In no time, the pair received a box filled with the Christmas decorations they bought. The staff had sealed the box opening well with tape.

"Thank you!"

"Please come again."

Lariette and Ruediger smiled at the cashier and another staff member at the counter while heading to the main entrance. The man pushed a cart carrying the sealed box.

As soon as the automatic glass doors slid open, the gentle sunshine and crisp air greeted the pair. The chilly air was a stark contrast to the warmth inside the home center.

Lariette's cheeks flushed the longer her skin was exposed to the cold air. She had the truck key in her hand. She quickly opened the trunk, letting Ruediger put the box inside.

Lariette was already in the truck when Ruediger got inside through the driver's door. Looking at her patting her cheeks, he chuckled softly.

The heating mode was already on, but it would take some time to warm the interior of the truck completely. They still felt the chilliness of the wintry air outside.

"Lettie, too cold?"

Ruediger reached for Lariette's hands, enveloping them in his. His palms were still warm. His smile softened when she nodded once.

Lariette murmured, relishing the warmth of his broad palms, "Quite cold. I think my tolerance gets weaker year by year."

Because she grew up in the northern countryside where the temperatures could drop below zero, Lariette's tolerance was quite good. But it seemed to change gradually the longer she lived in the city.

The winter season here wasn't as harsh as in the north.

"Well, I think it's not too cold actually," she shrugged, before adding mischievously, "Just wanna be pampered by my man ah."

Ruediger blinked, and then laughed once he realized how cheeky Lariette's words were. He let go of her hands to cup her face. Leaning closer, he pecked her cheeks and lips a few times.

"Feel better?" he asked, voice low and tinged with laughter.

"Better~"

Ruediger retreated, but his hands remained on Lariette's cheeks. He gazed at her with one brow raised, seemingly conflicted with something.

"What?" she asked.

He pointed at the box on her lap, pretending to be disdainful, "I feel like being judged for kissing you. Toss it to the backseat."

Lariette was blank for a second before laughing in the next second. She picked the box from her lap, happily showing the pouty angel topper.

"Hah! She's gonna watch over you! So you'd better behave!"

Ruediger groaned. He raised his hands to surrender, "Okay, okay. I'll behave, only for now."

"Only for now?" Lariette narrowed her eyes.

Ruediger chuckled. He reached for the seatbelt on Lariette's side, latching it and then doing the same for himself, ready to drive away from this car park.

Ruediger drove a few miles to the public park, where Renato's restaurant sat nestled among the trees. The pair planned to have lunch there.

Despite the cold weather, people filled every area of the park, either having a picnic, strolling or playing games. Everyone was dressed in layers to keep themselves warm.

Lariette happily looked out of the window when Ruediger found a place to park the truck. She couldn't help but recall the night of his confession a few months ago[01].

That day, he brought her to his studio for the first time. Then, they had a meal at the same restaurant before he brought her to see the light show in the same park.

Quite some time had passed, but the fond memory of that day still remained in her heart and mind.

Lariette purposely leaned the topper box against the seat before closing the truck door. Ruediger watched his action with amusement flickering in his eyes.

"My sweetheart, I didn't expect you to be oh so fond of your pouty twin."

Lariette huffed, "She's cuter than you. And not annoying."

Ruediger couldn't help but laugh. Reaching for her hand, he led her to the restaurant. They still needed to walk for a few minutes before arriving there.

"Already think of what you wanna have for lunch?" he glanced at her.

"As long as it's yummy," she chirped, eyes twinkling with anticipation, "And you pay for everything."

"Hahaha! Yeah, yeah. As you wish, my lady."

When Ruediger and Lariette reached the restaurant, they saw that quite a number of tables had been occupied by patrons, including the ones outdoors. Thankfully, they had reserved a table before coming here.

Renato spotted them as soon as they came inside. He quickly left the counter, pulling Ruediger into an embrace.

"Rudy! You're here! Long time no see, man," Renato boomed, and then he greeted Lariette with a gentlemanly bow, "Lariette, it's a pleasure to see you again."

"You too, Renato," Lariette replied, smiling brightly, "The food's so delicious. I absolutely have to come here again."

"Great! Come, your seat's over there."

Renato ushered the pair to a table by the window overlooking the scenery outside. A few stalks of wildflowers decorated the small vase in the middle of the table.

"So, do you wanna see the menu first or let me pick it for you?" asked Renato while standing by the table.

Ruediger and Lariette unanimously decided on the latter, trusting Renato's choice. The middle-aged man told them to wait while the food was being prepared.

"I wonder what he'll show us," Lariette grinned, unable to hold her excitement back.

"One thing's for certain, it'll be food, not brick or stone," Ruediger replied with a shrug.

Huffing, she quickly kicked his foot under the table. He simply responded by smirking at her.

A moment later, Renato returned with freshly baked bread and herb butter, including plates of the main dishes. He happily announced each dish.

"A hearty chicken pot pie! It's golden-topped and full of tender vegetables, savory broth and flaky crust."

"We also have a roasted beet and goat cheese salad here, complete with candied walnuts and arugula with a dash of balsamic vinegar."

"Don't forget our bestseller, wild mushroom risotto. It's rich with parmesan. And of course! Hot apple cider with cinnamon is a perfect pair for these dishes."

Blinking, Lariette was in a daze as she stared at the plates. She almost drooled from how delicious the scent was.

This was awesome!

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Reference:

1 - Chapter 261