(Delicious food makes me happy.)
That evening, Bai Ye sat quietly in a corner of Rhodes Island's cafeteria.
After a while, Nian, whom he had invited, walked over.
When she reached the table, she visibly froze for a moment.
"Did I come to the wrong table?" Nian asked doubtfully.
"Of course not. I've been waiting for you..."
As Bai Ye spoke, he rose from his chair.
"Didn't you say you were treating me to a meal? Why is this table empty? Hey, you're not messing with me, are you?" Nian narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Don't be so impatient..."
Bai Ye pointed to the chair across from the table, gesturing for Nian to sit. Then he swept a hand over the empty tabletop.
Several dishes instantly appeared on the previously bare table, though every plate was covered by a lid.
"This is...? So you were doing magic..."
As she spoke, the smile on Nian's face gradually froze. She fell silent, slowly closed her eyes, and her nose twitched faintly.
After a moment, she abruptly opened her eyes and grabbed Bai Ye by the sleeve.
"Bai Ye, how could Rhodes Island possibly have such authentic Yan cuisine? That smell... You have to let me meet the chef."
Though the lids remained tightly shut, Nian had already been drawn in by the aroma seeping through their gaps.
"Well, Rhodes Island's Logistics Department chefs are certainly impressive, but not this impressive."
Bai Ye smiled and shook the sleeve Nian was clutching before saying,
"If you don't let go, how am I supposed to open the lids for you?"
"Ah... Hurry, hurry! I can't wait any longer!" Nian's face was full of excitement.
As she spoke, Nian released Bai Ye's sleeve and sat down across from him.
Bai Ye reached out and lifted the lid