She was shocked.
It seems like Lanqi is deliberately doing something bad. He has no idea who the call is from!
Thinking it was just her other friends trying to make her uncomfortable.
Although Hyperion contacted Talia through the transnational communication transit station after seeing the news about the riot in the Flower City Pariah two days ago.
But Talia only told Hyperion that there was nothing wrong and that Ranch might need to rest more.
This made Hyperion very worried.
Today, Hyperion probably thought that Lanci might have had a good rest, and calling him at noon would not wake him up, so she once again used the expensive cross-border communication relay station.
"By the way, Tata, how is Lanqi?"
Hyperion continued to ask.
"Wake up, do you want to talk to him?"
Talia replied that she wanted to make Lanqi realize the problem as soon as possible.
After saying this, she already felt something was wrong.
She and Lanci were holding hands at the moment, and at the same time she was communicating with Hyperion, which always felt a little weird.
Logically speaking, when the communication came, they would not continue holding hands no matter what, but now no one would take the initiative to let go, so this was the only way to contact Hyperion.
"Tell me about it for a moment."
Hyperion's voice was noticeably happier.
Talia then placed her communication magic card in the middle of her Ranchi, close to his ear, and helped him hold the communication magic card.
"Huprienne, I'm sorry to have worried you. We should be back in a few days."
Only then did Lanqi see clearly that the floating words on the communication magic card were Hyperion's name, and he looked at Talia in surprise.
"Hey, Ranchi, you were right next to Tata?"
Hyperion felt that Tata handed the communication magic card to Lanqi in an instant, as if the two of them were pressing close together.
Lanqi immediately realized that something was wrong and wanted to let go, but this time Talia held his hand tightly again, not letting him pull it away, and even causing his hand to feel a little stinging.
It seemed like revenge for his previous behavior.
"Yes, I'm staying with her."
Lanqi made some strange noises and could only pretend to answer normally.
"Uh, you sound a little nervous, are you guys making cards? Am I disturbing you?"
Hyperion asked worriedly.
"No, no, we are eating."
Talia quickly rejected it.
"...Are you two going to sit next to each other for dinner today?"
Hyperion seemed to be wondering if it was really convenient to eat next to each other.
Since the two of them can talk together using a communication magic.
Of course, we wouldn't be sitting across the table like we usually do.
"It's just more convenient to look at the menu when we order..."
Just as Lanqi was quickly thinking about how to explain.
"Sir, the slow-roasted beef shoulder in the couple's meal you ordered is out of stock. Can we replace it with a four-cut handmade beef burger with waterfall cheese? The Fireworks Festival couple accessories that come with the meal will not change."
The waiter came to their table and apologized with the magic tablet in hand.
"..."
There was silence on Hyperion's end.
“…”
Lanqi and Talia's throats also trembled.
The palms of both of them began to sweat.
Even though both of them felt that holding hands was more uncomfortable at this time, they were unwilling to let go of each other's hands. They had to get through the crisis together, or die together!
(End of this chapter)