Zhang Ruoxi was as quiet as a pool of clear spring water, the polar opposite of the lively, fiery Chen Qianqian beside her.
Chen Lin could not figure out how the two had become best friends.
"Ahem, let's head inside. My aunt is probably getting impatient." He cleared his throat, breaking the awkwardness caused by Zhang Ruoxi's rumbling stomach.
Chen Lin led the two girls through the crowded throng, squeezing out a path toward the front counter.
A group of diners surrounded the register, all talking at once.
"Miss, hurry up! I'm in a rush!"
"Our table gets twenty percent off, right? That's correct, isn't it?"
Dressed in a simple floral maxi dress, Li Xiaoyue fumbled a little with the order slips as she settled the customers' bills one by one.
She kept her head lowered and did not notice the three of them arrive.
Chen Lin did not interrupt her. He led the girls around the side, intending to head straight to the kitchen.
Chen Qianqian barely knew Li Xiaoyue. She simply thought the woman at the register was beautiful, with a delicate, gentle air that made people want to protect her.
After a few steps, Chen Qianqian could no longer contain herself. She hooked her arm through Chen Lin's, stood on tiptoe, and leaned toward his ear, lowering her voice.
"Chen Lin! Where did you find that woman at the counter? She's gorgeous! Way prettier than those livestreamers online!"
Chen Lin was amused. "She's Sister Xiaoyue, from our village."
"Sister Xiaoyue?"
A trace of confusion flickered through Chen Qianqian's bright eyes.
Tilting her head, she searched the corners of her memory for the name.
A few seconds later, a long-buried image burst into her mind.
"Ah! I remember!" Her voice suddenly rose. "Wasn't she Sister Xiaoyue, the one