NOVPUBThe scenery of the Selina River outside the window was fully visible, with the noon sun casting its glow on the calm river surface, dreamlike and illusory.
The waiter led the two to a sofa seat by the window, indicating for them to take a seat.
They paused next to the dining table for a moment.
It seemed they both wanted to sit on opposite sides, but then they realized they were still holding hands.
It appeared that neither could reach a mutual agreement to let go first, nor could either of them release their grip as if conceding; eventually, to avoid letting the waiter notice anything, they settled on the same side of the sofa.
"Here is the menu."
The waiter handed over a leather-bound menu, its heavy, brown goatskin exuding quality, edged in gilded trim for a classic style.
"Thank you."
Lanci and Talia began to scrutinize the menu carefully.
Sitting on one side was indeed convenient, as they could browse the menu together.
Before, it had always been one of them looking.
"You could also try choosing a set meal directly; it’s a lunch we carefully put together based on popular dishes."
The waiter seemed to realize they were foreigners and visiting for the first time, so he additionally handed over a paper recommending this option.
"Today is the Firework Festival, and our restaurant offers a 10% discount for couples today, you just need to provide simple proof of being a couple. Furthermore, if you spend a certain amount, you can receive a Firework Festival ticket and a couple’s commemorative accessory from Animal Forest."
While they looked at the menu, the waiter explained.
"We’re not a couple."
Both of them looked at the waiter and denied it immediately.
"..."
The waiter felt like he had a fishbone stuck in his throat.
You two are still holding hands tightly, and you say you’re not a couple?
Could this also be part of your personal amusement?
"Then the 10% discount for you two..."
"No, thank you."
"..."
It was rare for the waiter to encounter guests who directly refused a discount.
"Do you still want the Firework Festival tickets and the Animal Forest Firework Festival commemorative accessories?"
The waiter asked again.
"Uh..."
Lanci and Talia exchanged glances.
Animal Forest was a popular mascot cartoon series recently in the South Continent.
Lanci thought that Talia seemed particularly fond of this series ever since their last visit to Gold Bee Amusement Park; her eyes lingered every time she saw it on the street.
"We’ll take it."
Lanci told the waiter.
Talia sighed in relief.
She was worried she might not be able to get the Animal Forest merchandise.
It was good that Lanci agreed immediately.
"Tata, how about we choose this generous set meal, and I’ll add a few more dishes?"
Lanci cleared his throat, eager to move on from the waiter’s topic, and asked Talia.
The restaurant’s signature dishes were mostly in the set meal.
Talia had mentioned she wasn’t very hungry since she had already eaten lots of pastries at Rosalinda’s place.
"No problem."
Talia hardly maintained her composure for a moment before gritting her teeth and saying.
Ordering the set meal is enough; there’s no need to emphasize adding more dishes!
Lanci handed the menu back to the waiter, who meticulously recorded the details of the meals Lanci wanted.
"May I recommend some wines to accompany your meal?"
The waiter asked.
"Please do, could you recommend a red wine suitable for pairing with veal?"
Lanci nodded; although he didn’t drink, he knew Talia’s preferences well and always helped her order.
Talia glanced sideways at Lanci.
She knew Lanci didn’t drink alcohol, so she knew he was ordering for her.
She always felt that this man, if not so damnably perfect, always managed to please her exactly.
"I recommend a red wine from Southern Aquidan, produced by the Baptiste family vineyard. It’s rich and robust, a perfect match for the delicate texture of veal."
The waiter recommended.
"We’ll go with your suggestion."
Lanci responded.
The waiter gathered up the menu and notebook and bowed.
"Thank you for your order, your delicious meal will be served soon; I wish you both a pleasant dining experience."
With that, he quietly withdrew, leaving Lanci and Talia alone on the sofa by the table.
The waiter walked away.
Today, the restaurant had fewer patrons than usual.
Yet, each dining table still displayed seasonal fresh flower bouquets, delicate pink peonies or white tulips arranged in pristine glass vases, exuding a refreshing fragrance.
Because they were holding hands, the two of them sat unusually close.
This proximity somehow made it a bit difficult for them to chat as freely as usual.
"Don’t you think it’s time to let go of my hand now that we are eating?"
Talia finally spoke up.
Being seated on one side was one thing, but still holding hands after sitting down, especially when the waiter pouring water and other patrons looked their way with a hint of amusement, made them both feel rather uncomfortable.
"Mhm."
Lanci loosened his grasp slightly.
"You’re still holding on tight."
Talia’s hand didn’t move, letting him continue to hold it.
At this point, if she withdrew her hand first, it would seem like she was conceding.
Especially with the waiter looking on, busy pouring water for them.
Lanci fell silent, his gaze unintentionally drifting to a notice board on the restaurant’s wall.
"Tata, why have you tightened your grip on my hand again? Don’t you want to let go?"
Lanci’s eyes widened, his tone innocent and surprised as he even slightly lifted the hand Talia was holding.
The waiter also noticed that it was Talia who was holding onto him.
