NOVPUBThe two left Platinum Sen Palace as Time neared noon.
"Could you let go of my hand for a moment?"
Talia felt the temperature in Floral City Pariel was a bit hot.
It might still be the aftermath of the summer noon, or maybe it was because she had been walking for a while, or possibly because she was too close to Lanci.
Lanci, who had just regained his composure, hesitated slightly.
Then, a smile spread across his face.
"What’s wrong? We’ve hardly walked for a minute, haven’t we?"
Lanci said with a hint of pity in his eyes.
He hadn’t expected Talia to admit defeat just after the morning had passed.
"No, it’s not that. It’s just getting hotter, and I want to take off my gloves."
Talia’s sense of defiance suddenly kicked in,
"Or is it that you’re afraid to hold hands with me directly?"
She asked with a touch of slyness in her gaze.
Talia knew Lanci disliked touching others.
To some extent, he was a bit like a principal who would not only avoid letting students touch him but would not touch female students in particular, to prevent any accusations of harassment.
"I don’t mind."
Lanci let go of Talia’s right hand, still clad in her glove, and spread out his hand.
He smiled, waiting to see if she really intended to do it or was just making excuses.
Determined, Talia promptly removed her gloves and put them in her small crossbody bag.
"Here, take it."
Talia lifted her hand, starting to test.
She was betting that Lanci wouldn’t dare to hold her hand directly.
"..."
After a while, Lanci indeed did not reach out.
"I knew it, Lanci."
Talia narrowed her eyes slightly as she looked at him, as if asking—
Do you know when you’re the cutest? It’s when you try hard to appear composed.
She had won.
Playing a psychological game with Lanci was all about going all-in.
"..."
Lanci seemed to feel his blood pressure was a bit high, and he took a deep breath.
"Shall we go to Kolonzi Sunbridge Inn Restaurant?"
Lanci abruptly grabbed her right hand.
He seemed to have just been pondering where to have lunch, hence the brief daze.
"...Ah, sure."
Talia reflexively wanted to pull her hand back, but to struggle now would let him see her unpreparedness.
She simply had to endure the panic in her heart and answered.
So this is what it’s like to hold hands with a boy, this is his touch, his warmth?
The more Talia focused on the hand she held, the more her heartbeat became disordered.
She finally realized she might have gotten a bit too ahead of herself.
Lanci really dared to follow through!
No, no, no, no, I must not show any fear; to be scared is to lose, to play with this gambler, one must play to the end! 𝚗ovp𝚞b.𝚌om
The two walked along the roads of Pariel, silent for a long while.
They both felt somewhat uncomfortable now, neither daring to move the hand that clutched the other, as if it had stiffened.
"What kind of restaurant did you say it was?"
Talia could only casually ask a question to ease the awkwardness of the atmosphere.
She was willfully ignorant because she had already read the Poseen Gastronomy Guide.
It served as a way to test Lanci as a teacher, to see if he was adequately prepared for the date, very much in line with her persona, no problem.
"It’s a restaurant opened fifty years ago by the famous Poseen chef, Bro Pagus, who is honored as the Pope of Poseen’s culinary world, once awarded the Royal Golden Fork Medal. The Kolonzi Sunbridge Inn Restaurant is also one of Floral City Pariel’s and the entire Poseen Kingdom’s gastronomic highlights."
Lanci counted, and since coming to Poseen Kingdom, the famous restaurants he and Talia had yet to visit were few, Kolonzi Sunbridge Inn Restaurant being one of them.
"Where is it?"
Talia, hearing a familiar topic, relaxed a lot, her hand gradually regaining sensation, and she squeezed Lanci’s hand, asking.
"It’s also on the banks of the Selena River, about 4 kilometers from the city center where we currently are. The restaurant’s exterior is unpretentious, but don’t worry, the interior is extremely luxurious, showcasing Master Pagus’ taste at every turn."
Lanci responded, somewhat helplessly.
Previously, when discussing paintings with Talia at the art museum, he felt she truly was a talented woman; but when it came to restaurants, the vibe of the girl-next-door laid-off, grey-haired sister returned.
"Not bad. About dating, as your teacher, there’s nothing left I can teach you, I can only accompany you for more practice."
Talia nodded in satisfaction.
After all, Miss Zhu was still counting on her to continue the lessons next time.
Her success last time convinced her that dating was indeed a piece of cake.
However, it could be considered an improvement in her professional skills, so a practice session with Lanci couldn’t hurt.
...
Less than half an hour later.
A two-story detached house on the banks of the Selena River.
Lanci, holding Talia’s hand, passed through the large oak doors of the Kolonzi Sunbridge Inn Restaurant.
"Welcome, Sir, Madam."
The moment they entered the Kolonzi Sunbridge Inn Restaurant, the welcoming attendant promptly stepped forward, bowing in greeting,
"Do you have a reservation for seating?"
The attendant asked respectfully.
"No, if there’s a booth, a booth would be fine; if not, something close to the window will do."
Lanci replied.
Today’s date was sudden; he had made no prior preparations.
Despite it being the festival day of the fireworks festival.
But he was confident that today, on the bustling streets of Floral City Pariel, there would be few citizens, even more deserted than on an average workday; everyone was still not completely recovered from the turmoil two days ago.
This was also why Cat Boss had said that today’s date at many attractions would be virtually a private world for two.
"Very well, please follow me this way."
The attendant led them across a reception hall adorned with a dark red Yarolan carpet, pushing open the double doors leading to the main hall.
Inside the main hall, the lights shone brilliantly, reflecting the sheen of the pure white tablecloths and silver tableware.
