The White Olive Tree

Chapter 17

The evening in Garo City was lively, especially in the streets near the military base. Shops were open, and pedestrians moved about freely. Children played with soccer balls by the roadside, seemingly carefree about any unexpected events.

Walking back with Li Zan, the streets were bustling with activity, but the two of them didn't exchange many words. He remained silent, making it hard for her to gauge his thoughts, so she decided to keep quiet too.

It wasn't that Li Zan was in a bad mood; he was just tired after a day's training. Passing by a local restaurant with the enticing aroma of grilled meat, he turned to her and asked, "Are you hungry?"

Song Ran had initially planned to go back to her place for a meal but replied, "Are you hungry?"

"Yeah."

"Alright, let's eat here then."

The restaurant had quite a few customers, but most of them were peacekeeping soldiers from the nearby base. Suddenly, a foreign woman walked in, attracting the soldiers' glances, intentional or not, towards Song Ran.

Li Zan noticed and whispered, "If you feel uncomfortable, we can go somewhere else."

Song Ran didn't want to bother and said, "No need. I'm not a beauty; there's nothing to look at. Besides, the grilled meat here smells delicious."

Concerned about her comfort, Li Zan chose a table on the outer edge near the street. The two ordered the restaurant's specialties: grilled meat, flatbread, and boiled beans.

While waiting for the food, Li Zan suddenly smiled and said, "Why wouldn't you be considered a beauty?"

"I still have some self-awareness," Song Ran replied in a low voice. Seeing him smile and sensing his good mood, she asked, "Will there be any issues over there?"

"Over where?"

Song Ran pointed her thumb in the direction of the American military base.

"No issues," Li Zan said. "Once you put them in their place, everything will be fine."

Song Ran didn't expect him to say something like that and couldn't help but laugh.

"What are you laughing at?" he asked.

"Nothing," she shook her head.

Meanwhile, the boss brought over the cut grilled meat flatbreads and boiled beans, along with a small basin of water for washing hands.

Li Zan nodded towards the small aluminum basin and said, "You go ahead and wash your hands." He raised his own hands, "If I put my hands in, the water will turn black."

"Okay." Song Ran dipped her hands in the water and gently rubbed them a few times.

Li Zan watched, noticing for the first time how delicate, white, and small a girl's hands could be. He stared for a while before discreetly looking away.

Soon, Song Ran pushed the aluminum basin towards him after washing her hands. After he finished washing his hands and casually wiped his face, the grilled meat was rolled into the flatbread, topped with boiled beans, creating a unique taste.

Song Ran ate four flatbread rolls and a bowl of boiled beans in one go, quickly feeling full.

Perhaps due to habits developed in the military camp, Li Zan ate quietly and attentively, not engaging in conversation. When rolling the meat, he arranged the grilled meat pieces neatly on the flatbread, folding the layers like a quilt before bringing it to his mouth.

Song Ran couldn't help but hold back a laugh, but she didn't disturb him.

A peacekeeping soldier passing by on the street tossed an apple in his hand. Song Ran casually remarked, "The apples here are super expensive."