Why was she here?
Lin Ze tensed inwardly, instinctively assuming his infiltration had been discovered. His body tightened slightly, ready to retreat at any moment.
Mei Terumi went straight to the counter and ordered, then swept her gaze around the restaurant before finally settling on the quiet corner by the window where Lin Ze sat.
Carrying her tray, she sat down naturally in the empty seat across from him.
"Mind if I share your table?"
Mei Terumi set down her tray and gave Lin Ze a polite smile, her voice clear and pleasant.
Lin Ze suppressed the turmoil inside him, showing a hint of awkwardness and surprise as he nodded.
"N-no, not at all."
Mei Terumi looked Lin Ze over, a trace of appreciation flashing in her eyes.
Although the boy before her wore ordinary clothes, he had delicate, handsome features and clear eyes, making him stand out somewhat in this oppressive village.
"I don't think I've seen you around here before. Did you just move here?" Mei Terumi asked casually as she took small bites of her food.
Lin Ze answered vaguely:
"Ah, yes. My family and I moved here not long ago."
"I see... What do you think of the village?"
"It's... it's all right, I suppose. Just a little foggy."
"Yes, it's like this all year round."
Mei Terumi smiled, sounding somewhat wistful.
She wisely avoided discussing the village's policies or current situation, only chatting about harmless topics such as the weather and food.
Lin Ze kept up the conversation while secretly breathing a sigh of relief.
Fortunately, Mei Terumi was still young, a far cry from the mature woman who fretted over "marriage" later in the original story.
Although she was somewhat more outgoing than others her age, she was still within normal bounds.
Lin Ze