The Substitute Wife || JR&LK ✔️

CHAPTER 197

Lisa Lim did not know what was wrong with herself, but her heart gradually began to ache. She stared at Jeon Jungkook and, after saying her goodbyes, she turned and prepared to leave, but she suddenly called out, "Jeon Jungkook."

Jeon Jungkook abruptly stopped in his tracks. He thought that he was hallucinating and, for some time, he stood in silence with his back faced toward Lisa Lim before he eventually turned his head to take a look. He realized that she was still rooted to the same spot, and a look of surprise flashed across Jeon Jungkook's eyes. "What's wrong?"

"I..." Lisa Lim had reflexively called out his name without having any idea of what she would say, so she was stuck after the word "I" and awkwardness crept up her entire body. She racked her brains for something to say, and the more anxious she became, the slower her brain could think. Finally, in a moment of panic, she casually said, "Let me treat you to a meal."

Jeon Jungkook's body trembled violently, and he thought he was hallucinating. He seemed to be frozen still in a picture as he stared at Lisa Lim without responding.

After the words came out of Lisa Lim's mouth, she realized what she had done. They certainly were not close, particularly given how heartless and cold they'd been toward each other in the past. It was strange for her to invite him out for a meal so abruptly.

Lisa Lim's hands balled up tightly into fists, and her mind was whirling. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of the letter that she had given to him earlier sticking out of his pocket. It prompted her to say, "Back in Jeju, you certainly helped me out, so it's only right for me to treat you to a meal as a thanks."

When Jeon Jungkook heard her explanation, he finally was convinced that what he'd heard was not his imagination and that she was in fact asking him out for dinner. An indescribable sense of joy that he had never experienced before filled his chest, and emotions rippled in his eyes as he gazed at Lisa Lim. He could clearly feel that his heart was alive and beating furiously at that moment.

When Lisa Lim saw that Jeon Jungkook was not replying, she thought that he was unwilling, making her feel awkward, so she added, "I know that you don't have time now. If you're not free—"

After much effort, Jeon Jungkook finally managed to steady the roiling emotions within his body and opened his mouth forcefully to interrupt Lisa Lim. In a calm, steady voice, he asked, "Where are we going to eat?"

Upon hearing him agree, Lisa Lim quickly changed what she had been saying. "I know of a new hotpot place that's not far from here. It's pretty good, and now that it's winter it'll be extra good. What do you think?"

Jeon Jungkook nodded his head lightly without any objection and then pointed at his car and indicated for Lisa Lim to get in.

......

Lisa Lim took Jeon Jungkook to a hotpot restaurant, where they ordered mildly spicy food that was spicier than typical hotpot fare. From the moment their dinner arrived, Lisa Lim ate nonstop, as she always enjoyed spicy food, but halfway through her meal, Jeon Jungkook , who was seated across from her, paused for a moment and then suddenly beckoned a waiter over. After he stared at the menu for a moment, he pointed at one corner and said, "Let me add on a bowl of egg soup."

Lisa Lim thought that Jeon Jungkook had ordered the soup for himself. She didn't think too much of it and continued adding vegetables into the hotpot.

Shortly after the hotpot was boiling, the egg soup was served. Just when Lisa Lim was about to scoop up the vegetables, Jeon Jungkook reached out his hand and stopped her.

Lisa Lim looked up at Jeon Jungkook with a baffled look in her eyes. Jeon Jungkook picked up the bowl of egg soup and placed it in front of her. "It's bad for your stomach to eat too much spicy food at night. Have something light, instead."