Chapter 406: Let Me Take You Out for Dinner
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Usually, Rong Qi would leave the lab by sundown at the latest. However, today was an exception. Because of the new ingredients Lu Chengzhou had procured, she’d added two new elements to her formula, keeping her in the lab much later than usual.
Lu Chengzhou himself was engrossed in his observations, sitting motionless as he intently watched the reaction taking place in the test tube. A small blackboard beside him was filled with scribbled notes, outlining the progressive changes of the experiment.
Only after the reaction had passed its most intense phase did Rong Qi lift her slightly aching arm. “Let’s call it a day for now. I’ll continue after I’ve secured the Mystic Berry.”
As she got up to change, Lu Chengzhou followed her out of the lab. “It’s late. Let me drive you home.”
“There’s no need. Xu Yi is with me. You should get some rest too,” said Rong Qi.
“Alright.” Lu Chengzhou looked on as Rong Qi took off her protective suit. Just as he was about to speak, his eyes caught a glimpse of a mark on her neck. A bitter smile curved the corner of his lips. Over twenty years of being a bachelor and the one time he felt his heart race, it was for his cousin’s wife.
‘Damn it.’ Lu Chengzhou cursed inwardly.
After seeing Rong Qi off, he returned to the lab, only to find his phone flashing with notifications. A message from Lu Qi awaited him.
Lu Qi: [Have you had dinner? I want to show you something.]
A photo followed Lu Qi’s message, featuring an array of delicately sliced sushi arranged in the shape of cherry blossoms. The display was visually stunning.
‘Could Lu Qi, so carefree and straightforward, really have made something so intricate?’ Lu Chengzhou thought.
Lu Chengzhou chuckled and sent her a voice message. “Wow, Sachima, you can make sushi? I thought you were the type to just gnaw on a couple of big steamed buns.”
Thinking he’d made an innocent joke, he put his phone aside and continued with his experiments, feeding the lab rats. However, when he checked back, there was still no response from Lu Qi, who usually replied instantly.
‘Had I offended her?’ Lu Chengzhou thought.
Picking up his phone, Lu Chengzhou quickly reviewed their chat history. Realizing he might have hurt her feelings, he began contemplating how to apologize. Just then, a message from Lu Qi came in.
Lu Qi: [My favorite food is actually pan-fried dumplings, not steamed buns.]
Lu Chengzhou: [I apologize for the joke earlier. You saved me once, and I haven’t had the chance to repay you. Are you free this weekend? I’d like to treat you to dinner.]
It took a while, but Lu Qi finally replied, [It’s okay, you’ve been busy. Don’t worry about such trivial matters.]
Remembering Rong Qi’s plans to attend an auction, Lu Chengzhou texted, [I’m free this weekend. How about dinner at Kudo Pavilion? I’ll make a reservation.]
Lu Qi: [Okay.]
A simple exchange, yet Lu Chengzhou had no idea how elated the person on the other end was. After he mentioned treating her to dinner, Lu Qi stood in front of her wardrobe, pulling out all her clothes, only to find each one lacking.
Meanwhile, in the car. Rong Qi and Xu Yi were on their way back to Clearcreek Mansion when Xu Yi suddenly received a call from Zhuang Ling. His brow furrowed; it seemed urgent. He glanced at Rong Qi and floored the accelerator.
Rong Qi looked out at the dark night and said, “You go take care of your business. I’ll head back on my own.”
“But it’s late…” Given previous lessons, Xu Yi dared not to leave her stranded halfway.
“Don’t worry. Just drop me back at Lu Chengzhou’s lab, and I’ll drive his car home.”
Considering the options, Xu Yi found it reasonable. It would save time, and he could ask Lu Chengzhou to help get her home safely. Agreeing, he turned the car around and headed back to the lab..