Chapter 193
285 Mouchers
One last meal together.
A ritual of sorts?
Her secret farewell.
“Any cravings?”
Cedrick finally remembered to ask.
“Shanghai–style cuisine.”
She wouldn’t taste home for a long time.
“Fine.”
Cedrick phoned a Shanghai restaurant, securing a private room. “They have availability. Let’s go.”
The understated luxury of the restaurant led them straight to their reserved space.
Menus arrived. Cedrick gestured for her to order.
Shanghai flavors didn’t suit his palate, but Lucille didn’t hesitate. “Since you’re paying, I’m indulging–no rules at all!” Cedrick’s steady gaze softened into a smile. “What rules?”
Two faces indeed.
Lucille ordered Fish and Rice Stew, Sizzling Garlic Eel, Stuffed Holiday Turkey, Crab Meat Risotto, added stuffed bagel from the dim sum menu, Savory Scallion Noodles, and–handing back the menu–couldn’t resist adding Glazed Pork Belly with steamed rice.
Cedrick chuckled. “You like pork belly?”
“Love it!”
Rarely enjoyed, though.
“I thought dancers avoided such things for figure control.”
He scanned her choices, amused again. “Crab Meat Risotto, steamed rice, stuffed bagel, noodles–a carb party? Can
we finish this?”
“I adore Crab Meat Risotto. Steamed rice pairs perfectly with pork belly sauce.”
Lucille explained.
11:55
Chapter 193
288 Vouchers
Besides, Savory Scallion Noodles and stuffed bagel–she wouldn’t taste them again for ages.
“Why not whole Steamed Crab?”
“No. I hate shelling them.”
Tonight, she’d eat exactly what she craved.
Not Angry?
“I’m here.”
Cedrick said, “The waiter can help with crab shells too.”
“I want Crab Meat Risotto!
Can’t you order Steamed Crab yourself?”
Her stubborn insistence felt foreign after five years of accommodating his preferences.
Cedrick paused, surprised.
Lucille’s reaction was abrupt–she’d always asked “What do you feel like eating?”
or agreed “Sure, your choice works.”
“Anything’s fine.”
Yet he chuckled. “Just risotto? We can afford it. Why so serious?”
Closing the menu, he told the waiter, “That’s all. Add a seasonal vegetable–you pick.” Lucille recalled Cedrick’s own words: Suspicious kindness always hides schemes.
His sudden dinner invitation and unusual deference likely meant he had news to share.
Please don’t ruin my meal with it, she thought.
Thankfully, he stayed silent.
Her appetite surprised her–though the restaurant served dainty portions. Four cubes of Glazed Pork Belly vanished between them, leaving her to mix rice with leftover sauce. She finished a full bowl, still craving more. But hadn’t they ordered risotto?
Cedrick kept sneaking glances while eating.
Lucille pretended not to notice until setting down her fork. “Out with it. What’s bothering you?”
His fork froze. “That’s rude.”
“Then why stare like a thief?”
11:55
Chapter 193
288 Vouchers
He’d planned to speak, yet now hesitated. Watching Lucille enjoy her meal–a rare sight–had made him finish two extra bowls himself. Though portions were small, their empty plates stacked impressively.
“Done? Let’s go home.”
He rose, pulling her up by the arm.
Lucille stiffened momentarily.
Early in their marriage, he’d constantly supported her like she was a toddler.
Back then, she knew guilt drove his actions, but believed she’d be content if such devotion lasted.
Time was the best witness and judge.
His meticulous care had faded year by year over half a decade.
Without genuine affection, who could sustain an act for five years?
She smoothly dodged his hand, stood independently, and walked out with her purse.
His expression? She didn’t see it. Didn’t care to look.
During the drive home, Lucille rehearsed discussing Grandma’s visit.
As she gathered her words, Cedrick placed washed fruit before her. “Finished both crates of fresh berries already?”
He mentioned the berries voluntarily?
She gave him a puzzled look.
“Oh…” He chuckled. “I’m not that stingy. Eat as much as you like. I just thought these spoil easily.”
“She’s already made Berry Wine.”
11:55
Chapter 194