Seated at the elegantly set dining table, Zhan smiled warmly as Yibo passed dish after dish to him, each one more tantalizing than the last. The aroma of expertly prepared cuisine wafted up, teasing his senses and making his stomach growl with anticipation. The soft clinking of silverware on fine china filled the air as Yibo served him with a flourish, his movements economical and precise.
“ Eat up, Zhan ge,” Yibo said, his eyes sparkling with warmth as he added a generous serving of steamed fish to Zhan’s plate. The delicate flakes of fish glistened in the soft light, accompanied by a sprinkle of fragrant herbs that added a pop of color and aroma to the dish.
Zhan’s smile faltered for a moment as he protested, “But I’ve eaten not quite long ago, Yibo. I’m not really hungry.” He pushed his chair back slightly, his hands rising in a gesture of surrender as he tried to ward off the impending feast.
Yibo’s expression turned stern, his brow furrowing in mock disapproval. “Nonsense,” he said, his voice firm but playful. “You need to eat more, Zhan ge. You’re too thin.” His eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, his gaze warm and encouraging.
Before Zhan could argue further, Yibo added a helping of savory stir-fried vegetables to his plate, followed by a fluffy serving of steaming hot rice. The vegetables were cooked to perfection, their tender crunch giving way to a burst of flavor that complemented the fish beautifully. Zhan’s eyes widened in surprise as his plate became increasingly full, but Yibo just smiled and continued to serve him, ignoring his protests.
As the meal progressed, Zhan found himself relaxing in Yibo’s presence, feeling a sense of comfort and belonging that he hadn’t experienced in a long time. Despite his initial reluctance, he began to enjoy the meal, savoring the flavors and textures of each dish. Yibo’s company was warm and engaging, making the meal feel like a true feast. The soft hum of conversation and the clinking of silverware created a soothing melody that wrapped around him, making him feel safe and cared for.
Yibo’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as he leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled together in a thoughtful gesture. “So, Zhan ge, what do you plan to do now?” he asked, his voice gentle and encouraging.
Zhan’s shoulders shrugged in a helpless gesture, his eyes gazing down at his plate as he pushed a piece of fish around with his chopstick. “I don’t know,” he admitted, his voice laced with uncertainty. “I haven’t planned anything yet. All I can do for now is to find a good place for my employees to work in. After all, they fend for themselves, so I want to help them out in looking for new jobs.”
Yibo’s nod was understanding, but his eyes betrayed a hint of persistence. “Yeah, that’s a great idea, but what I meant was, what are you going to do about your restaurant?” he asked, his voice probing gently.
Zhan’s sigh was audible, his shoulders sagging under the weight of his responsibilities. “Like I said before, I don’t know…yet,” he replied, his voice laced with frustration and uncertainty. His eyes met Yibo’s, searching for answers, but Yibo’s expression was empathetic, offering no easy solutions.
The silence that followed was comfortable, with only the soft hum of the air conditioner breaking the stillness. Yibo’s eyes never left Zhan’s face, his gaze filled with understanding and support, as if willing Zhan to find the answers he sought. The air was thick with unspoken encouragement, urging Zhan to take the first step towards reclaiming his dreams.
Yibo’s eyes blazed with determination as he leaned forward, his voice filled with conviction. “I can help you get back your restaurant, Zhan ge,” he said, his words tumbling out in a passionate plea. “I have connections, resources, and influence. We can navigate the complex web of business and law, and I can use my network to help you regain control of your restaurant.” His eyes shone with a fierce intensity, his face set in a resolute expression.
