My White Lotus (ZhanYi)

9: Dinner date

Yibo stood infront of a fancy restaurant in the city contemplating whether to get inside or not. When he told address to the chauffeuse, it didn't crossed his mind that the place they chose might be a luxurious one. Before Yibo thought it would be a bit extravagant to wore a suit on his first date but upon looking at the Michelin starred restaurant he changed it immediately. Not only that, he regretted not wearing his tie too. It would have been better if it was a bistro. After much thinking, he decided to get inside.

On reaching the entrance, he was greeted inside by an enthusiastic staff. Though the whole atmosphere looked very formal, the staff offered him a friendly attitude to which Yibo was very thankful. It eased him a little before reaching beside Zhan who was already waiting for him. Yibo was relived that Zhan himself was only dressed modestly. No need of tie anymore! He smiled widely.

It was an eye catching part of the restaurant, away from the other tables and separated by a sheer wall of translucent glass. It gave them enough privacy to dine without caring about others. Very cosy and elegant. Decorated with golden chandeliers and modestly arranged furniture. Yibo walked towards Zhan, feeling the sophisticated atmosphere. Upon seeing him, Zhan offered a heartwarming smile as he got up from the couch and led Yibo to have a seat on their reserved table.

"Am I late?" Yibo asked, taking a seat facing Zhan.

"Definitely not. It's just that I was a little bit early."  Zhan said, eyeing the bouquet of red roses in Yibo's hands.

Yibo followed his gaze and noticed the bouquet in his own hand which was obviously bought for Zhan.

"Ah, this is for you..." He extended it towards Zhan.

"For me?" Zhan asked with sparkling eyes as he received it from Yibo. There was a child like curiosity in his eyes as he admired the bouquet as if he hadn't seen roses before in the entire life.

"Very lovely... Just like you..."

Zhan said, smelling it with closed eyes before pressing a soft kiss on the bouquet. Watching it, there was something twinkling inside Yibo's stomach. Even though Yibo looked calm outside, he was having a hard time keeping his cool. It was like his heart would jump out of the rib cage any moment. Yibo pressed his lips together, not to reveal the blooming smile on his lips.

'Why on Earth he was feeling all shy hearing those cheeky words?' He thought.

"Oh, right. I had something for you too."

Suddenly Zhan said as he placed the bouquet very carefully on the nearby seat before picking up a nicely wrapped box. Upon extended towards him, Yibo thought for a second whether he should accept it or not. But watching the enthusiastic face of Zhan, Yibo couldn't bring it to reject him.

Yibo unwrapped it and greeted with a fine, simple looking diamond necklace. It looked nice, but very costly for a first date. Yibo thought to reject it again but it won't be appropriate. What if he hurt Zhan? But Yibo should give a hint that the latter can take it back if he want.

"Hmm... It felt costly. If you want-"

"Costly, but not than you."

Zhan said as if a matter of fact, cutting him half the way, eyes boring hole on Yibo and one of the hands still caressing the bouquet of red roses. Yibo looked at him dumbfounded.

'Stupid! Stupid! Why is he blushing now?' Yibo cleared throat, averting his gaze from Zhan.

Half an hour passed as they staring at the menu card and hearing the explanation about the dishes by their server. Yibo had a hard time choosing the dishes as he wasn't that much familiar with the restaurant whereas Zhan waited for Yibo to order first. Finally Yibo had enough and put the menu card down and asked Zhan to order whatever he would like. Zhan being a gentle man simply ordered a twenty one course dinner making Yibo's eyes widen in shock.