He was continually thinking of how to avoid having the two women meet at all.

After they placed their orders, a blonde waiter soon brought their dishes to the table.

"Enjoy your meal!"

After saying that, the waiter lit the candle in the middle of the table before stepping back a couple of paces to leave.

"Go ahead and try it."

Gwen's eyes lit up as she looked at the delicious dishes presented before her.

She loved trying all kinds of delicious food.

"Sure."

Hode smiled and nodded, temporarily setting aside his concerns about Wanda.

There was still some time before Wanda arrived, so he would just deal with whatever came his way!

Hode took a sip of the creamy vegetable soup before him.

Its aroma was rich and complex, blending the freshness of the vegetables, the subtle spiciness of the seasonings, and the creaminess of the dairy.

As he tasted the first spoonful, the smooth texture and intricate layers of the soup unfolded on his palate.

In the slight chill of autumn, the soup warmed him from the inside out.

"How is it?"

Gwen clasped her hands, waiting anxiously for Hode's evaluation.

"Mm, it's quite good. The chef is likely Italian!"

Hode nodded slowly, giving his opinion.

"That's great! It seems this restaurant is indeed quite impressive!"

Gwen breathed a sigh of relief. She had always thought that someone like Hode, who came from a wealthy background, would have very particular tastes.

But it seemed he was not spoiled at all.

"However..."

At that moment, Hode's tone shifted.

"But what?"

Gwen's heart, which had just settled, suddenly leaped in her chest.

"But it's definitely not as good as what I make."

Hode wasn't joking when he said this; he had a system that rewarded him.

When it came to cooking, he was among the best of the best, and he could tell just by tasting how many seasonings had been used.

"Can you still cook?!"

Gwen was truly surprised that Hode knew how to cook. He was already so talented in many areas, yet he hadn't neglected life skills at all.

"Of course! I have a precise grasp of seasonings. For example, this dish contains hand-ground black pepper and celery..." Hode said earnestly, starting to explain how to prepare a good meal.

In fact, it was...

[Ding! You have tasted excellent vegetable soup!]

[Reward: Master-level culinary skills!]

Having a system is really great!

However, Gwen listened very attentively, her eyes fixed on Hode. The soft candlelight illuminated his handsome face. Hode, who was seriously explaining, captivated Gwen's gaze. She didn't even notice what Hode was saying; she just nodded instinctively. To her, a serious guy was incredibly attractive, especially since he seemed to excel at everything without any arrogance.

"If I could really be with him, I'm sure I'd be very happy," Gwen thought, a vision of the two of them together suddenly flashing in her mind. At that moment, she felt her cheeks heat up slightly. It was the first time she had felt insecure about herself. Though she considered herself impressive, she felt like she paled in comparison to Hode.

"Why is your face so red?"

Hode noticed Gwen lost in thought and instinctively touched her cheek. The moment they made contact, Gwen snapped back to reality. She felt the warmth on her face, her heart racing so fast that she could even hear it.

"Do... do I?"

Gwen hurriedly shook her head, her eyes flustered. "Maybe the vegetable soup is too hot!"

"I thought you were secretly drinking alcohol behind my back," Hode said without calling out her lie, smiling. "But unfortunately, I have to drive later, so I can't order wine."

"I didn't..." Gwen's voice was barely a whisper.

At that moment, she felt completely flustered.

"No way, Gwen Daisy, how can you be so lacking in confidence?"

"Just look if you want!"

"Didn't you even hug him first and kiss him!?"

"Even if I... did that, it wouldn't be a big deal!"

Gwen was desperately trying to pump herself up, but the more she thought about it, the more confused she became.

Suddenly, at the shop's entrance, a familiar voice floated over: "Hode."

That voice, both familiar and cool, yet with a hint of seduction...

Hode suddenly looked up and saw a woman in a crimson trench coat standing at the front desk. Even with a mask, he instantly recognized her—it was Wanda! That trench coat, that figure, was unmistakable!

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