Chapter Twenty-Four
As night fell as dark as ink, the city ushered in a new world: skyscrapers, dazzling lights, and neon signs igniting the restless hearts of its inhabitants.
The car stopped in front of a building that wasn't particularly eye-catching, with warm yellow lights shining on the glass windows.
Huo Yuzheng got out of the car, opened the door for Mo Wansheng, gently took her arm, and helped her out of the car.
Pushing open the heavy restaurant doors, soothing jazz music echoes throughout the restaurant.
The restaurant's interior was much more spacious than it appeared from the outside, with soft light casting a glow on the wooden floors. Each table was adorned with small candlesticks, adding a touch of elegance.
The waiter greeted him with a smile. He recognized Huo Yuzheng and asked, "Mr. Huo, would you like to sit at your usual spot?"
Huo Yuzheng nodded and took Mo Wansheng's arm as they walked through the dining area.
She noticed a display case of dessert models against the wall, among which a soufflé sprinkled with frosting was particularly eye-catching.
After taking her seat, she discovered that from her angle, she could see the head chef of the open kitchen, an elderly foreign man with white hair.
Huo Yuzheng pushed the menu over, "Take a look and see what you'd like to eat?"
This was a French menu. Mo Wansheng glanced at it briefly and then pushed it back to him.
"It seems you've been here quite a few times. You order. I'll have a soufflé for dessert, and you can order the rest."
"Their foie gras is good; it uses Peregrine black truffles."
Although Mo Wansheng let him decide what to order, Huo Yuzheng still offered suggestions and sought her opinion when appropriate.
Each time she nodded, I continued reading, "Main course: lamb chops with Provençal herbs, or a seafood platter?"
...
Having decided on his meal, Huo Yuzheng elegantly closed the menu, handed it to the waiter, and replenished his drinks.
The waiter left, and once again, only the two of them remained in the small space.
Mo Wansheng raised her glass and took a small sip of ice water.
"How many times have you been here?" she broke the silence first, asking.
“I’ve been here once before, but I’ve been here many times when I was in France.”
Mo Wansheng was a little puzzled, so Huo Yuzheng continued, "Mr. Theo has recently settled in China, and this restaurant only recently opened. He used to live in France, and I spent a short time there and often ate at his restaurant."
She looked around again; the abstract paintings on the walls and the gramophone in the corner subtly hinted at the authentic French style.
The waiter brought over a bottle of white wine, opened it, and poured it for them.
"Riesling of Alsace".
Mo Wansheng nodded slightly. She gently swirled the wine in her glass, and the pale golden liquid shimmered with a translucent luster under the light.
During that discussion about wine preferences, he actually remembered that she liked white wine.
The appetizers followed, with the white wine perfectly complementing the richness of the foie gras, adding a rhythm to the dinner.
Harmonious, yet rich in layers.
Next came the main course. Mo Wansheng didn't eat much; she wanted to leave more room for her beloved soufflé.
She looked expectantly into the open kitchen only after the plates used to hold the main menu were removed.
If I'm not mistaken, Mr. Theo is carefully beating egg whites.
Fluffy, cloud-like, everything was slowly expanding.
Time flowed slowly, and this time the visitor was not a waiter, but Mr. Theo.
An elderly French man with white hair walked over carrying two soufflés.
His steps remained steady, showing no signs of aging.
"Time is the soul of a soufflé." His Chinese wasn't very good, and it had a thick accent.
When he saw Mo Wansheng, he smiled broadly and then carefully placed the dessert on the dining table.
"Not a second more, not a second less, it's not acceptable. I must deliver it myself."
Mo Wansheng immediately sat up straight, the light and fluffy soufflé in front of her making her wish she could stuff it into her mouth the next second.
She looked at the smiling old man and quickly said softly, "You've really gone to so much trouble."
"For guests who know how to appreciate, Theo will never trouble them." Old Mr. Theo smiled and waved his hand, his kind gaze shifting back and forth between her and Huo Yuzheng.
Finally, the image focused on Huo Yuzheng's face. "Huo, you know the rules."
Huo Yuzheng nodded slightly, "Now is the perfect time."
Mo Wansheng understood and, under Mr. Theo's expectant gaze, picked up the small dessert spoon.
She used the back of a spoon to gently tap a tiny notch on top of the soufflé.
Accompanied by an extremely subtle "rustling" sound, a richer, more intense aroma of egg, milk, and vanilla bursts forth.
Mo Wansheng scooped up a large spoonful, taking in both the slightly crispy outer shell and the moist, soft inner core.
She put it in her mouth, and its lightness and sweetness melted on her tongue, enveloping and blossoming on her taste buds.
It was an almost dreamlike taste.
She even unconsciously closed her eyes, savoring this fleeting moment of beauty.
“Parfait (perfect).” she exclaimed sincerely, this time in French.
Mr. Theo's wrinkles smoothed out, revealing an incredibly radiant smile.
"Huo, what about you?"
Huo Yuzheng also tasted his own portion, then looked at Theo, "Never disappoints."
Mr. Theo let out a hearty laugh and patted Huo Yuzheng on the shoulder.
He didn't bother them any further, satisfied, and turned back to the kitchen.
The sweetness of the soufflé lingers on the lips and teeth.
Mo Wansheng quickly finished off the soufflé on her plate, and her gaze inadvertently fell on the remaining soufflé on Huo Yuzheng's plate.
He only ate a few bites.
This action was almost unconscious, driven by the most instinctive longing for delicious food.
However, Mo Wansheng quickly realized that this was somewhat impolite.
Her long eyelashes fluttered rapidly as she picked up her wine glass and took a small sip.
Huo Yuzheng had already noticed.
His gaze lingered on her flustered face for a second before he gently pushed his plate of soufflés in front of her.
Mo Wansheng had already noticed his subtle actions, and she really wanted to accept this gift.
But after a moment's hesitation, the plate was pushed back to its original place. "Don't waste Mr. Theo's good intentions."
“Of course,” Huo Yuzheng replied softly.
He didn't try to persuade him further, but simply picked up his silver fork and slowly enjoyed the rest of the soufflé, unhurriedly.
As the last piece of soufflé disappeared into his mouth, he picked up a napkin and gently wiped his lips.
"Let's come together again next time."
Mo Wansheng did not avoid his gaze. She stared at the flickering candlelight in his eyes, and the corners of her lips curved slightly.
"good."
After dinner, Huo Yuzheng suggested, "Shall we go for a walk?"
Mo Wansheng looked out the window. The city lights gently illuminated the night, like stars scattered on the ground.
She replied almost without hesitation, "Sure, perfect for digesting after a meal."
The two left side by side. Huo Yuzheng sent a message to the driver, telling him to come back to pick up the car in half an hour.
After turning a corner, you enter a colorful commercial district.
The Christmas atmosphere was very strong. Colorful lights twinkled everywhere, and a huge Christmas tree stood in the center of the square.
Yesterday's heavy snowfall added a beautiful touch to the entire city of Jin.
Huo Yuzheng's gaze fell on Mo Wansheng's exposed neck.
Although I put on a shawl before going out, it wasn't enough to protect me from the cold wind.
He stopped and took Mo Wansheng's hand.
As expected, it was cold.
Immediately afterwards, he took off his coat and, facing Mo Wansheng, wrapped her tightly in it.
He didn't give her the option to refuse.
“Mr. Huo?” Mo Wansheng blinked and looked at him.
She tried to return the coat to him, but two large hands held it tightly.
Huo Yuzheng said in a low voice, "The wind is getting stronger."
She didn't insist and could only whisper her thanks, "Thank you."
The coat was warm and carried a sweet fragrance emanating from Huo Yuzheng.
Mo Wansheng lowered her head slightly, burying half of it in her collar.
Her slender body appeared somewhat petite at that moment.
They continued walking along the brightly lit street, and Mo Wansheng would occasionally glance at him beside her.
After taking off his overcoat, he was only wearing a thin shirt and vest.
But his figure remained upright, and Mo Wansheng finally couldn't help but ask with concern, "Aren't you cold?"
"I'm fine." His voice remained calm, as if he really wasn't cold.
Mo Wansheng reached out from the corner of her coat and tightly grasped Huo Yuzheng's hand.
His hands also felt icy cold.
"Isn't it cold?" she couldn't help but complain.
"It's okay, I'm in good health."
Huo Yuzheng subconsciously curled his fingers, trying to pull them back.
However, the next second, Mo Wansheng made an even bolder move.
She gripped his hand tightly and pulled it to her burning heart.
Through the cashmere shawl, Huo Yuzheng could feel the rapid, powerful heartbeat.
My heart pounded like a deer in his palm.
Mo Wansheng's cheeks flushed slightly, and she moved a little closer to Huo Yuzheng.
With his other hand, he groped around, trying to tear open the coat he was wearing and put half of it on him.
"Stop fooling around," Huo Yuzheng stopped him, his breathing becoming increasingly hot.
He used his free hand to hold down her other restless hand, along with her coat that was about to slip off.
His chest was suddenly struck.
Mo Wansheng pressed her entire body against Huo Yuzheng.
All of this came without warning.
Her cheek was pressed tightly against his chest, and Huo Yuzheng's Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily.
Through the thin fabric, she could feel his taut muscles and strong heartbeat.
The sound was heavy and swift, intertwined with her own heartbeat.
Mo Wansheng loosened her grip on his hands, then wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, showing no intention of letting go.
Huo Yuzheng sighed, then hugged her back, getting even closer and tighter.
His arms were strong and powerful, completely enveloping her in the warm world they had built together.
He lowered his head, his chin gently resting on the top of her fragrant head.
Under the dazzling lights, all the cold winds were kept out.
Hearts colliding, cold chests burning hot.
"It's really not cold now." Huo Yuzheng's deep and gentle voice sounded above her head.
"Hmm," Mo Wansheng responded sullenly.
She didn't even want to let him go again.
They held each other like that until dawn.
Suddenly, she found a surge of courage in his arms, raised her chin slightly, and asked softly, "Do you like me, Huo Yuzheng?"
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