Chapter 300

Sophia's stomach growled traitorously.

She bit her lip, wanting to refuse Ethan's invitation with dignity, but the gnawing emptiness forced her to relent.

"Let's go," she muttered.

The dim sum restaurant glowed with warm amber light. Sophia ordered century egg porridge, garlic spareribs, rice noodle rolls, goji berry chicken soup, and steamed chicken feet in one breath.

Ethan arched an eyebrow. "Didn't the hot springs water fill you up?"

"That was mineral water!" Sophia nearly slammed the table, dragging all the dishes toward herself. "These are mine."

Unhurried, Ethan added a few more items to their order.

Sophia stared at the untouched stuffed chicken wings on his plate, swallowing hard.

"Aren't... you eating that?"

"It's for the dog." He didn't look up.

Sophia bristled instantly. "Who are you calling a dog?"

The man chuckled, pushing the plate toward her. "Eat. Don't waste it."

"Even dogs have better taste than you." She snatched it through gritted teeth.

Outside, lightning split the sky.

Rain poured down in sheets, hammering against the windows.

"Terrible weather," Sophia frowned.

Ethan wiped his hands leisurely. "Perhaps the heavens disapprove of your wickedness."

"How is this my fault?"

"Wasting food when so many go hungry."

Sophia nearly flipped the table in rage.

The storm trapped them at the hot springs resort for the night.

Somehow, Ethan produced a black umbrella.

The wind howled, nearly tearing the canopy apart. Suddenly, his arm wrapped around Sophia's shoulders, pulling her close.

"I can walk by myself," she protested.

"At your pace, we'll never get there."

Rain soaked through Ethan's shirt, yet he tilted the umbrella toward her.

Sophia glanced up discreetly, catching the sharp line of his jaw.

Their silhouettes blurred into the downpour.