Chapter 33: Having Western Food

The two exchanged phone numbers and then added each other on WeChat.

"The mother of that kid just now was so unreasonable. It was clearly her child's fault, yet she kept blaming the saleswoman."

Lian Yingying recalled the incident, still feeling angry.

"These unruly kids, running wild in the mall, and as parents, instead of taking responsibility, they cause trouble when something happens. It's true what they say, behind every unruly child is an unruly parent."

"If it wasn't for you pulling me away just now, I might be in the hospital right now."

"Yeah, some people these days, their lack of manners is really something."

Chen Wei shook his head helplessly, thinking of the saleswomen he encountered today.

As they chatted, the dishes they ordered started arriving one by one.

A plate of golden brown chicken souffle, two bowls of creamy mushroom soup, two servings of juicy grilled steaks, a fruit salad, two servings of tiramisu, and a bottle of red wine.

The service was attentive, much better than the saleswoman downstairs.

Chen Wei looked at the array of dishes before him, feeling both eager and clueless.

No chopsticks, no idea how to use a knife and fork. How was he going to manage?

Seeing his discomfort, Lian Yingying chuckled and then picked up the wine decanter and glasses, pouring two glasses of red wine and handing one to Chen Wei.

"Come on, cheers!"

Chen Wei also raised his glass, clinking it with hers and saying cheers before downing the wine in one gulp.

The wine was a bit strong, and Chen Wei, not used to drinking, felt a burning sensation in his throat and furrowed his brows unconsciously.

Lian Yingying took a sip of wine, seeing Chen Wei finishing his glass, and chuckled, "You're quite straightforward."

She then downed her own glass.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Chen Wei coughed.

Seeing his reaction, Lian Yingying couldn't help but laugh again.

Chen Wei felt a bit awkward staring at Lian Yingying like that, so he quickly averted his gaze.

"This wine... it's quite strong."

Chen Wei tried to cover up.

"You're supposed to savor it, not gulp it down like you did."

Lian Yingying scolded him playfully.

Chen Wei felt even more embarrassed.

Lian Yingying poured another glass and said, "Forget it, let's just enjoy ourselves today, no need to hold back!"

"Eh?"

Chen Wei felt a bit hesitant.

He rarely drank, and his tolerance was low. He was already feeling a bit dizzy after that one glass of wine.

Seeing Lian Yingying's enthusiasm, he started feeling apprehensive.

"What's wrong with a few glasses of wine? Come on, let's eat and drink to our heart's content!"

"What if I can't handle it?"

Chen Wei's tongue felt numb.

"You're a big man, why are you afraid of drinking? Big drinks and big meat! Here, bottoms up!"

Lian Yingying poured him another glass without hesitation, then poured herself one as well.

A bottle of wine, almost empty.

"Let's start with some steak. Their steaks here are really good."

Lian Yingying didn't bother with the knife and fork, just spearing a piece of steak with her fork and taking a bite, letting the juices dribble down her chin.

Chen Wei followed suit, spearing a piece of steak with his fork and taking a big bite.

It was tender and delicious, and Chen Wei instantly fell in love.

After a few bites, Lian Yingying didn't immediately reach for her wine glass. The last gulp was a bit too much for her, and she was feeling a bit woozy. Taking advantage of the buzz, she asked Chen Wei, "So, what happened to you that day? Passing out on the roadside so early in the morning?"

"It wasn't a big deal. I had just finished a night shift and was feeling tired. I tripped and hit my head, then passed out. If it wasn't for you, I don't know how long I would have been out there."

Chen Wei brushed it off with a vague explanation.

"So, what do you do for work? Are you a programmer?"

Lian Yingying asked.

"No, I do day trading in the US stock market."

Chen Wei smiled and replied.

"Day trading? What's that?"

Lian Yingying looked puzzled.

"It's... it's like stock trading."

Chen Wei couldn't explain it in detail at the moment.

"Oh, so you're a stock trader then?"

Lian Yingying's eyes lit up.

"Sort of, but we're a bit different from regular stock traders."

Chen Wei explained.

"It's almost the same. Wow, you're amazing! Honestly, I really admire stock traders. I know a... friend who works in your field. Oh, they're so impressive!"

Lian Yingying's eyes shone with admiration.

Whether she admired Chen Wei or her friend was quite obvious...

"Really? What market does your friend work in?"

Chen Wei asked curiously.

"I don't know."

Lian Yingying shook her head decisively.