Chapter 163: The calm before the storm

Nana blinked her eyes, thinking about what happened. But, then it occurred to her.

This is my restaurant! Why should I bother with Liu Jinhai? Hmph! Let him think whatever he wants; which is exactly what…I have no idea.

She shot him an arrogant stare and got back to work, breaking their eye contact.

Jinhai was expressionless, but he seemed to understand her thoughts.

The same boy blushing from cheek to cheek said, “Miss Nana, I must say this is the best meal I have ever had.”

She smiled. “Thank you. I’m glad you liked it.”

Her smile blinded him. The other guy with him whistled, seeing his friend love-struck.

The boy snapped, and he coughed. “If you don’t mind, please accept this rose. It’s just a small thank you gift.”

It was a beautiful pink rose.

Liu Chunhua sensed the change in Jinhai’s demeanor. Liu Hai and Jing were thoroughly enjoying themselves.

No, no, no. They internally shook their heads. You should never make a Liu jealous. Wrong move.

Aish, sister Nana, don’t fall into the pit by accepting the rose.

May God help Nana to make the right decision. Amen. The father and son both prayed.

Jing sent a message to his father on WeChat. ‘Bet? Sister Nana will not accept the rose.’

‘I bet she will.’, he replied.

‘If I win, I get the costliest sports car. It’s only nineteen million dollars.’

‘If I win, you will cover all my meal expenses for the next month. It will easily go up to twenty million.’

‘Deal.’

‘Deal.’

Poor Nana had no idea that she has just been betted upon by a scheming pair of father and son.

Suddenly, the cold wind intensified. Nana and that boy both, couldn’t help but shiver. They felt as if it was literally snowing inside Natsukashi.

“How is it suddenly so cold?”

Nana felt awkward. She nervously laughed. “I-I don’t know…But this is unnecessary. Your compliments are more than enough.”

The boy didn’t give up. “Please?”

Nana tried to ignore the threatening stare directed at her, but she couldn’t. She peeked back a little, and right now, she didn’t see Jinhai as a human anymore. He felt like the incarnation of a devil. Dark clouds were looming over his head.

His black pupils constricted and challenging her as if saying, ‘I dare you to accept the rose.’

She sweated hard and trembled in fear.

But, then once again, she realized that she was the owner here.

T-that’s right. I’m safe here. And he has troubled me so much since the past few days!

But tomorrow in his office…I might not be safe anymore.

She gulped again.

I-I will drop a sick leave tomorrow. Yes!

She regained her confidence and looked at him haughtily.

She accepted the rose and smiled, “Thank you so much.”

The boy got immensely happy and excited.

Noooooo! My sports car!

Jing cried hard in remorse. He buried his face in his hands. Why did you fail me, sister Nana?

Liu Chunhua looked at him in confusion, “What happened to you?”

“I lost my love! Leave me alone with my pain! My heart is hurting.”

“Huh?” this boy and his antics!

Liu Hai leisurely sat back, enjoying his win.

Ah, winning feels so good. My one-month expenses are taken care of now.

But both of them gave Nana their sincere condolences.

May you survive and come back alive.

Not even a single line creased on Jinhai’s forehead until the end. It was the calm before the storm.

Good. Very good, Nana. Now, be ready for the consequences, he smirked.

Fifteen minutes later, their order arrived and set on the table.

Liu Hai and Jing started to dig in without wasting a second further.

“Mmmm, yum!!”

“As always, it’s the best!”

Liu Chunhua was also very impressed.

Nana came by and asked, “Do you like the food?” She refused to meet Jinhai’s gaze.

Liu Chunhua nodded, “Yes, dear. It’s delicious.”

Liu Hai and Jing vigorously nodded their heads. “Awesome. Passed with full marks.”

She chuckled.

They quickly communicated something with their eyes and silently nodded.

“Child. Why don’t you join us too? I know you are busy, but just for a little while? Will you not listen to your favorite uncle Liu?”

“Yes, please sister Nana?”

“I…alright.”

Their eyes sparkled.

“Um…why don’t you sit beside Jinhai? The chair is empty.”

Nana was flabbergasted.

That is suicide! It is the same as offering myself to him on a plate to be slaughtered. Which rabbit in the whole world willingly goes to a wolf!? Don’t you love me anymore, uncle?

Jinhai smiled, his eyes carrying an evil charm. “Yes, please, Nana. Do sit here.”

She smelled trouble. But, she couldn’t fuss about it. She quietly sat down.

Jing served her the steak and said, “Let’s eat.”

Just as Nana was about to hold the fork, Jinhai grabbed her hand under the table.

She froze. But, she acted as if nothing happened. Otherwise, everybody’s attention would be on her. She quietly struggled and tried to pull her hand out. Instead, he intertwined his fingers with hers.

She sneakily looked at him and telepathically begged him to leave her, but he was entirely focused on his dinner. He didn’t even glance at her.

“Child, what are you waiting for?”

She wanted to cry but lacked tears to shed.

“Y-yes, I was just going to.”

She struggled one last time, but all her efforts were in vain.

I so want to strangle you!

She had no choice but to use her left hand.

She grabbed the fork when Jing frowned. “Sister Nana, aren’t you right-handed?”

Nana stiffened. She nervously laughed, “Haha…I am. But I a-actually cut my finger in the kitchen just now, so…”

It was a challenge to eat using her left hand. She silently glared at Jinhai.

“Oh dear! You should be careful.” Liu Hai feigned concern but was stifling his laughter inside.

Jinhai looked at the pink rose and said, “Isn’t this the rose you just received Miss Nana? I must say you are quite…popular.”