Lanqi and Talia's Heart-Pounding Moments

It was nearing noon when the two walked out of Parkinson Palace. "Could you let go of my hand for a moment?" Talia felt the temperature in Palieu, the Flower Capital, rising a bit. Perhaps it was because it was still high noon just after summer's end, or perhaps because she had been walking for quite a while—or maybe simply because she was standing too close to Lanqi. Lanqi, who had only just regained his composure, hesitated slightly. Then, a smile bloomed on his face. "What's the matter? We've only been holding hands for a little while, haven't we?" There was a trace of pity in Lanqi's eyes. He had not expected Talia to throw in the towel after only half a day. "That's not it. It's getting hot, and I want to take off my glove." Talia's rebellious spirit flared up immediately. "Or could it be that you don't dare hold my hand directly?" she asked, a sliver of cunning flickering in her gaze. Talia knew Lanqi disliked physical contact with others. In a way, he acted somewhat like a school headmaster—not only refusing to let students touch him casually, but also taking great care never to touch female students to avoid any hint of harassment. "I don't mind at all." Lanqi let go of Talia's gloved right hand and held his palms out. His smiling expression looked as though he was waiting to see whether she genuinely intended to take it off or was merely searching for an excuse. Decisively and cleanly, Talia stripped off her glove and tucked it into her shoulder bag. "Here. Hold it." Talia lifted her bare hand, testing the waters. Her gamble was that Lanqi would not dare take it directly. "..." After a moment's pause, Lanqi indeed did not reach out. "Just as I thought, Lanqi." Talia narrowed her eyes slightly, scrutinizing him as if to ask: *Do you know when you're at your cutest? It's when you force yourself to act composed.* She had won. Playing psychological warfare against Lanqi meant holding your ground to the very end. "..." Lanqi felt his blood pressure rise a notch. He drew a deep breath. "Shall we head to the Colonges Sunbridge Inn Restaurant?" Lanqi took her right hand in a firm grasp. He seemed as though he had merely been spacing out while deciding where to have lunch. "...Ah, sure." Talia reflexively tried to pull her hand back, but pulling away now would expose her fluster. She could only stifle the panic in her heart and reply. So... this was what it felt like to hold a boy's hand. Was this his touch, his warmth? The more Talia focused on her hand, the more erratically her heart pounded. She finally realized she had acted a bit too impulsively just now. Lanqi had actually called her bluff! *No, no, no, no. I can't let him intimidate me. The moment I show fear, I lose. I have to see this gamble through to the end with this gambler!* The two walked along the streets of Palieu, neither speaking for a long time. Both felt awkward now. Their clasped hands remained frozen in place, utterly stiff. "What kind of restaurant is that?" Talia asked at random, hoping to cut through the stifling tension. Part of her already knew the answer, having studied the culinary guide to the Kingdom of Posen long before. Treating it as a master testing Lanqi to see if his date preparations met expectations fit her persona perfectly—no problem at all. "It's an establishment opened fifty years ago by Bro Pagos, a renowned chef in the Kingdom of Posen. He's revered as the Culinary Pope of the kingdom and once received the Royal Golden Fork Medal. The Colonges Sunbridge Inn Restaurant is one of the culinary pinnacles of Palieu and the entire kingdom." Lanqi did some quick mental math. Since arriving in the Kingdom of Posen, there were not many famous restaurants he and Talia had yet to visit, and the Colonges Sunbridge Inn Restaurant was one of them. "Where is it?" Hearing a familiar topic, Talia relaxed considerably. The feeling gradually returned to her fingers, and she gave Lanqi's hand a slight squeeze as she asked. "Also along the banks of the Selena River, about four kilometers from our current spot in the city center. The building's exterior is rather understated, but don't worry—the interior decor is lavish to the extreme, reflecting Master Pagos's refined taste at every turn," Lanqi replied helplessly. Back at the art museum, chatting about paintings with Talia had made her seem like a truly cultured lady; but the moment food entered the conversation, the aura of the unemployed gray-haired girl next door returned in full force. "Not bad. When it comes to dating, this master has nothing left to teach you. All I can do now is accompany you for practice." Talia nodded in satisfaction. Come to think of it, Miss Zhuzhu was still counting on her for more dating lessons next time. Her previous success had convinced her that dating was indeed child's play. Still, getting some hands-on practice with Lanqi to hone her skills was not a bad idea either. ... Less than half an hour later. A standalone, two-story building stood beside the Selena River. Lanqi led Talia by the hand through the oak entrance doors of the Colonges Sunbridge Inn Restaurant. "Welcome, sir, madam." The moment they stepped inside, a greeting waiter hurried forward with a polite bow. "Do you have a reservation?" the waiter asked deferentially. "No. If a booth is available, we'll take a booth; if not, somewhere by the window would be best," Lanqi replied. Today's date had come about unexpectedly, leaving him no time to make reservations in advance. Even though today was the day of the Fireworks Festival, he was certain there were hardly any citizens out on the bustling streets of Palieu. It was far quieter than a typical weekday, as everyone was still recovering from the unrest of the past two days. That was precisely why Boss Cat had mentioned that going on dates at various attractions today would practically be their own private world. "Understood. Right this way, please." The attendant guided the two across a parlor covered in deep red Aloran carpet and pushed open the double doors leading into the main dining hall. The main hall was brightly illuminated, casting a brilliant gleam over pure white tablecloths and silverware. Outside the window, the panorama of the Selena River unfurled before them. The midday sun washed over the tranquil water, painting a dreamlike scene. The waiter led them to a sofa booth beside the window and gestured for them to take their seats. The two hesitated for a beat beside the table. Both had intended to sit across from one another, only to realize their hands were still clasped together. They could neither reach a silent agreement to let go simultaneously, nor could either bear to release their grip first and look like the loser. In the end, to keep the waiter from noticing anything amiss, they simply sat down side by side on the same sofa bench. "Here are the menus." The waiter presented the leather-bound menus. The brown goatskin carried a weighty, refined texture, accented by classical gilded edges. "Thank you." Lanqi and Talia began studying the menus attentively. Sitting on the same side did offer one convenience: they could look over the menu together. Previously, one of them would always read while the other waited. "You may also consider our set menus, which have been thoughtfully curated from our most popular dishes for lunch." Noticing they were foreigners and first-time guests, the waiter offered an additional slip of paper with recommendations. "Today is the Fireworks Festival, so couples can enjoy a ten percent discount—all you need to do is provide simple proof that you are a couple. Furthermore, spending above a certain amount will earn you a Fireworks Festival raffle ticket and an Animal Forest collaborative festival-edition commemorative ornament for couples." The waiter introduced the specials while they browsed. "We're not a couple." Both looked at the waiter and denied it in unison. "..." The waiter felt a lump in his throat. *Your hands are gripped tightly together, and you're telling me you're not a couple?* *Is this role-play just part of your private amusement?* "Then the ten percent discount..." "We don't need it." "..." The waiter rarely encountered guests who turned down a discount so flatly. "Would you still like the Fireworks Festival raffle tickets and the Animal Forest collaborative festival-edition couple's ornament?" the waiter asked again. "Uh..." Lanqi and Talia exchanged a glance. Animal Forest was a mascot cartoon franchise that had recently become wildly popular across the Southern Continent. Lanqi had noticed that ever since their visit to the Golden Bee Amusement Park, Talia seemed particularly fond of the franchise. Every time she saw merchandise on the street, her eyes would linger on it for a while. "We'll take those, please," Lanqi told the waiter. Talia let out a breath of relief. She had worried she might miss out on the Animal Forest merchandise. Fortunately, Lanqi had agreed without hesitation. "Tata, how about we go with this generous set menu, and then I'll add a few extra dishes on the side?" Lanqi cleared his throat, eager to move past the waiter's topic, and turned to Talia. Most of the restaurant's signature dishes were included in the set menu. Talia had mentioned eating plenty of pastries at Rosalinda's place before coming, so she shouldn't be overly hungry. "Sounds good," Talia replied through gritted teeth, her brief wave of gratitude evaporating instantly. Ordering the set menu was fine, but did he really have to emphasize adding *more* dishes on the side?! Lanqi handed the menu back, and the waiter meticulously jotted down the details of their order. "Would you like me to recommend some pairing wine for your meal?" the waiter asked. "If you wouldn't mind. Could you recommend a red wine that pairs well with veal?" Lanqi nodded. Though he didn't drink, he knew Talia's tastes well and always ordered for her. Talia glanced sideways at Lanqi. Knowing he never touched alcohol, she knew the wine was for her. She couldn't help thinking that, if this man weren't so infuriating all the time, he really did know how to cater to her every wish. "I would recommend a red wine from the South Aquitaine region, produced by the estate vineyards of the Baptiste family. It is rich and full-bodied, making a sublime pairing with the delicate texture of veal," the waiter suggested. "We'll take your recommendation," Lanqi replied. The waiter tucked away his menu and notepad, offering a bow. "Thank you for your order. Your meal will be served shortly. I wish you both a pleasant dining experience." With that, he quietly withdrew, leaving Lanqi and Talia waiting side by side on the sofa booth. Once the waiter had walked away... The restaurant was even quieter than usual today. Yet every dining table still featured fresh-cut seasonal flowers—pink peonies and white tulips arranged in clear glass vases, their delicate petals dewy and fragrant. Because their hands remained clasped, they were sitting exceptionally close. This proximity made it surprisingly hard to chat as comfortably as they usually did. "Don't you think you should let go of my hand before we eat?" Talia finally spoke up. Sitting on the same side was one thing, but continuing to hold hands after sitting down had already drawn amused glances from the water-pouring waiter and nearby diners. It left both of them feeling like they were sitting on pins and needles. "Mm." Lanqi loosened his grip slightly. "You're still holding on awfully tight." Talia kept her hand still, letting him hold it. Pulling her hand away first at this juncture would make it look as though she was conceding defeat. Especially with a waiter standing nearby, pouring them water. Lanqi fell silent and casually glanced at a notice plaque on the restaurant wall. "?" Talia followed his gaze. There on the wall hung a sign: *The restaurant warmly welcomes your patronage. Please watch over your personal belongings, hold hands with your children, and look after the elderly.* The veins on the back of Talia's hand began to throb again. "Tata, why did you tighten your grip again? Do you not want to let go?" Lanqi's eyes widened, uttering the words with an expression of pure, shocked innocence. He even conspicuously raised their entwined hands a fraction. The waiter noticed as well, glancing at Talia as though she was the one refusing to let go. "..." Talia reined in the force of her grip, feeling her blood pressure on the verge of exploding. Damn that manipulative green tea act! Yet today, she would endure it at all costs. She would go down swinging before she gave in! "...Mm. Lanqi, won't you just keep holding my hand?" Talia wore a gentle, radiant smile, speaking slowly in a soft, affectionate whisper. "..." "Of course I will." Lanqi replied in a trembling voice, maintaining a polite facade while fighting down a wave of goosebumps that threatened to numb his scalp. Outside the restaurant, some distance away. Two figures were peering through the glass with binoculars. Rosalinda even had a black cat perched on top of her head. "Wow, they're still holding hands even after sitting down in the restaurant! That is just too...!" Rosalinda held her cheeks, squirming with excitement. "They look like they don't want to let go of each other's hands at all!" Aetio shook Rosalinda excitedly, urging her to look at Lanqi and Tata's interaction and not miss a single precious second. The public display of affection between those two was truly over the top, completely disregarding the stares around them. Yet the two onlookers couldn't get enough of it! "Meow..." Boss Cat felt it was hopelessly out of sync with these two girls. Those two inside the restaurant were clearly locked in a stubborn contest of wills. "Looks like a call is coming in." Through the binoculars, Rosalinda saw Talia pull out an ultra-long-distance communication magic card with her left hand. Who could possibly be contacting Talia at a time like this? Inside the main dining hall of the Colonges Sunbridge Inn Restaurant. At the window-side booth, Talia answered the flashing purple communication magic card. Soon. "Tata, are you two doing all right in Palieu?" A voice that Talia knew and missed dearly drifted through. It was the same young lady's greeting Talia used to hear every day before leaving the Hutton Kingdom. "We're fine." Talia's expression softened considerably upon hearing Hyperion's call. She instinctively gave her hand a tug, but Lanqi did not let go. She was stunned. This jerk was deliberately messing with her! He had no idea who was calling! He probably assumed it was just one of her other friends and wanted to make her squirm. Although Hyperion had contacted Talia through an international communication relay station immediately after seeing news of the riots in Palieu two days prior, Talia had merely told her that everything was fine and that Lanqi simply needed some rest. That had left Hyperion terribly worried. Today, Hyperion had likely calculated that Lanqi should be well rested and that calling at midday wouldn't wake him, so she had once again utilized the costly international communication relay station. "By the way, Tata, how is Lanqi?" Hyperion asked. "He's awake. Do you want to speak with him?" Talia answered, hoping to make Lanqi realize the situation immediately. The moment she said those words, she felt a prickle of unease. Holding hands with Lanqi while talking to Hyperion felt distinctly bizarre. Normally, when a call came in, they would have let go no matter what. But since neither was willing to release their grip first, they had no choice but to speak with Hyperion like this. "Just for a little bit, please." Hyperion's voice sounded noticeably brighter. Talia held the communication magic card between herself and Lanqi, pressing it beside his ear for him. "Hyperion, sorry to worry you. We should be back in a few days." Only then did Lanqi see the shimmering text of Hyperion's name on the card, staring at Talia in shock. "Oh? Lanqi, you're right next to Tata?" To Hyperion, it seemed as if Tata had handed the communication magic card to Lanqi in an instant—almost as if the two were pressed right against each other. Lanqi immediately realized how bad this looked and tried to pull his hand back. This time, however, Talia clamped down tightly, refusing to let him slip away, her grip tightening until his hand ached. It was clearly payback for his behavior earlier. "Yes, I'm with her." Lanqi made a slightly strained sound, forcing himself to answer normally. "Uh, why does your voice sound so tense? Are you two crafting cards? Am I interrupting something?" Hyperion asked with concern. "No, not at all. We're having lunch," Talia quickly denied. "...Are you two sitting on the same side for lunch today?" Hyperion seemed puzzled as to whether dining pressed together like that was actually convenient. Since the two could speak into a single communication magic card simultaneously, they obviously weren't sitting across the table from one another like usual. "It's just easier to share the menu while ordering—" Just as Lanqi hurriedly formulated an explanation, the waiter arrived at their table holding a magic apparatus tablet, looking apologetic. "Pardon me, guests. The slow-roasted beef chuck in your couple's set menu is out of stock. Would it be acceptable to substitute it with a four-cut waterfall cheese artisanal beef burger? The complimentary Fireworks Festival couple's ornament included with the meal will remain unchanged." "..." Silence fell over the other end of Hyperion's line. "..." Lanqi and Talia's throats tightened as well. Sweat began to bead on both their palms. Though holding hands felt more torturous than ever now, neither was willing to let go. They had to weather this crisis together—or go down together!