Chapter 78
Shemaine had prepared a light and bland meal. Worrying that it wasn’t to Julien’s liking, she said, “I’m not good at making spicy food. Are you okay with that?
“Of course! Your cooking is delicious!” pullen reassured her. He was from Aurich, where people favored heavy and spicy flavors.
When shelmaine had first arrived, she couldn’t tolerate the spiciness and started cooking her own meals. That was how she had honed her cooking skills.
“Has anyone ever told you that you’re great at giving compliments? Shelmaine asked as she was surprised by Julien’s sincerity in praising people.
“Tonly give compliments when I mean it. It’s not just for anyone.”
“Are you messing with me?”
“Does it look like I’m messing with you? Julien replied earnestly. He fixed his gaze on her. “Or do I come across as flippant? I hope not. I even styled myself and borrowed perfume from my sister for today.”
Shelmaine couldn’t help but smile as she held her cutlery. “Did you really go to all that trouble?”
“I did. Otherwise, I’d be nervous.”
Shelmaine asked, “Why would you be nervous?
“It’s my first time at your place.”
Julien seemed even more nervous than Shelmaine. He felt like he was dealing with a girl for the first time.
On the other hand, shelmaine doubted if he would be into her style.
Upon noticing her slight hesitation, he reassured eamestly, “I mean everything I’ve said. If you want to keep things as they are, I respect that Just let me know when you’re ready to take things further.”
He even added, “We can just get along like friends now. No pressure at all.
Shelmained lowered her eyes. “Okay.”
After dinner, jullen took care of everything. He did the dishes, cleaned the table, and even took out the trash. When he returned, Shelmaine had brewed tea and set it on the table. The ceramic cup had a playful design. It was far from the usual teacup elegance Finding it amusing, Julien commented, “That’s a pretty big cup of tea” “Don’t you like it?!
Of course I do. Is this how you usually have your tea?”
Shelmaine sat on the couch, flipping a book with a blanket draped over her legs. Her long eyelashes cast shadows over her eyes, and her hair tell naturally over her shoulders. She wore a beige knit sweater and a white skirt. The sports watch and black beaded bracelet on her slender wrist highlighted her tair skin.
Jullen remarked, “Drinking too much tea isn’t good for your health.”
“I’ve gotten used to it.”
“Alright, I want to chat with you for a bit.”
Shelmaine closed her book. “Sure, what do you want to talk about?
“Let’s talk about your past. Your childhood, school days, or anything. I’d like to hear about it”
Even Samuel had never shown interest in her past, so she was momentarily stunned. After several seconds, she responded, “There’s not much to tell. I really can’t think of anything out of the blue.”
Then, she changed the topic. “By the way, don’t you have work to do?”
“There’s still time. It’s not urgent.”
Jullen, who sat across from her, slowly drank his tea. He wanted to spend more time with her. “Maybe I could talk about myself?”
“Since It’s getting late, you should head out. We can chat another time. Work comes first”
Julen replied, “Alright. It’s a promise.”
“Go ahead, let me know when you get there.”
Julien finished his tea and got ready to leave
Shelmaine walked him to the door. Before she could speak, he turned around and looked at her intently. “It’s a promise. There will be a next time.” “Yes, there will be ”
“Alright then, Goodbye”
