AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He clears his throat and takes a sip of water, before answering. „During college. I spent a semester abroad.”
„Oh, that’s so cool. I’ve always wanted to do that, but…” I trail off, unsure how to finish the sentence.
„But?” He probes. „What stopped you?”
Money, I want to say. It’s the truth, but I don’t feel comfortable talking about it, especially with someone like him, a complete stranger to poverty. He never told me much about his background, but it’s obvious that he comes from a good family and that he most likely never had to worry about being able to pay rent.
„It wasn’t…we couldn’t really afford it,” I say ruefully.
Our eyes meet, and he nods.
„I understand, I’m sorry to hear that,” he says, before we’re interrupted by the waitress, who seemingly emerges out of thin air.
She places a brown bottle and two small ceramic cups that are not much bigger than shot glasses in the middle of the table, next to a plate with cucumbers and some salad.
„What is that?” I ask, while he opens the bottle and starts pouring some of it into the tiny cups. The liquid is almost clear, with a hint of yellow to it, looking like diluted apple juice.
„Umeshu,” he says. „It’s Japanese, actually, a kind of plum wine. But it goes well with Chinese dishes, too, if you ask me. I very much prefer it to any kind of Baijiu.”
He hands me one of the tiny cups and takes the other for himself.
„Ganbei”, he says.
„Ganbei, Sir,” I reply. „Though, Kampai might be more appropriate, considering this is a Japanese drink.”
I bite my lip and curse myself. Why did I have to say that? Being a smart ass is not cute for a girl, I’ve been told that more than once.
But, luckily, he just smirks at me. „I see I’m not the only smartypants here. We’re still in a Chinese restaurant, aren’t we?”
„Fair enough,” I say, as I bring the cup to my lips.
I’ve never had Umeshu before, so I don’t know what to expect, but when the sweet liquid hits my lips, I instantly know that this will not be my last time drinking it. It’s sweet, very sweet, but incredibly delicious.
„So, how come you know how to toast in Japanese, but you’ve never heard of Umeshu before?” he asks, while he picks up and helps himself to a piece of pickled cucumber.
„It’s rather boring: I heard it in a movie. I can’t even remember which one,” I say. „No exciting story to tell there. I’m afraid I’m rather boring.”
„I disagree,” he objects. „I find you quite exciting.”
He pierces me down with an intense stare again, and I feel like I’m melting into the chair.
„Now eat,” he says. „I brought you here to feed you, not to get you drunk on Umeshu.”
He points to the plates in front of us, and just as I pick up my chopsticks, the waitress shows up again and places two more plates of food in front of us, as well as two small bowls of rice.
„Gong Bao Chicken, though you probably know it as Kung Pao,” he explains, pointing at a bowl with pieces of chicken, peanuts, and chilis. „Simple, but amazing. And some Mongolian beef.”He points at the plate with darker meat and vegetables.
My mouth is watering at the sight, and I reach for the Gong Bao chicken first. I was worried about being too nervous to eat, but my nerves finally calm a little when I start chewing on the first piece of meat. My empty stomach is screaming for more, and soon, I have to stop myself from gobbling down the food like a starved animal in front of his attentive eyes.
„I’m sorry for ruining the night like that,” I say, when the silence between us starts to feel heavy.
„You didn’t ruin anything,” he insists. „Anticipation is part of the fun, wouldn’t you agree?”
The way he looks at me always feels as if he’s touching me. I feel a tingling in my core every time our eyes meet.
„So…you’re not angry with me?” I ask.
He shakes his head. „I’m not. In fact, I’m looking forward to what lies ahead of us. I haven’t met a girl like you in a very long time, and I will relish every single step of the way—if you’re still willing.”
