Chapter 73 - Encounter At The Library

Cathy was reading a book about the seven-star hotel system. Feeling that several articles were important, Cathy copied them into her notebook.

Cathy was too carried away by her activities, not realizing someone was sitting across from her. Even though she noticed someone was sitting at the same counter with her, she did not care as her attention was too focused on her book.

This building was the most extensive and most complete public library in the city. No one would be surprised if someone suddenly sat at the table with her because there were no more spaces to sit.

Cathy forgot that because today was a working day and not exam season, the library was practically quiet. Only a few come to read or study. And she didn't even notice a pair of eyes staring at her in awe.

She did not know for how long she copied the writing until she was satisfied with her notes. Cathy put down her pen and stretched out her slightly stiff body from sitting in the same position for two hours. Reflexively her eyes lifted from her book and saw someone sitting across the table with a broad, charming smile.

OMG! Since when did Vincent arrive and look at her like that? She felt like her heart tingling with a strange sensation when the man gazed at her with his mischievous black eye.

Cathy cleared her throat several times over her nervousness and asked casually.

"Since when did you come?"

"A while ago, I think," came the short answer yet with a charming smile adorned on the man's face.

Cathy could not stand to face the mesmerizing gaze of the man in front of her. Somehow she felt too embarrassed to be looked at like that. So she got up and put the book back on the shelf.

"Have you eaten?" Vincent stood up and accompanied her to return the books he had taken earlier.

"Not yet," replied Cathy, trying to put the book on the higher shelf.

Even though when taking this book was easy, why was it so difficult to return the book? Cathy plans to jump when Vincent has taken the book in her hand.

"Here?" Vincent easily put the book in the middle of the book-row on the shelf he aimed at.

"Yes, there. Thank you."

Catherine thought of the days at Pina after the opening ceremony over. This man miraculously always appeared before her and helped her without even being asked.

Like when she had to move heavy things, that man would carry her without prompting. Or when she was looking for something, the man had come to her to bring the item she wanted.

Cathy was getting used to the man's caring attitude.

How strange. Even though Cathy looked hatefully at every man before this, how come she viewed Vincent differently? She considered all these men as irresponsible as her father and cold as her uncle, yet she couldn't seem to hate this man.

Ever since meeting Steve, who always treats her like a younger sister and uncle who started to care about her and her sisters, her view of men gradually changed.

Plus, somehow, she felt spoiled by this young man for some unknown reasons. It made her feel like she could count on this guy when she needs help.

All this time, even if she needed help, she would never ask anyone for help... in any form. Even with Steve or Kitty, she never confided in her two friends or expected their aides.

Strangely, she felt herself changed whenever she was with Vincent. She felt a little hopeful for the man's help and felt that this young man liked to tease her or taunt her. However, she didn't hate it at all.

'Is it possible... Vincent likes you?'

She couldn't help but remembering Helena's question on the night of their farewell. Without realizing it, Cathy looked at the man, wondering... did he like her? Does the man have any feelings for her? Does that man also flutter like her every time they meet?

"What's wrong?" this time, Vincent's black eyes looked straight into them, making it hard for her to breathe.

Impossible! Have I fallen in love with this person?! she exclaimed incredulously in her heart.

Calm down, Cathy... calm down... You can't possibly fall in love with someone you just met a month ago. Cathy reprimanded herself.

She couldn't fall in love with a man so quickly. Otherwise, she has always accepted a man's confession of love for her. She would have a lot of experience with an intimate relationship.

"Let's get something to eat. I'm hungry." said the man, making her return to the table to tidy up her writing tools.

"Very well. This time I'll treat you."

Vincent laughed at this. "Usually, the person who invited you to dine together will be the one who pays. Why did you even offer yourself at the beginning?"

"I just want to thank you."

"What for?"

"I heard it from Helena. She said you helped us in the lobby serving guests when we were short on people."

"Ahh, that one. It's nothing big." Vincent shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly as he walked out of the library building. He even matched his pace with the girl next to him.

"What food do you like?" asked Vincent.

"Uhm... I can eat anything. There is no special food that I like."

"Oh? Then between Asian and Western cuisine, which one do you want to eat right now?"

Cathy smiled as she answered her question, "How about you? You are the one who invited me, so I will follow whatever you choose."

Vincent sighed. "Why is it so hard to know your favorite food?"

"What?" Cathy was sure the young man walking beside her said something, but she couldn't hear it as the voice was very soft.

"Hm?"

"Did you say something?"

"Nothing," answered Vincent with a faint smile. "Have you ever eaten fatty meat soup?" Vincent asked as soon as they had left the library building.

Hearing the kind of food she had never heard of, Cathy just shook her head.

"Then let's eat that. I think you'll like it."

"Okay."

It just so happened that the restaurant Vincent was going to was only a few blocks from the library, so they didn't have to use public transportation to get there.

Cathy looked at the atmosphere of the strange restaurant with a curious gaze. She never entered the type of restaurant for the lower middle class. It's not that she doesn't want to; it's just... aunt Len was always ready to cook any dish for the West sisters' daily meals. So Cathy hardly eats out of the house like a restaurant or an ordinary restaurant.

The only place Cathy ever went to at lunch was a canteen. Whether it's the school canteen, campus, or company, even when she was working in the restaurant, she would bring a meal box from home, prepared by Anna every morning.

Therefore, she has never tasted cooking in a restaurant or a restaurant that sells unique dishes from chefs in each region.

Since Ben returned to live with them, it's only recently that the West brothers have had the opportunity to dine at fancy restaurants. Once a week, Ben would take them out to eat out to spend precious family time.

She had entered more than five restaurants, and her eyes were accustomed to the quiet atmosphere, to be precise, a private space with the luxurious decorations that adorn the restaurant room.

While this place... there was no decoration in this restaurant, even the atmosphere there was also hectic. The cooking area, the place to pay for food, and the dining table were in one room, which was arguably very small when compared to the restaurant she had visited.

Little did she know, Vincent never took off his gaze on her expression. He remembered that the girl sitting in front of him was not from a low-income family considering the girl's house was in the most elite and expensive housing in this city. So he guessed that this girl must have only come to fancy restaurants that weren't dirty or crowded like this.

Vincent wouldn't be surprised if Catherine's forehead would frown in dislike or disgust at this place. He didn't mind the girl's displeasure for this place as it was the rich girl's nature.

However, Vincent did not find the look of disgust on the girl's face. In fact, the girl seemed curious about this place. Cathy couldn't take her attention from someone who was cooking in a large frying pan.

Vincent's smile widened without realizing he fell more in love with the girl sitting in front of him.

It wasn't long before two bowls of fatty meat soup came to their dinner table.

Cathy looked curiously at the soup and made Vincent smile.

"Try the taste of the broth. If you prefer it salty..." Vincent took a mini glass bottle filled with soy sauce from the corner of the table to the middle of the table, "add this soy sauce. This one is a chilly sauce if you prefer a spicy taste." while taking another bottle of chili sauce. "You can also mix the two if you want."

Cathy followed Vincent's suggestion and tasted the broth first.. Her forehead frowned as she felt something scorching assault her tongue.