As the conversations died down, waiters finally began serving food onto the table. They didn’t need to be asked. They knew that once everyone was seated, their service would start.
The first course arrived quickly. It’s a wild mushroom soup. It was served in a porcelain bowl, still steaming and fragrant. A basket of warm bread followed soon after.
Gray picked up his spoon with relief.
’Finally...’
The moment the savory flavor touched his tongue, he realized just how hungry he had been. His body eased slightly. He wanted to just slurp the soup, but in front of the people, he couldn’t do so.
"So, Mr. Adams," one popular reporter across the table spoke lightly, "Now that the signing is official, what are your next plans? Can the public expect construction to begin soon?"
It didn’t help that people still tried to talk to him as they ate.
’Damn... won’t I have a moment of peace here?"
Despite his thoughts, Gray set his spoon down gently. His lips curved into a polite smile.
"Yes. We’ll be moving forward with it immediately. It’s important to start the groundwork as early as possible. We want to finish it as fast or at least start early in case problems arise."
Selina’s eyes lingered on him as though she was listening more closely than anyone else to his words.
"You make it sound like you’ve already thought of every step, huh?" she jokingly muttered. "Grandfather always says that’s the mark of a good partner. It must be the reason why he chose you."
A few reporters chuckled at that.
"I hope so," Gray answered in a lighthearted manner before he glanced at her briefly. She was redirecting the spotlight, making sure their eyes shifted to her instead of him. He gave a small nod of thanks that only she would notice before reaching for the bread.
The second course arrived soon after. It was still an appetizer. What was placed on their table was a delicate plate of fresh, raw salmon that was cubed in small pieces, accompanied by crisp vegetables and a light buttery lemon sauce.
"Mr. Adams, are you nervous about expanding so soon?" another reporter asked. His tone was casual, though the question itself wasn’t.
Gray ate the salmon and crisp vegetables in one bite before answering.
"Nervous? Not really," he said after a thoughtful pause to think what to answer. "But I’m really focused on it. There’s a lot of responsibility to take and manage. I know that my nervousness won’t help a business grow."
Selina tilted her head toward him, adding, "You should know, guys, that Gray here is a responsible man. I fear he would take this project too seriously."
The table laughed at her statement. Even Conrad raised his glass in faint amusement. Because of it, the question session ended quickly, replaced by people joking around.
Gray exhaled quietly. Selina has really helped keep and change the crowd’s attention. Across the table, though, his eyes accidentally flew to Mara’s direction.
Mara looked serious. She hadn’t laughed or spoken with anyone. She only cut into her food slowly, her gaze flicking between him, Selina, and the reporters.
’She must be feeling uncomfortable since we’re surrounded by a lot of well-known figures in the entertainment industry.’ Gray thought of it.
He knew it because he was feeling the same. Still, they can’t do anything but get through it. Only this way could they break through in this field.
Only in this way could they form a connection to these reporters.
Gray knew that one day, there might be a chance that he would ask and need help from these reporters. That was why, as early as now, he needed to build his connection with people.
The main course arrived soon after. Waiters carried silver trays carefully, placing plates in front of each guest.
Their main course for the day was beef tenderloin drizzled with a rich red wine sauce, accompanied by roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes on the side. The aroma was strong, filling the room.
For once since they started everything, a moment of silence surrounded everyone as people picked up their knives and forks.
Gray cut into the tenderloin slowly, savoring the first bite. The meat was soft, cooked perfectly. His stomach finally relaxed as real food touched it.
Fortunately, this time, no reporter fired off questions at him. Instead, the mood around changed slightly. The table was filled with conversations and laughter slipped on people’s mouths between bites.
The table finally sounded like a normal lunch gathering rather than an interrogation hall.
"Ah, finally," Gray murmured, sipping his wine. "It seems the food is good enough to silence all of you reporters for a while."
He whispered to himself in a low voice. It was impossible to hear above the laughter of everyone.
Some of the guests leaned into lighter topics. They are teasing each other about recent issues and even swapped small stories and gossip. Though from time to time, Gray found himself answering simpler questions.
"What’s your favorite food, Mr. Adams?" one woman who was noticeably young asked curiously.
Gray blinked, surprised by the sudden question. Still, questions like that are better than questions related to work.
He chuckled. "I really like simple egg fried rice."
"You cook, Gray?" someone remarked, smiling.
"Oh well, sometimes." Gray shrugged lightly, his lips curving.
"You know, Mr. Adams," an older reporter said, sliding a small card across the table.
"If you ever want to share how you started out. How a grocery store owner ended up as yours, then call me. I think people would be interested in your story."
Another followed soon after.
"Same here. We’re always looking for fresh narratives. Your journey could inspire a lot of people." She handed him her contact card as well.
Gray accepted them with both hands, nodding politely. "Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind."
More cards were given to him. Each came with a smile, a nod, or a small encouragement.
"You’re young, but you’ve got a story that matters."
"Not everyone gets this kind of chance. People will want to know about it."
"Don’t let us down if we call you, alright?"
Selina, who was seated right beside him, rested her chin on her hand. She glanced at the growing pile of contact cards by his front and smiled faintly.
"Looks like you’re more popular than I thought, Gray," she said softly.
Gray chuckled, tucking one card into his jacket pocket.
"Guess I should get used to it."