Chapter 1321: YAN YAN'S 19TH BIRTHDAY (III)

THE food came out one dish after another. The oysters were fresh, and the foie gras possessed a rich, smooth texture. The lobster bisque was warm and thick, while the truffle pasta had a strong flavor that Luo Yan enjoyed. By the time the steak arrived, he was already full, yet he still ate. A savory sauce complemented the steak, which was cooked well done, just as he liked it. He savored each bite.

They talked while they ate. Their conversation drifted from one thing to another. Shen Ji Yun laughed at something Luo Yan said, and Luo Yan felt his heart warmed at the sound. Even when they stopped talking for a moment to eat, it never felt awkward.

When the main course was finished, the server came by to clear their plates. "Would you like to see the dessert menu?" he asked.

Shen Ji Yun nodded. "Yes, please."

The server returned with two small menus. He set one in front of each of them and stepped back to wait. Luo Yan scanned the options. There was a chocolate cake, a fruit tart, something with vanilla cream, and a chestnut mousse listed near the bottom.

"I'll have the chestnut mousse," he said, looking up.

Shen Ji Yun handed his menu back. "Same for me."

The server noted it down and left. Luo Yan leaned back in his chair. "You didn't even look at anything else."

"I saw what you picked," Shen Ji Yun said simply. "If you chose it, it's probably good."

Luo Yan laughed. "What if I picked the wrong one, and it's not tasty?"

Shen Ji Yun shrugged. "Then we'd both be wrong together."

Together. Luo Yan smiled at the word. It felt like whatever they did, wherever they went, they would be in it together. He reached across the table and placed his hand over Shen Ji Yun's. The other turned his palm up and laced their fingers together without a word.

A few minutes later, the server arrived with their plates, setting them down carefully. His eyes flicked to their joined hands for a brief moment, but he didn't pause or react. He simply placed the chestnut mousse in front of each of them, gave a small nod, and said, "Please enjoy."

Then he turned and walked away, leaving them alone again.

Luo Yan raised an eyebrow, impressed by the staff's professionalism. The server hadn't even blinked when he saw their hands clasped together. He glanced down at the chestnut mousse before him. A smooth dome of light brown, glazed with a thin, dark chocolate topping, served in a shallow white bowl. A small gold leaf adorned the center, and a thin cookie was propped artfully against the side.

He pulled his hand back from above the table and picked up his spoon. Cutting into the mousse, he took a bite. The chestnut flavor was mild, not too sweet, with just a hint of cream. The texture was light and smooth, the kind of dessert that didn't weigh you down after a heavy meal. He took another spoonful, then another, enjoying its simple, well-executed flavors.

"This is really good," he told Shen Ji Yun.

Shen Ji Yun took a bite of his own dessert and smiled. "Yeah, it's good."

"I'm glad I picked the right one," Luo Yan said with a grin. "So where are we going after this?"

"The next destination is the actual surprise," Shen Ji Yun said, keeping his voice low and mysterious.

Now Luo Yan's curiosity was fully piqued. He couldn't help wondering what exactly Shen Ji Yun had planned.

***

After dinner, the two of them left the restaurant. Once again, Shen Ji Yun drove to their next destination. Since Luo Yan didn't know where they would go, he just enjoyed the ride.

They drove for about twenty minutes before the streets became familiar. Luo Yan recognized the area. They were near Liangma River. He looked out the window, trying to figure out Shen Ji Yun's plan. The car turned into a nearly empty parking lot close to the water, with only a few cars scattered around. Shen Ji Yun found a spot and cut the engine.

"We're here," he said.

Luo Yan stepped out and looked around. The river stretched out before them, with lights from the surrounding buildings reflecting off the surface. The walking paths along the bank were quiet. There were no other people in sight. A small dock extended out into the water, lit by a soft string of lights. A boat was waiting there, a small one with a cabin that glowed warm yellow from inside.

He stared at the boat, then looked around again. "Why is this place so empty?"

The river wasn't private property. It was a public spot, the kind of place that should have people walking along the banks or sitting on the benches. But there was no one.

Shen Ji Yun shrugged. "I booked the whole dock for the hour."

Luo Yan blinked. He had known Shen Ji Yun planned something, but this was more than he expected. A private boat. A whole dock to themselves. He looked at the boat again, then back at Shen Ji Yun.

"You rented a boat?"

Shen Ji Yun took his hand. "Come on."

They walked toward the dock, where a staff member greeted them with a polite nod. Shen Ji Yun mumbled something quietly to the other, and the man gestured toward the boat.

Shen Ji Yun stepped onto the dock and turned back to offer Luo Yan his hand. Luo Yan took it and stepped down onto the boat. It shifted under his weight, swaying gently before settling. He glanced inside the cabin. It was small, just enough room for the two of them, but the windows running along the sides and front allowed the city lights to illuminate the interior. Inside, he saw a table laden with snacks and two seats.

Luo Yan turned to Shen Ji Yun with a smile. "So, evening boating?"

Shen Ji Yun smiled back. "Yes."

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