The car started, and Vera Wave breathed a slight sigh of relief. She didn’t have much cash on her. If he really insisted on going to a fancy restaurant, she feared she wouldn’t be able to afford it.
As the car headed towards the Second Ring Road, Nathan Leafcastle turned to look at Vera. "How have you been lately?"
"Me?!" Vera’s lips curved slightly; she had no intention of disclosing her current situation to him. "I’m okay. And you? When did you arrive in Imperial City? Are you accustomed to the environment here?"
"I arrived yesterday. It’s alright, since I grew up here, after all." Nathan Leafcastle turned to look out the window. "This city changes so quickly; so many places are unrecognizable now!"
"That’s true." Vera nodded with deep agreement. She turned her face curiously to him. "By the way, after all this time, how did you recognize me at first glance?"
"Seeing you crying there, I was just worried that a girl like you might have encountered some trouble, so I went over to check. I didn’t expect it to be you." Nathan Leafcastle’s dark eyes rested intently on her face. "You haven’t changed much from when you were sixteen or seventeen."
As he said this, the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
"You’ve probably forgotten, but back then, we used to chat online every week, and you would send me your pictures."
"Really?" Vera laughed apologetically. "But... you haven’t changed much either. You look pretty much like you did in the photos, still so handsome!"
Nathan Leafcastle’s lips curved upwards. His usually somewhat aloof expression softened, appearing increasingly gentle.
The car drove onto the Second Ring Road, and Nathan Leafcastle willingly gave directions to the driver. A moment later, they successfully found the traditional Nicosa Snack Bar.
The driver stopped the car. Nathan Leafcastle opened his door, helped Vera out, and they walked into the Snack Bar together.
The Snack Bar was quite crowded and very noisy.
However, the food was served quickly. They both picked up their chopsticks and began to eat. Vera didn’t have much of an appetite due to her mood. Nathan also ate little and didn’t say much.
When they finished eating, Vera took her wallet out of her bag to pay the bill. Before she could take out any cash, Nathan’s hand covered hers, stopping her.
Nathan Leafcastle handed two banknotes to the waiter. Feeling the warmth of his palm on hers, Vera quickly pulled her hand out from under his. Google seaʀᴄh novęlfire.net
"Then... I’ll treat you next time."
As her hand slipped away from under his, his palm suddenly felt empty. Nathan Leafcastle slowly closed his fingers, his gaze fixed on her face from across the table, a peculiar light flickering in his eyes.
"Okay." Nathan Leafcastle pulled back his hand and accepted the change from the waiter. He casually put it into his pocket, and then they left the store together.
On the steps, Vera turned around. "It’s late; I should get going. Let’s meet again another day!"
As she turned to leave, her wrist was suddenly clasped by a warm hand.
Vera turned back in confusion.
"No need." Vera hastily waved her hand. "The Subway Station is close, just two stops away. I’ll take the subway back."
Hearing her say the word "subway," Nathan Leafcastle’s brow twitched almost imperceptibly, and his grip on her wrist tightened further.
"I should still take you. You’re a young woman; it’s not safe this late at night."
The car’s tires rolled on the ground as the driver brought it over. Vera couldn’t refuse any longer, so she thanked him and quickly pulled her hand from his grasp.
They both got back into the car. Nathan Leafcastle took a business card from the storage compartment and handed it to her. "My phone number is on it. Call me anytime if you need anything."