"Let's go out for dinner later, I'll treat you to a big meal!" Wen Mo said with a smile, looking at the darkening sky outside the window.
He's not picky about dinner; he'll eat whatever's available.
I've long been accustomed to cooking for myself after grocery shopping. Occasionally, if I want to try something different, I'll order takeout from Meituan to whet my appetite.
But today is different. Wen Mo values this newly acquainted girl very much. It's their first meal together, so he has to treat her well and show his enthusiasm, right?
"Let's get ready and head out." Wen Mo glanced at the clock; almost an hour had passed since Xia Lian arrived home.
"Not home... want to eat?"
"What, you want to see me cook?"
"Wenmo wants to eat it, I'll make it."
Xia Lian raised her eyes and said with a slightly serious expression.
When those listless, droopy eyes gained a touch of sincerity, they inexplicably became somewhat endearing.
"It's not a question of who cooks." Wen Mo smiled awkwardly. Actually, he had originally planned to cook a big meal for her himself and show off his cooking skills.
But……
He rubbed his fingers, his eyes darting around, but he had forgotten to buy groceries; there weren't many vegetables at home.
Actually, when I put the ice cream in the refrigerator this afternoon, I glanced at the crisper drawer and couldn't find anything else edible besides onions, cabbage, and carrots.
I originally just wanted to have a simple meal by myself, but then I got a guest.
Oh no, it's that this house has gained a new owner.
"Tomorrow! I'll cook for you tomorrow, let's eat out today... okay?"
There's no time to buy groceries now. If we eat at home, Xia Lian will only be able to eat stir-fried carrots and cabbage with onions on our first day together. What kind of hospitality is that?
Xia Lian blinked, wondering why the person in front of her was reacting so strangely, but she still obediently nodded, "I'll listen to Wen Mo."
Wen Mo let out a long breath and responded with a smile.
After saying that, the two walked to the entrance. Xia Lian held onto the wall with one hand and hooked her finger off her slippers, revealing a small foot covered with a white sock. She then struggled to put on the shoes she had worn when she arrived.
Wen Mo looked up and stared at him, somewhat stunned.
The slippers she was wearing just now were old slippers that she hadn't worn in a long time.
When we invited her in, she wore the guest slippers, but it looks like we'll have to buy her a new pair in the right size.
...
The city was still brightly lit as evening approached.
The summer sun doesn't set that early; you won't see the last rays of light until at least 6:30, which is still a long way off.
Wen Mo put his hands in his pockets, pretending to look straight ahead, but actually glancing at Xia Lian beside him every now and then out of the corner of his eye.
Since it was their first time going out together, he wanted to see the girl's reaction.
Her eyes darted around as if she had never seen the city before, her little head turning like a fan.
"This place...is so beautiful."
Seeing that she had been admitted to a top university here, I thought she knew the city well, but it turned out she acted like it was her first time here.
"Haven't you been to this city before?"
Xia Lian shook her head. "No."
Wen Mo listened intently, though his heart was already stirred.
If she's never been here before, where did she live before?
He also applied to a key local middle school.
"Where did you live before?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Wen Mo suddenly regretted asking the question. It felt rather impolite to ask so many questions on their first meeting. He needed to make a good impression on Xia Lian.
To everyone's surprise, Xia Lian didn't react at all. Instead, she calmly said, "Before meeting Wen Mo... I lived in the countryside."
"Oh, okay." He scratched his head and didn't bring it up again, afraid of offending the other person. He'd rather think about what to eat next.
"I'm hungry."
"I know, so let's keep walking around for a while, and then we'll go to whichever restaurant you want to eat at."
This street is never short of delicious food; you can find a little bit of almost anything.
As time went on, the crowds on the street gradually increased, and those who had stayed indoors out of fear of the heat began to come out and move around.
The aromas of spices, chili peppers, and fried food blend together, making the whole street seem as if it has been thickened with starch, tinged with the colors of delicious food.
"There are so many people, let's move closer together so we don't get separated." Wen Mo frowned as he looked at the crowd, then turned back to remind Xia Lian behind him.
Xia Lian lowered her head and nodded, then reached out a small hand to grab the hem of his T-shirt, holding it tightly and not daring to let go, afraid that she would be squeezed out of the crowd in a moment.
As the crowd surged, the two gradually drew closer, able to feel each other's warmth even in the sweltering summer heat.
Wenmo was a little embarrassed, but he didn't say anything directly. Instead, he asked seriously, "Is there anything you want to eat?"
"Hmm... there's something I've always wanted to try."
"Oh? I've always wanted to try this?" He became interested. "What is it? Tell me, maybe they sell it on this street."
Xia Lian opened her mouth slightly, but then lowered her head and pondered for a moment.
"Hamburger."
Pfft.
Upon hearing this, Wen Mo nearly tripped and fell to the ground.
Because he really didn't expect that what Xia Lian had been wanting to eat was just a hamburger?
This food can no longer be described as common; rather, it's ubiquitous.
Since entering the street, Wenmer has seen no fewer than five or six burger and fried chicken shops, each with a different brand.
Famous and off-brand burgers are all gathered on this street.
"Why a hamburger?" Wenmer asked casually.
Xia Lian paused for a moment, seemingly trying to recall something, then answered softly, "I... I saw other people eat it before, it looked delicious, and I've always wanted to try it..."
...
...
Wen Mo opened his mouth as if to speak, but the words inexplicably stuck in his throat. His eyes trembled slightly, and he was somewhat touched.
He had made a few wild guesses about the reasons in his mind, but he was completely wrong. The reason the girl wanted to eat a hamburger was simply because she had never eaten one before.
"Sure, shall I eat it?"
Xia Lian tugged at his sleeve, her innocent big eyes staring straight at Wen Mo.
Wen Mo, who had originally planned to take her out for a big meal, now looked hesitant.
"this……"
"Can't...?" Xia Lian lowered her eyes in disappointment, her grip on her clothes loosening slightly.
A few seconds later, she raised her head and looked at me with a pitiful expression.
...
Damn it! What's the point of eating a proper meal?!
"Wait! Today I'm going to buy every brand of burger on the street!"
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