Chapter 390 - A Dinner Date?

After fifteen minutes, Clifford and Zhen-Zhen arrived in one of the newest cozy restaurants in the City of Empire, The Cherry Garden Restaurant.

Clifford guided Zhen-Zhen to the entrance, opening the door for her and pulling a chair for her. He was acting like her boyfriend. People who could see them might mistake them as couples. 

Zhen-Zhen was surprised since Clifford had already booked a table for them. She wondered when he did that. 

She didn't expect that he would bring her to this cozy and famous restaurant in the city. She thought they would just eat in an ordinary restaurant.

Zhen-Zhen was amazed to see the interior of the restaurant. This was the first time coming here. This restaurant was a newly established restaurant. 

She remembered Tristan mentioning this to her. He planned on bringing Zhen-Zhen here. Who would have thought that Clifford would be the one to bring her here first?

The ambiance gave them private and romantic vibes with a dimly-lit setting inside.

The magnificent view was the ceiling with bountiful cherry blossoms. Now, she understood why this restaurant was named Cherry Garden Restaurant.

There were lots of customers tonight but Clifford chose a good spot where they could enjoy their privacy. He spent a fortune on this just for the sake of his revenge.

Soon, the two of them settled down on their table. Zhen-Zhen felt a little bit uncomfortable for coming here.

"Ahem, Clifford, are you sure about this? I heard this restaurant is very expensive. Why don't we transfer to a much cheaper restaurant?" Zhen-Zhen couldn't help but raise her concern. 

She didn't bring her card and she only had her pocket money today. She couldn't afford to buy food here. And she didn't want Clifford to pay for her food.

"It's alright, Lillie. It's my treat. You don't have to worry about the bill. Besides, I also want to return the favor. Remember, you bought three suits for me during that time. I only needed one but you insisted on buying three suits."

"But…" Zhen-Zhen was about to talk when Clifford cut her off immediately.

"Please, let me treat you to a meal. Let's stay here. Besides, I am already hungry. I don't think I can still drive and look for another restaurant." 

"If you feel uncomfortable then just return the favor next time. Treat me to a meal as well. It will be your turn to choose a place where we can eat. How about that?" Clifford suggested to her with a cheeky smile on his face.

Dexter, who was just sitting at the nearby table, couldn't believe that he was seeing this. His boss who had always a serious and aloof expression on his face was smiling at a woman.

He felt like he was a different person from the Big Boss he knew. They gave off a different vibe.

'I didn't know that my Boss could be a great actor. His personality totally changed.' Dexter thought to himself.

Dexter, Clifford's assistant, was already in the restaurant before Clifford and Zhen-Zhen arrived. He was the one who booked the table for them.

He was also there to secretly follow and monitor them. Clifford gave him an important task tonight. He should take many photos of them. That's why Dexter brought a camera. He would secretly take pictures of them without Zhen-Zhen's knowledge.

'Is this a good idea? Ms. Lillie is wearing her College Uniform. If these pictures come out, then it might affect Boss's reputation by dating a college student,' Dexter was feeling uneasy about this.

"Argh. That's not the main issue here. The woman with him is already married… married to his sworn enemy, Tristan Davis. Sigh, I don't know if this plan will not backfire on my boss." Dexter mumbled to himself while sighing deeply.

Though he was concerned about the outcome of this revenge, Dexter had no choice but to support and follow his Boss. He just hoped that Clifford would be able to move on after getting the revenge he always wanted.

Dexter was back to his focus, taking their pictures secretly.

Meanwhile, Zhen-Zhen had finally conceded to Clifford. She would let him pay the bill today but in exchange, she would also treat him next time.

This setup was a win-win situation for Clifford. He would be able to go out again together with Zhen-Zhen.

Soon, the waiter approached their table to take their orders. They ordered grilled pork belly, seafood like baked scallops, garlic buttered shrimp, and corn soup.

Clifford also ordered sweet desserts like chocolate cake and fruit salad. He matched them with red wine. 

The restaurant staff even gave Zhen-Zhen a bouquet of flowers which was already prepared by Clifford beforehand. It really looked like a dinner date between them.

Zhen-Zhen was wondering if this was part of the restaurant's special services or not. Clifford just feigned innocence, pretending he didn't know anything.

When their orders arrived, Clifford and Zhen-Zhen started eating. The food was really delicious. Zhen-Zhen liked everything.

Clifford watched her in amus.e.m.e.nt. Zhen-Zhen had quite an appetite tonight. Even she, herself, was surprised that she had eaten a lot.

"It looks like you are enjoying the food here. Do you want more? We can order another plate of buttered shrimp. Is this your favorite food?" Clifford chuckled after saying that. He was glad to see her eating comfortably like this.

Zhen-Zhen smiled at him sheepishly. She felt a little bit embarrassed.

"Yes, I like seafood, especially this garlic buttered shrimp. I'm sorry, I don't know why but I just feel like eating more of this tonight." Zhen-Zhen bit her lower lip and looked down.

Clifford let out another soft chuckle. Zhen-Zhen looked very cute and pretty when she was embarrassed.

When he noticed the sauce on the corner of her lips, Clifford reached out his hand to remove it on her lips using his finger. After doing that, he unconsciously brought his finger to his mouth to taste it.

"Hmm, delicious."

Zhen-Zhen: "..."

Zhen-Zhen was dumbfounded when she saw that gesture from Clifford. She blinked her eyes several times, and no words came out of her mouth. She was just looking at Clifford in disbelief.

'Did he just lick the sauce he removed from my lips?'

Aside from Zhen-Zhen, Dexter was also astounded witnessing that scene. But he was still able to catch it using his camera.

'Damn! Why do I feel like my Boss looks very cool, s.e.xy, and sensual when he did that gesture a while ago?' Dexter couldn't help but watch Clifford in awe.

Dexter was very distracted that he failed to notice that someone already approached him at his table.

"Dexter, you are here. Does it mean, Clifford is also here?" A soft mellow voice of a woman was heard.

Because of her voice, Dexter was snapped back to reality. He gazed up only to see a beautiful alluring woman in her red dress standing in front of him.

"Ms. Olive?" Dexter mumbled with her stunned expression.

"Yes, it's me. It's been a long time. I am glad to see you here. Is Clifford with you?" Olive asked him about Clifford again.

Dexter didn't know what to say. Who would have thought that he would be able to see his boss' ex-fiancee in this restaurant as well?