Twenty minutes later, they were seated at a roadside skewers stall in the West district.
He had never been to a place like that. He could never understand how these places, with questionable food quality and hygiene standards, would be so popular.
Won’t we be ill if we eat this?
At such a noisy place, can we even eat in peace?
Ning Ran was amused at how unsettled Nan Chen seemed to be.
Actually, she could empathize with Nan Chen for feeling out of place. Before her mom’s company was snatched over by Luo Yi, Ning Ran’s family was also well-to-do. Her mom had never allowed her to eat like a place like this.
“Why don’t you go back first?” Ning Ran tried not to laugh.
Nan Chen didn’t speak.
If he had a choice, he did not want to be in such an environment. But he had something important to ask Ning Ran today, so he had to stay.
As more crowds gathered around the stall, Nan Chen got increasingly uncomfortable.
There was still a long line of orders in front of theirs. He had no idea how long more they would have to wait.
Ning Ran stood up. “Why don’t we go to another place instead?”
Nan Chen looked at Ning Ran. He wasn’t sure if she was kidding.
“This place is indeed too noisy; it is not suitable for someone of your status. Let’s go.”
Ning Ran said, as she stood up.
Nan Chen only followed her when he was sure Ning Ran was not being sarcastic.
“Let me bring you to a place.” Nan Chen said.
“Let’s just go back to the hotel. I’m not in the mood for supper anymore.” Ning Ran seemed to have lost interest.
“I know of a place that sells flamed steak. It uses top-grade beef and also has the best sake. It’s definitely better than skewers.” Nan Chen said.
If Nan Chen thought so highly of a place, it had to be really good.
That aroused Ning Ran’s interest. She was curious how good that place could be, that deserved Nan Chen’s recommendation.
“Ok, let’s go then.”
Nan Chen brought Ning Ran to a restaurant that did not look very fancy. Nan Chen made a call when they were on the way, and Ning Ran was not sure if that was the reason the restaurant was empty.
“This is the only place where you can have the most authentic Kobe beef. The Kobe beef served elsewhere in Flower City are all fake.” Nan Chen said.
“Really?” Ning Ran’s interest grew.
Nan Chen didn’t reply.
The beef was served quickly. Ning Ran took a bite. The meat was tender and fragrant. It was indeed not like anything she had eaten before.
“Mmmm… not bad, it’s delicious!” Ning Ran gave it a thumbs up.
Nan Chen remained expressionless as he tried to hide his smile.
“Why are you being so nice to me today? Is there anything you want from me?” Ning Ran asked.
“Yes.”
“What? Really?” Ning Ran put down her fork. She started getting anxious.
“There is something I want to ask you.”
“If I didn’t tell you what you want to hear, are you going to make me pay for this meal?” Ning Ran asked nervously.
This beef was definitely not cheap.
“No, I won’t.” Nan Chen gestured for Ning Ran to carry on eating.
“That’s good.” Ning Ran started eating again.
Nan Chen did not say anything. He was thinking of how he should approach the topic.
Ning Ran did not pester him to ask his question as it gave her time to enjoy her beef.
“Shall we order some saké?” Nan Chen suggested. “The saké here is really good too.”
“Let’s get some then.”
Ning Ran was feeling exhausted. She thought that having a drink might help her relax.
It might also help to reduce some stress that she was feeling due to Poker Face’s presence.
“Do you get drunk easily?” Nan Chen asked again.
“I don’t think so. I hardly drink. I am not an alcoholic.” Ning Ran quickly defended herself.
After a moment of silence, Nan Chen poured Ning Ran a cup.
He poured himself some too, before raising his cup for a toast.
Ning Ran did not know what happened. She only had one cup but she could already feel the effects of the alcohol.
Nan Chen had already taken out a button and put it on the table. He was looking at Ning Ran.
Ning Ran took a quick glance at it. That was the button that she had treasured for years, it could not have been more familiar to her.
But she did not react, because she did not understand Nan Chen’s intentions.
“Did you drop your button? I am not good at sewing. I can’t help you with that.” Ning Ran said.
“How do you know that’s my button?” Nan Chen’s eyes were cold.
Ning Ran was at a loss for words.
“Errr… Because…” Ning Ran panicked.
Back in the jungle, she had already noticed that Nan Chen’s buttons were identical to the one she had. She was shocked over it at that time.
However, she did not want to overthink as it was a sensitive matter. She was also not fond of Nan Chen. As such, she had gradually forgotten about the matter.
Why did he suddenly show me the button? What does he want?
“Have you seen this button before?” Nan Chen pressed on.
“I… haven’t seen it before!” Ning Ran denied.
“You’re lying!” Nan Chen shouted in a chilling voice.
“I… am not! How would I know that this is your button? I thought it was your button because it looks like the ones you have on your shirt. I am not blind right!” Ning Ran said, while pointing to Nan Chen’s shirt.
Nan Chen’s head started aching. This woman is such a good liar.
This was clearly the button that was inside her bag and yet she still refused to admit!
Nan Chen took a deep breath to calm himself down. “Take a closer look.”
“No need. I am sure I don’t recognize it.”
Nan Chen was losing his patience.
He had already expected this from Ning Ran. This woman had never cooperated with him.
Do I have to get her drunk to get the truth out of her?
One would usually speak the truth when one is drunk. It seemed like she would only tell the truth when she is drunk.
But she has to be drunk, yet still sober enough to remain awake. If she falls asleep, I won’t be able to get anything out of her.
Nan Chen poured Ning Ran another drink. “Let’s drink some more.”
“I’ll watch you drink. I don’t hold alcohol well. I should stop.” Ning Ran said.
“Just one more.” Nan Chen continued.
“No, I really can’t drink anymore. I get drunk easily. I am still embarrassed over my drunken state yesterday.” Ning Ran said.
Nan Chen recalled Ning Ran’s crazy behavior last night. I don’t think you will ever feel embarrassed.
“Don’t worry about that.” Nan Chen kept trying.
This guy is too nice tonight, it’s so suspicious. Ning Ran was suddenly alert.
First, he waited so long at the set. Then, he was willing to go to that skewers place with me. And now, he kept asking me to drink. What does he actually want?
Does he want to rob me and finish me off? That’s not possible! The other way round seemed more likely.
Maybe he wanted to get me drunk and…?!
Doesn’t seem very likely as well. He doesn’t even look like he’s interested in women at all. Besides, given his status, he can have any woman he wants. He didn’t have to resort to this.
But if it’s not all of those, then what exactly does he want?
It can’t be that he’s thinking of getting rid of me so that they could get custody of the kids?!
When Ning Ran thought of this, she grew even more alert. She had to stop drinking!
Who knows if the drink has not been poisoned? When the police find my body tomorrow, they would probably think I died from alcohol intoxication!
