Chapter 10
On May 20th, the air seemed to be filled with sweet, pink bubbles. The "Corner" café was no exception. Hand-painted heart stickers adorned the windows, a vibrant red rose graced each table, and upbeat, sweet love songs played on a loop from the speakers.
Lin Xiaotang specially launched a 520 limited edition – Raspberry White Chocolate Mousse, heart-shaped, pink and white, topped with edible gold leaf, and a special rose latte called "Heartbeat", with a beautiful pink sugar rim around the cup.
Business was indeed booming; the restaurant was almost packed, filled with couples cuddling sweetly and men and women with shy smiles. The air was filled with the aroma of coffee, desserts, and the sweet, sour scent of romance.
Lin Xiaotang and Xiao Wei were so busy they barely had time to breathe, like two spinning tops. Bai Sinian remained in his usual spot, his black coffee long since cold. He quietly watched the bustling crowd, watching Lin Xiaotang flit between the bar and tables like a butterfly, a warm smile always on her face, patiently introducing specialties to each couple.
His gaze followed her most of the time, but it was no longer the unsettling, sorrowful stare of before. Instead, it was much calmer. Only occasionally, when he saw a couple interacting intimately, would his eyes dim for a moment, a complex emotion that was hard to detect flashing across them.
The peak season finally passed, and customers gradually dispersed. The restaurant returned to its usual quiet, with only one or two tables still leisurely enjoying the sweet aftertaste. The soothing music became clear again.
As Bai Sinian watched Lin Xiaotang see off the last table of guests, he let out a soft sigh and rubbed his slightly sore neck. He pursed his lips, seemingly having made a great decision, then stood up and walked towards her, who was tidying up the bar.
His steps weren't fast, and he even seemed a little hesitant, but they were still clearly audible in the quiet shop.
Hearing footsteps, Lin Xiaotang looked up, a fine bead of sweat on her forehead. Seeing it was him, she instinctively gave a slightly tired but still gentle smile: "Mr. Bai, is there anything else you need?"
Bai Sinian stopped in front of her, his fingers curling slightly as he avoided her smiling gaze. His eyes fell on the smooth surface of the bar, and his voice was lower than usual, carrying a hint of barely perceptible tension: "Are you... done with work today?"
"Almost..." Lin Xiaotang looked around, "We still need to tidy up a bit before we can close."
“I mean,” Persian took a deep breath, as if gathering his courage, and finally looked up at her, his eyes filled with a cautious probing, “could we… have dinner together?”
Lin Xiaotang was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting him to suddenly extend an invitation. She glanced instinctively at the calendar on the wall—the large number "May 20th" caught her eye. The special meaning of this date, like a pebble thrown into a still lake, created subtle ripples. Her fingers, gripping the rag, unconsciously tightened slightly.
"Here I am..." she began hesitantly, her gaze sweeping over the bar counter and tables and chairs that still needed cleaning.
"Go ahead, go ahead, Sister Xiaotang!" Xiaowei, who had been pretending to wipe the table but actually eavesdropping, immediately jumped out with a mischievous and excited smile on her face. She hurriedly said, "Leave this to me! Anyway, we're closing soon, and I can finish up the last bit of work quickly! You guys go eat!"
As Xiaowei spoke, she winked vigorously at Lin Xiaotang, her meaning all too clear.
Lin Xiaotang's face suddenly flushed, and she glared at Xiao Wei, who smiled and avoided her gaze, quickly starting to pack her things, showing with her actions that "this is none of your business."
She looked at Bai Sinian again. He stood there, his posture still upright, but the tension and anticipation in his eyes were like tiny sparks, faint yet impossible to ignore. He waited quietly for her answer, without urging her or saying anything more.
The calendar on the wall, Xiao Wei's winking, the man's unusual, slightly clumsy initiative... all these factors intertwined, stirring up a strange, slightly sweet panic in her heart.
She lowered her head and gently placed the rag aside; the sound was soft, yet it clearly echoed in the silent air.
"...Okay. Wait for me a moment, I'll go get my bag."
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