Chapter 22: I’m a Spicy Girl

“Don’t be upset, let’s try another game.”

Luoyao’s tone was soft, her gentle voice almost seeping into the bones.

But her “comfort” didn’t ease Suyue.

Though Suyue smiled outwardly, those words stung.

Luoyao’s earlier jab—“compared to my ex-girlfriend”—was like a nail in her heart.

Growing up, Suyue was always compared to others.

But she was the “perfect kid” parents bragged about.

No one ever said she fell short.

To keep her image, she couldn’t show her jealousy.

Throwing a tantrum on a first date would tank Luoyao’s impression of her.

With no choice, Suyue forced a gracious smile. “Alright, let’s play something else.”

She started looking for other games.

Before leaving, Luoyao glanced at the Miffy rabbit plush in the claw machine.

Big, round white head, soft floppy ears—so cute.

No girl could resist it.

Luoyao gave a wry smile.

If this “date” wasn’t for ulterior motives, she’d have spent coins to grab that rabbit.

Oh well.

Business first.

She turned and hurried after Suyue.

They played racing and shooting games next.

Suyue excelled at these skill-based activities.

Driving and shooting were her forte.

During a “zombie-shooting” game, Luoyao snuck a glance at Suyue.

This wild woman transformed when she held a gun.

Fired up, passionate, she wouldn’t move to the next level until every virtual zombie was obliterated.

No chance to rattle her here.

Time for… the next move.

Right on cue, Luoyao’s stomach growled.

She didn’t eat breakfast usually.

She hadn’t expected Suyue’s invite and hadn’t eaten before leaving.

It was nearly noon—hunger was natural.

Hearing the growl, Suyue asked, “Hungry? Let’s grab food.”

“Sure.”

No need to plan the next step.

She’d improvise over lunch.

“What do you want? Western food?”

Luoyao thought for a moment. “Hot pot.”

“Alright, let’s go.”

As they spoke, Suyue casually reached for Luoyao’s wrist.

Just as her fingers neared, Luoyao jerked her hand behind her back.

Lowering her head, she feigned shyness. “N-not yet, it’s too soon.”

Seeing Luoyao blush over a simple hand-hold, Suyue’s heart melted.

Did this soft girl know how lovable she was?

Suyue’s resolve to win Luoyao strengthened.

“Alright, you decide when we hold hands.”

Suyue played it cool.

Luoyao was far more perfect than her past dates.

She didn’t fawn over Suyue’s Church hunter status.

Nor did she rush into intimacy after one date.

Her every gesture screamed refinement, her charm captivating Suyue.

How could Suyue pass up such a reserved, gentle girl?

But… that was just Suyue’s fantasy.

In truth, Luoyao’s reserve was because she wanted no physical contact with Suyue.

Recalling her time rolling in bed with a certain vampire, where was the “reserve” then?

She’d wanted to melt her small frame into Noah’s embrace.

If Luoyao gave in to Suyue now, how could she keep toying with her?

Of course, she had to act pure and shy~

They left the arcade and found a nearby hot pot restaurant.

Seated, the waiter asked, “What kind of pot? Mandarin duck or spicy?”

Suyue wasn’t great with spice. “Any clear broth?”

“Yes.”

“You can’t handle spice?” Luoyao tilted her head.

“Not that I can’t… just… uh…”

Oh~ the mighty hunter miss can’t take spice~

Here’s my chance.

Luoyao looked up, her tone full of concern. “It’s okay if you can’t handle spice. My ex-girlfriend wasn’t great with it either. Let’s get a clear broth pot.”

Luoyao mastered the art of playing hard to get.

At the arcade, when Suyue failed at the claw machine, Luoyao struck with, “My ex was great at this.”

That comparison sparked Suyue’s jealousy, but she couldn’t lash out—she had to endure.

Now, saying “My ex loved spice” would’ve made Suyue immune.

Instead, “My ex was like you, bad with spice” triggered, ‘How am I like your ex?’

This push-and-pull had Suyue wrapped around her finger.

Sure enough, Suyue said, “No, I can handle spice. Make it a spicy pot.”

“Alright, please continue ordering.”

Vanity was the perfect weapon against someone like Suyue.

With her competitive streak, Luoyao had endless ways to make her squirm.

After ordering meat, meatballs, and veggies, Luoyao suggested, “Let’s mix some dipping sauces.”

“Sure.”

The sauce station had tons of options, even three or four types of sesame paste.

Normally, Luoyao wouldn’t suggest anything without a purpose.

Mixing sauces was a cover.

Her real goal…

“Hey, I’ve been here before—their chili sauce is the best!” Luoyao pointed at a bright red sauce, excited.

“You’re eating that…?”

Before Suyue could finish, Luoyao scooped a spoonful into Suyue’s bowl. “You have to try it, no regrets!”

More like guaranteed regrets!

Suyue eyed the dab of chili sauce, swallowing hard.

It’s so red—just the smell screams spicy.

This could kill her!

“Uh, Luoyao, maybe we—hiss… you handle spice that well?”

Before Suyue could protest, Luoyao piled three heaping scoops into her own bowl.

What a fierce girl.

Luoyao raised an eyebrow proudly. “Of course, I’m a real spicy girl!”

She bounced back to their table with her sauce bowl.

Suyue smiled, letting the chili sauce issue slide.

Fifteen minutes later, Suyue took her first bite of lamb dipped in that secret chili sauce.

She regretted it instantly.

What is this? Peppers from the depths of hell?

It’s too spicy!

Seeing Luoyao take three scoops, Suyue thought it just smelled strong.

That first bite nearly ended her.

Sweat beaded on her nose, her hand on her forehead, lips clenched against the burning pain.

“You okay, Suyue?” Luoyao asked.

“N-no, I’m fine.”

“Good. Oh, their hand-cut beef is amazing with the sauce. Here, I’ll get you some.”

“No, no need—”

Suyue’s mouth was no match for Luoyao’s hands.

Before she could refuse, a piece of sauce-dipped beef was in front of her.

Luoyao: “Eat it, why aren’t you eating?”

Suyue’s eye twitched. “…Alright, eating.”

For the sake of flirting, she went for it.

The beef hit her mouth, exploding with fire.

“I-I’m going to the bathroom!”

Suyue jumped up, hand over her mouth, stumbling toward the restroom.

“Careful, don’t trip.”

Luoyao watched her frantic retreat, her smile fading.

“Serves you right for hurting Noah. Burn, baby, burn!”

(Reunion countdown!)