Love Amidst the Flames

Chap 47

In the office, Charlotte and Tina finally finished decoding the complex cipher. Each line of symbols and data strings eventually revealed their meanings. Charlotte carefully checked everything one more time, ensuring there were no mistakes before submitting it to the higher-ups.

Tina exhaled a sigh of relief and smiled:

• "Finally done! It's finally complete."

Charlotte nodded, smiling gently:

• "Thanks for your help; otherwise, I wouldn't have finished this so quickly."

The clock struck exactly 5:30. As Charlotte and Tina opened the door, they found Engfa and Tif waiting outside.

Seeing Charlotte, Engfa gave a wry smile and teased:

• "What kind of cipher were you two decoding that took so long? We were practically waiting forever out here."

Charlotte shrugged with a grin:

• "It's work, my love. I can't afford to be careless."

Tina couldn't help but laugh as she turned to Tif:

• "I didn't expect you'd wait this long too!"

Tif chuckled, giving a mock salute:

• "Waiting is worth it if it means leaving together."

Engfa gently took Charlotte's hand, and they shared a warm look, feeling happiness in these simple moments of peace.

The intense hours of work had finally ended. The four of them left the building together, stepping into the calm twilight of Bangkok, relishing the serenity of having trusted companions by their sides.

As they left work, Engfa invited Tif and Tina, along with Charlotte, to dinner. The moment they saw Engfa's shiny new car, Tif and Tina couldn't hide their excitement:

• "Wow, this car is even more beautiful than we imagined!" - Tina exclaimed, her eyes lighting up.

• "I heard people in the office gossiping, but seeing it up close is really stunning." - Tif admired.

Engfa smiled proudly, patting the car lightly and joking:

• "Come on, everyone, hop in. I'll take you for a grand hotpot feast to celebrate the day and christen the new car."

The group happily piled into the car, their laughter filling the ride with warmth. Engfa stopped at a small but famous hotpot restaurant in Chinatown, run by one of her close friends, making the atmosphere even more familiar.

As they stepped out, the chill from the recent rain made Charlotte shiver slightly. Engfa immediately noticed, gently draping her jacket over Charlotte's shoulders:

• "Can't have you catching a cold." - Engfa said warmly, holding Charlotte's hand gently.

Charlotte held Engfa's hand and gave a soft smile:

• "You're always so thoughtful. Thank you."

The four of them entered the restaurant. The cozy ambiance, voices calling out orders, and the rich aroma of the broth created a comforting atmosphere. Their table soon filled up with a large hotpot and a variety of side dishes, as Engfa ordered quite a spread to treat her friends.

Once seated, the hotpot began to boil, releasing a delicious aroma that made everyone eager. Engfa picked a mushroom for Charlotte, smiling gently:

• "Eat plenty, your favorite dishes are here tonight."

Charlotte smiled and nodded softly:

• "Thank you. Hotpot is perfect for this weather."

Tina raised a small glass of wine and winked at Engfa and Charlotte:

• "Cheers to a wonderful evening!"

They clinked glasses, laughter filling the cozy hotpot space. Tif took a sip of his wine, looked around the table, and after a thoughtful moment, smiled playfully.

• "Hey, does anyone want to hear a funny story of mine?"

Engfa, Charlotte, and Tina all looked intrigued and responded in unison:

• "Yes, tell us!"

Tif chuckled as he recalled the memory:

• "Last time, I went out for hotpot with some friends from college for a birthday celebration. Right in the middle of eating, I choked because my friend next to me made a joke just as I was lifting my chopsticks full of food."

Tina laughed loudly and interrupted:

• "Oh my, and then what?"

Tif laughed sheepishly, pretending to grimace:

• "Hotpot broth splashed all over my friend, and she was wearing a white shirt. We ended up cleaning up for ages, and she even insisted I pay extra for dry cleaning!"

Engfa burst into laughter:

• "So that fun meal turned into a disaster?"

Tif nodded, looking resigned:

• "Right! But we still had a blast. Every time we meet, we reminisce about that memory."

Charlotte giggled, picking a piece of meat for Tif:

• "Then tonight, eat to your heart's content. We'll try not to tease you so you won't choke!"

Tina patted Tif on the shoulder, laughing brightly:

• "Consider this hotpot a make-up for your friend's white shirt!"

Engfa shook her head, smiling at her three friends, her eyes full of affection:

• "Now I see that hotpot with friends is truly enjoyable. Next time, let's try other dishes together; who knows, we might create more unforgettable memories like Tif's."

Tif put on a mock-serious face, looking at everyone:

• "But next time, if anyone chokes, they clean up themselves; I've learned my lesson!"

The group laughed heartily again, filling the cozy hotpot place with cheerful voices. The lively conversation continued as more dishes were served. Engfa kept picking vegetables and mushrooms for Charlotte, looking at her with gentle eyes. Tif and Tina shared more funny stories, making the dinner a memory full of joy and laughter.

Tif didn't stop reminding:

• "If there's another hotpot night, everyone remind me to bring a jacket or wear dark colors!"

Tina teased:

• "Right! Dining with Tif means being prepared, just in case!"

Charlotte laughed, looking at Tif and said:

• "Next time, we'll bring napkins ready for you."

Engfa laughed, pulling Charlotte's hand gently and said:

• "Seeing everyone this happy makes life feel so precious."

Tina nodded in agreement, surprised to see Charlotte, usually so petite, enjoying her meal so heartily. Tina curiously turned to Engfa:

• "Charlotte eats so well; I didn't expect that from someone so slender."

Engfa chuckled, looking at Charlotte lovingly:

• "She always eats heartily, but never seems to gain weight. Maybe that's part of her charm."

Charlotte blushed and looked at Engfa in mild reproach:

• "Stop teasing me. I'm just eating my portion."

Engfa laughed and placed another piece of meat in Charlotte's bowl, teasing:

• "Love means caring; eat a little more."

Tif and Tina couldn't help but laugh, continuing to enjoy the meal amid the cheerful conversation. They sipped on small glasses of wine, each sip warming them in the cool weather. Charlotte squinted her eyes in delight as she sipped, savoring the spicy taste of the wine. She glanced at Engfa watching her, her gaze tender yet mischievous, making her blush and smile shyly.

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