CHAPTER 59: CHAPTER 59: ROMANTIC DINNER AT THE BAMBOO GROVE RESTAURANT

Eugene Vaughn didn’t expect her to toss the question back, turned his head to glance at her, and continued driving seriously.

Victoria Sinclair’s rhetorical question was clearly pandering to him.

Whatever answer he needed, Victoria would give that answer.

The answer might not be the truth.

This question became meaningless.

The car drove on a secluded mountain road, the lush shrubs adorned with twinkling starlit ambience lights, feeling like wandering in a galaxy.

How beautiful! What a romantic night view.

Victoria looked out the window, captivated by the scenery.

"Aren’t we going home?" Victoria asked curiously.

"We’re having dinner outside tonight."

"Oh!" Victoria felt a bit excited, not having dined out alone with Eugene in two years.

Perhaps it’s a bit far from home.

Or maybe it’s already late, he’s hungry and doesn’t want to cook at home.

No matter what brings her out for dinner, she is happy.

The car stopped at an open square.

Victoria got out of the car and saw bright lights ahead, beautifully arranged ancient Chinese architecture standing amidst a large bamboo grove.

The bamboo grove was lit with romantic ambience lights, breathtakingly beautiful.

Eugene got out of the car and came to her side, "Shall we go in?"

"The night here is so beautiful!" Victoria’s gentle voice mixed with joy, in a good mood.

She walked side by side with Eugene inside.

Walking through a meandering path full of bamboo, seeing the twinkling lights, the deeper they went, the more bustling it felt.

Eugene softly said, "The bamboo shoots here are very tender, and the bamboo shoot broth is delicious, I’ve been wanting to bring you to try it after my friends and I visited before."

Victoria turned her head to look at him, a hint of bewilderment in her heart, realizing there was a flaw in his words, and questioned, "Always wanted to?"

Smart as she is, she easily notices the problem.

Eugene gave a restrained chuckle, lowered his head, his gaze falling on his fair and tender hand, hesitated for a few seconds, then reached out to hold her hand.

At this moment, Victoria was too shocked, her body stiffened slightly, her hand moved a bit, being held tightly by his warm and solid hand.

Like a fine electric current beginning to spread at the place where their palms touched, Victoria’s entire body tingled, her heart beat erratically, pounding too fiercely, her breathing was off, nervously swallowing.

Her mind went blank.

Very flustered and nervous, feeling the palm hot and scorching.

The long-forgotten hand-holding after two years still made her heart race.

Her cheeks felt a bit hot, secretly raising her head to look at him.

Eugene’s body was tense, looking as serious as if joining a party, his gaze firmly fixed on the road ahead, not looking at her, nor speaking, but grasping her hand tightly and steadily, as if afraid that if he let go, she would fall off a cliff.

Victoria shyly lowered her head, biting her lips with a smile, quietly walking with him into the depths of the Chinese restaurant among the bamboo grove.

The manager greeted them, bowing respectfully and courteously, "Mr. Vaughn, your reserved private room is inside, please follow me."

"Alright." Eugene replied in a hoarse voice.

It turns out it was already booked!

Victoria felt a bit sweet inside, her ear tips warm.

Entering the private room, there was a large window with a broad view, outside were all bamboo groves, along with beautiful decorative lights.

A gentle breeze blew, carrying the fresh bamboo leaf scent.

Eugene released her hand, pulled out a chair for her.

Victoria took off her backpack, placed it on the chair beside, and sat near the window, looking at the scenery outside, too shy to face Eugene directly.

The manager attended to them, pouring tea, arranging the utensils, and asked, "Mr. Vaughn, shall we serve the dishes now?"

"You can serve them now."

"Alright." The manager left the private room.

Victoria exhaled softly, her body felt a bit warm, her heartbeat unsettled.

Eugene handed her a cup of tea, "Bamboo leaf tea, with anti-inflammatory and cooling effects, give it a try, see if you like it."

"Alright." Victoria accepted with both hands and spoke softly, "Thank you."

The teacup was small, her fingertips touched Eugene’s long fingers, causing another flutter in her heart.

Her breath felt a bit hot, just right to sip some bamboo leaf tea to cool down.

She lowered her head and took a sip, its fragrance lingering, soothing as it slid down her throat.

"It’s really good." Victoria set down the cup after finishing the tea.

Eugene picked up the teapot and filled her cup again.

"Thank you." Victoria’s shyness deepened, not daring to meet his eyes.

She felt he seemed to intentionally ease the coldness in their marital relationship.

"How was the first day, business good?" Eugene asked about the exhibition.

Victoria suddenly remembered she needed to thank him.

Victoria teasingly said, "Thanks to President Vaughn for bringing us so many clients."

Eugene smiled, "Closed any deals?"

"Not yet, but I still have to thank you."

"Just a thank you?" He raised an eyebrow, feigning mystery.

Victoria hesitated for a few seconds, sincerely said, "How about, I treat you this meal?"

Eugene shook his head, "That’s not okay."

Victoria looked up at him, "If the clients you introduced sign a contract, I’ll give you a commission."

Eugene frowned, lightly brushed the rim of the cup with his fingers, seemed a bit helpless, "Do I look short of money?"

Victoria awkwardly bit her lips, hesitated for a few seconds, curiously asked, "Then what do you lack?"

Eugene’s gaze suddenly deepened, directly staring into her clear, lively eyes, his hand brushing the cup paused, as if immobilized.

His expression was a bit stiff, Victoria thought she misspoke, feeling a bit flustered, lifted the cup and lowered her head to drink water.

At this time, the waiter served the dishes.

Since they were pre-ordered by Eugene, Victoria didn’t know what was there.

Only when all the dishes were served did she realize they were all her favorites.

Exquisite plating and appetizing colors.

Eugene picked up her empty bowl and served her soup, "Eat while it’s hot."

"Thank you." Victoria, hungry, picked up her chopsticks and started eating.

The roasted pigeon was fragrant, with crispy skin and tender meat.

The bamboo shoots were tender, crispy, and aromatic.

The bamboo shoot broth was exceptionally delicious.

The baby bok choy was sweet, tender, and smooth.

And there were delectable desserts.

Victoria ate contentedly, her face beaming with a happy smile.

Eugene always ate gracefully and slowly, watching her eat while the smile on his lips gradually became more apparent.

"Victoria." He softly murmured.

Victoria sipped a mouthful of soup, pursed her lips, and looked up at him, "Yes?"

"Do you like the environment and dishes here?"

"I do."

"Let’s come more often in the future." His voice was gentle and tender.

Victoria’s heart trembled, it took her a while to calm the excitement in her heart, revealing a sweet smile as she happily nodded.

It was a long-lost sweet smile.

Eugene watched intently, couldn’t help but smile subtly, his eyes warm.