Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
What the fuck did he just say?
I eyed them.
“Well. . .” Fen blushed. “Thank. . .you. . .”
Chen blinked in horror. “Did that make sense?”
Fen nodded. "Yes. That was. . .awesome.”
“Are you sure?”
"You really see things in a unique way."
Chen smiled. "So, poetry does have its place tonight?"
Fen nodded. "It does, especially when it’s as heartfelt as yours."
“Good.” Chen gazed at her hand on his arm again.
She blushed and moved it away. “Sorry.”
"I liked your hand there. You didn’t have to move it. Unless you wanted to move it. But I would like your hand anywhere. . .no. . .I can’t say that, but. . .well. . .” Chen swallowed. "Would you—perhaps—allow me the honor of taking you out on a date? No pressure, but I would like to spend time with you where I can spoil you. . .under the stars of course. . .fine dining. . .you wearing something gorgeous and I tell you that you’re captivating. . ."
O-kay. Should I stop him or let him keep talking?
I checked Fen’s face.
Her eyebrows had been raised in surprise and her smile faltered just a bit.
I thought she liked him. Maybe, she doesn’t. Or is she just shocked?
Fen parted her lips and then let out a long breath. "Chen, you’re sweet. . .”
I could already see the disappointment creeping onto Chen’s face.
Oh fuck. She’s going to say no.
Tension gathered on my shoulders.
This sucked the most because Chen barely showed interest in anyone. He took his job too damn seriously and never really glanced at women.
Therefore, his reaction to Fen had made me so happy.
Too bad it didn’t seem like she felt the same way.
Chen frowned. “So. . .you’re about to say no?”
Fen let out a long breath. “Well. . .”
I can’t watch this, but I can’t look away either.
Fen shrugged. “I actually would like to go on a date with you.”
I let out an exasperated breath that caught both of their attention.
They snapped their views to me.
I cleared my throat and turned away as if I hadn’t been being super nosy.
The song "September" had ended and "Boogie Wonderland" was now in command of the dance floor.
The crowd cheered as the beat dropped.
But I didn’t care about that anymore. I had to know what would happen with Chen and Fen, so I strained to listen to their conversation.
“Oh,” Chen said. “So. . .you like me too?”
“I do.”
Slowly, I turned my head back to invade their private conversation some more. I couldn't help but chuckle at the exchange, even though I tried to look uninterested.
Fen smiled. “I’m still getting to know you, Chen, but I do like what I’ve learned so far.”
“I’m a good person.”
“I think so.”
Chen pointed to her. “You’re also. . .a very good person. Very beautiful and good. Both equally, yet I had to tell you how beautiful you are.”
“I like hearing you tell me that I’m beautiful.”
“Oh good.” Chen wiped his forehead. “So. . .the date—”
“Well.” Fen sighed. “I don’t want to give you a set answer now. I think that you should ask me again tomorrow.”
Chen's expression shifted from hopeful to confused. A faint shadow of hurt flickered in his eyes. "Why tomorrow? Did I say something wrong tonight?"
I quirked my brows.
Fen ran her fingers through her hair. "No, not at all. It’s just. . ."
You’re high as a fucking kite and don’t know it, so. . .she doesn’t trust you asking now.
Fen trailed off, looking around as if searching for the right words. "How about I'll explain tomorrow. Okay? Just trust me on this."
Chen looked visibly disheartened, his smile dimming as he nodded slowly, clearly trying to mask his disappointment.
Fuck.
I wasn’t supposed to be a part of the conversation, but I desperately wondered if I should jump in. I was certain that Chen was genuinely interested in Fen. His feelings were evident to anyone who knew him well.
Yet, Fen hadn’t known him for that long. She had no idea that although Chen was super high, he damn sure wanted to date her.
I wonder if I should intervene.
But the moment felt too delicate, too private to intrude upon.
Thankfully, DJ Hendrix interrupted the tense situation. “Alright, judges. Are you all ready?”
I checked Dima and Rose.
Rose gave DJ Hendrix a small smile and nod that did nothing to betray the winner.
Alright. Finally, we’ll know who won. And then I can take Moni somewhere private to fuck.
Chapter thirty-seven
The Winner
Lei
DJ Hendrix sauntered over to our table with a microphone in his hand.
Once the DJ arrived, he placed the microphone in front of Dima and the crowd fell silent. Many even hushed others.
Here we go.
Everyone’s gazes remained on Dima as he took the microphone and rose. And in that moment, I realized that I really should have invited him to this cookout myself. It was really nice to have him here.
Banks and Chef Foo were brought back up on stage by Salty, Sweet, and Savory. Both of the talented cooks looked relaxed, tipsy even, as they stood next to each other.