Chapter 2188
She watched him for a moment before making her way inside.
"Impatient much?"
Gabriel was scrolling through his messages, one from Grandpa caught his eye, [Noting home
day or night?]
Before he could think of a reply, Sylvia walked in.
He put down his phone, his features sharp and his gaze piercing as he said coolly, "Not at all."
Sylvia dropped the paperwork she was carrying, approached him with a smile, and said, "Dinner''s
on me tonight. What are you in the mood for?"
Gabriel, grabbing his jacket, stood up and replied nonchntly, "Anything''s fine with me."
She nodded, "Then I''ll pick the ce, you drive."
Gabriel had no objections. They turned off the lights and headed out together.
Instead of a fancy bistro, Sylvia chose a bustling barbecue joint. She preferred the lively
atmosphere there over the quiet elegance of upscale restaurants.
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Perhaps it was because she, like Gabriel,cked that ordinary zest of life, so vivid and present in
ces like that!
The barbecue joint was packed, especially at this hour, and they had to wait in line for a table.
After a few minutes outside, Sylvia began to feel the chill biting at her fingers and toes.
Gabriel nced at her pale face, shrugged off his coat, and wrapped it around her. Sylvia looked at
his thin shirt, tried to protest, but he brushed her hands away and insisted on draping it over her.
His ck coat carried the crisp scent of a man and warmth. Sylvia bit her lip, looking downward,
feeling suddenly warmer.
A young couple standing next to them in line watched enviously. The girl tugged at her boyfriend''s
sleeve, hinting, "I''m a bit cold!"
The boy, full of feigned valor, replied, "Yeah, it''s chilly. I''m cold too. Maybe stomp your feet a bit?"
The girl, annoyed, rolled her eyes and turned away.
Sylvia fought back augh, choosing instead to hug Gabriel and bury her head in his chest, her
shoulders shaking with suppressed giggles.
Standing tall and straight, Gabriel looked down at the girlughing against his chest. The mundane
light of the world seemed to soften his stern expression as he wrapped his arms around her.
Sylvia paused, then hugged him tighter.
After about fifteen minutes, it was finally their turn.
As they walked in, the couple beside them also entered. The man took off his down jacket for his
girlfriend, shivering in his thin shirt, his face turning blue from the cold. He looked at Gabriel with
admiration, "Dude, you''re setting the bar way too high!"
Gabriel frowned, not quite getting what he meant.
Sylvia couldn''t help butugh, pulling Gabriel by the hand into the restaurant.
The barbecue joint was noisy and filled with the rich aroma of grilled meats, instantly banishing the
cold. In that moment, no happinesspared to the joy a hot, steaming meal could bring.
The waiter came to take their order and mentioned a special promotion for the near year: order a
set menu and get two free throw pillows or couple keychains.
Sylvia smiled, "We''ll take the keychains, thank you!"
"Sure thing!" The waiter noted their order and went to the kitchen.
She asked Gabriel across the table, "Is this okay? Are you used to ces like this?"
He rarely dined in such lively spots.
He shook his head, "No, it''s good."
Sylvia shared, "When I first came to J City, I used to eat hot pot alone often. The staff probably all
knew me. Later, when I made more acquaintances at the office, they would often hang out, but then
I didn''t feel like joining."
Gabriel leaned back, "Why not?"
She tilted her head back slightly, her eyes dancing as she began, "Probably because when it’s too
lively, I feel even more alone."
Gabriel spoke softly, "After being a mercenary for so long, when youe back to normal life,
there''s a long period of confusion, even self-destructive behavior, struggling to fit in."