The Rise of the White Lotus

Staring in front of a restaurant she has never been before -- Lexi's brows arc in dubiousness. She expected Ethan to take her somewhere fancy, alas, the restaurant they were in -- it was very simple and can be considered gauche.

"Here? Seriously?" Knowing Lexi's attitude, she won't hesitate to show her displeasure about the place. After all, she was raised surrounded with luxury -- whether it was clothes, accessories, and even the dishes she eats should be prepared by top chefs -- a true living the dream. Hence, it was understandable for her to react in such a way.

"Yea. Didn't you say you like good food?" Ethan stated with a wide grin on his lips showing his small even teeth. He added, "Let's go."

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Lexi scrutinizes the whole small restaurant with cautious -- afraid that someone might recognize her. Though she kept her proud and elegant front, alas, she was obviously bewildered by the environment around the whole premises. It was small yet it didn't feel too crowded despite that there is only sufficient seat for her and Ethan.

"Come on, take a seat. Don't worry no one will recognize you and the food is superb." Ethan reassured guessing her main concern. After all, Lexi is a well-known personality and even if he takes her to a fancy restaurant, she will be recognized with socialites -- which Ethan doesn't want to happen.

Lexi slightly raised her brows then wordlessly take a seat in front of Ethan Lu. He then raised his hand then shouted a familiar noodle dish as if Ethan was a regular and was much carefree than ever.

"Mr. Lu, I didn't know you like this kind of places."

"We do, including Morris." Ethan honestly responded with a grin.

Just hearing Morris name can put Lexi off, yet, for some reason, she just kept her silence as she stared down mindlessly on the glass of water laid on the table. Part of her was tired and actually fed up. She already did everything to show her love for Morris but, he never sees nor appreciate it -- god knows if he even considers her even just a tiny bit.

Hence, even though Ethan was obviously being insensitive, but to Lexi, she might probably thank him in the future because the more she realized that Morris will never love her, the soonest she'll let him go.

Soon, Lexi was snapped from her stupor when an old lady served the hot bowl of noodles. She was probably in her early 60's with a gentle and welcoming smile on her face.

"You two look good together." the old grandma humored to Ethan.

"Hehe, Granny Chen, you know me -- I have a high standard." Ethan Lu winks at the old woman whom he called Granny Chen. Granny Chen then nods giddily as if she was truly happy about something.

When Granny Chen left, Lexi arcs her eyebrows towards Ethan Lu as if indicating him to take back his words. Alas, Ethan Lu as shameless as he feigns ignorance as he insists, "Let's eat, let's eat. Man, I'm starving." he then gobbles up his noodle without restraint.

Lexi watched him for a while before shifting her gaze on the bowl of noodles that permeates slightly hot steam. She didn't look at the food with disdain -- more like she was curious. Of course, Lexi eats noddles but only if it was made by top chefs. Hence, she was hesitating if this dish in front won't poison her or ruin her sense of taste.

"Hey, hey, just eat, alright? It's the best dan dan noodle in town -- trust me." Ethan slightly raised his head seeing that Lexi was just staring at the noodle in reluctance.

Lexi quickly glances at him before slowly reaching for the ceramic white duck spoon. She then scoops a little amount of soup before placing it in front of her mouth, then faintly blows off some heat before taking a sip.

To her surprise, the taste of the certain noodle soup was indeed good. Though it can't be compared to the dishes she had so far in her life, alas, the feeling it gave her has warmth, as if embracing her tightly. A dish that made with love and extra care -- it touches her heart.

"It's good, isn't?" Ethan smiled in satisfaction seeing her indescribable expression on her face. Regardless, what's clear to him is that she liked it all in all.

"It is." Lexi slightly nodded before taking another soup and elegantly sip it with proper etiquette.