“Got it,” the boy replied, rolling up his sleeves as he expertly selected a fish, his movements a fluid dance of skill as he cleaned and sliced it.
Curiosity flickered across Elizabeth’s face. “Has the owner changed?” she asked casually.
“Last time we came here, it was an old man.”
The woman looked up from her work, wiping her hands on her apron. “That’s my father,” she explained. “He’s been unwell. Doctor’s orders to rest. As for me, well, my company went belly-up, so here I am, running the stall for him.”
Her gaze shifted between Elijah and Elizabeth, a warm smile spreading across her face. “You two must have come here ages ago. Are you visiting on vacation? You make such a lovely pair—returning to familiar places like this. You must be a very loving couple.”
The phrase “lovely pair” lingered in the air, and Elijah found himself unusually pleased by the compliment. Without a word, he ordered the most expensive barbecues on the menu, his mood subtly lifted.
Elizabeth, oblivious to the change in his demeanor, chuckled softly at the woman’s assumptions.
She made no attempt to correct her but turned to find a seat instead. Remembering Elijah’s fastidious nature, she pulled out a tissue and meticulously wiped down the table and chairs, her movements precise and thoughtful.
Elijah watched her, captivated by her focused expression. His gaze lingered on her radiant profile before he joined her at the table.
The fish congee arrived, a visual symphony of white porridge adorned with vibrant green vegetables and orange carrots.
Elizabeth’s appetite awakened instantly. She took a spoonful, her eyes closing in pure delight.
The rice melted effortlessly, its delicate flavor intertwining with the sweet freshwater fish from Jade Lake.
Her face transformed, pure happiness radiating from every feature.
Elijah observed her, lost in contemplation, despite having showered her with millions in gifts, nothing compared to the joy she now experienced over a simple bowl of congee.
A seasoned businessman who prided himself on understanding people, Elijah had to concede that his wife of two years remained an enigma.
She was like an intricate book—seemingly simple at first glance, but revealing profound complexities with each revisit.
