Chapter 68: A Bitter Brew and a Beautiful Night

The black sedan glided to a stop at the restaurant entrance. Yuli pushed open the door, stepping out from the back seat, then stood patiently, waiting for Fran.

Reaching out, Fran emerged as well. Yuli gently closed the car door, then took Fran’s hand, leading him towards the restaurant’s grand entrance.

‘Is this really alright?’

Fran’s mind was a tumultuous mess. His work hadn’t progressed much despite the time he’d put in, yet here he was, out to dinner with Yuli. A faint sense of self-reproach gnawed at him. Still, there was genuinely nothing urgent demanding his attention; the organization had put him on standby, leaving him no choice but to await new orders.

‘When would this period of dormancy finally end?’

Despite his turmoil, Fran lifted his head, straightened his back, and followed Yuli inside.

“Good evening, sir and madam. Welcome,” the waiter greeted them with a smile upon seeing Fran and Yuli.

“Yes, I’m Yuli. I have a reservation. Please lead the way,” Yuli replied calmly.

The waiter smiled, nodded, and turned to walk ahead.

Fran followed, momentarily puzzled. How had the waiter discerned Yuli was a lady? Was their eyesight truly that sharp?

****

They ascended to a private room on the top floor. The waiter opened the door, ushering them inside.

Fran paused, momentarily captivated by the room’s opulent decor. Gilded crystal chandeliers, lavish tablecloths, and plush sofas created an illusion that he had stepped into an ancient imperial palace, and this, his very own chamber.

This private room was a self-contained suite, featuring an expansive floor-to-ceiling window that offered a stunning night view. A glass wall also provided a clear vista of the streetlights and bustling activity below.

Outside the window, the moon shone brightly, and the sky was studded with countless stars, resembling celestial fairies twinkling down at him.

The sparse traffic and pedestrians on the street below lent an air of tranquility. In the deep of night, with only Yuli by his side, Fran blinked slowly.

‘It’s truly beautiful,’ Fran thought, unable to suppress a gasp of admiration.

“Fran, do you like it here?”

Suddenly, a voice reached his ears. Fran turned his head to see Yuli gazing at him with eyes as gentle as water.

“It’s… it’s alright,” Fran nodded, then quickly looked away, not voicing his true feelings.

This place was undeniably beautiful, yet its beauty felt too ethereal. He felt as though he didn’t belong here, as if he were dreaming, adrift in some illusory world.

Seeing Fran’s expression, Yuli decided not to press further. She simply smiled, remaining silent.

After a brief moment of quiet, the waiter finally interjected, “If you are satisfied with this private room, please take your seats. Tonight’s circumstances are a little unusual, so we kindly ask that you try not to leave the room during your meal.”

“Oh? Why?” Yuli frowned, perplexed. It wasn’t that she particularly wanted to leave; she relished the chance for more secluded time with Fran. However, the waiter’s specific emphasis piqued her curiosity.

“My apologies, but… a guest has made a special booking. Had it not been for your esteemed identities, I’m afraid the restaurant would have had to cancel your reservation for this private room as well…”

The waiter explained with an embarrassed expression. Yuli nodded, yet her curiosity compelled her to ask, “What kind of guest warrants such an elaborate arrangement?”

“That… I am not at liberty to disclose. My apologies…” With that, the waiter discreetly retreated, leaving Yuli standing at the door, glancing curiously at the dense crowd in the main hall.

She didn’t linger, turning to close the private room door. Then, taking Fran’s hand, they both settled into their seats, awaiting their meal.

“Fran, are you hungry?”

Fran shook his head. He had no appetite at all, but to avoid dampening Yuli’s spirits, he forced a strained smile and replied, “I’m fine.”

“Then what would you like to drink?”

“Anything,” Fran replied, shaking his head again.

“Oh, then let’s have a bottle of beer! Hehe, how can you eat seafood without beer?”

Yuli produced two bottles of beer, handing one to Fran and keeping the other for herself.

The moment Fran received the bottle, he instantly regretted it. Good heavens, he had sworn to himself never to drink alone with Yuli again, yet here they were… Oh, this…

He paused, holding the beer bottle. ‘Pouring beer into a wine glass—isn’t that a bit odd?’

‘But surely beer won’t get me drunk?’

Fran looked at Yuli, thinking her alcohol tolerance was probably similar to his. If he was confident he wouldn’t get drunk, then she likely wouldn’t reach a state where she’d make any untoward advances.

‘Or… perhaps not?’

While Fran’s past experience as a tavern worker allowed him to judge that a few beers wouldn’t intoxicate him, he couldn’t rule out the possibility of Yuli feigning drunkenness. ‘Hmm…’

He decided to cast aside such thoughts. His mood was simply too complex at the moment; this period of dormancy had left him feeling unusually suppressed.

He poured a glass, then looked across at Yuli, who was already holding her glass, waiting for him. He offered a wry smile, then raised his own glass. “Cheers.”

He gulped it down.

The bitter taste permeated his senses. After finishing the glass, the suppression in Fran’s heart eased slightly, though a sense of lingering discomfort remained.

He took a few more sips, but this time, he didn’t merely sip. He tilted his head back, letting the liquid flow directly down his throat. The beer was incredibly bitter, tasting to him like a rusted piece of candy, almost too acrid to swallow.

“Drink slowly…”

Observing Fran’s demeanor, Yuli, sitting opposite him, couldn’t help but advise him. Her brow furrowed slightly, seemingly concerned he might choke.

“Ugh… this beer is so bitter…” Fran set down his glass and complained to Yuli. She picked up the bottle, glanced at the label, and chuckled, “It is a bit… quite strong. It seems to be from the southern Teutonic region. I haven’t had it much either.”

“Mm…” Fran nodded. The conversation seemed to dwindle again, and a long silence ensued. Finally, the waiter pushed open the door, wheeling a small trolley into the private room, ready to serve.

The table was laden with an abundance of seafood: large shrimp, sea crabs, lobsters, abalones, seaweed, and more. The dazzling array made their mouths water.

“Fran, try this. Let’s see how good their cooking is,” Yuli said, picking up a crab, cracking its shell, and plucking a piece of crab meat to feed to Fran.

Fran felt a flicker of embarrassment, but ultimately opened his mouth, allowing Yuli to smile and place the crab meat inside.

Chewing the crab meat, Fran’s mind drifted. The deliciousness and novelty of the taste overwhelmed his senses, leaving him momentarily lost in thought.

After a long moment, Yuli smiled and said, “Is this your first time trying it? Hehe, then you must eat more! Come on, drink up. Tonight, we won’t stop until we’re drunk!”

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