Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Cool grass caressed my feet.
Okay. This isn’t too bad.
We walked on.
The lanterns in the trees emitted a warm, golden glow, casting dappled shadows on the lush greenery around us. They hung at different heights, some closer to the ground and others high up in the branches.
It was whimsical and romantic.
I smiled. “Are the lanterns always on at night like this?”
“When my mother was alive, yes. Since she’s been gone. . .it has only been dark at night.” He guided me down a path outlined in rose bushes. “You want the lanterns on?”
“I think so, as long as it doesn’t use up the East’s resources.”
He laughed.
I eyed him. “What?”
“You always care so much.”
“Well, I’m just saying. I always look at movies or shows about the rich and think about how they are over-consuming and doing so much. Basically, draining the world.” I shrugged. “Now that I have some money, I don’t want to do that.”
“Meanwhile, all I care about is that you are happy.”
I winked. “Lanterns on or not, I’ll be happy if you’re with me.”
“Good because. . .” Darkness flickered in his gaze. “You’ll never get rid of me.”
Alrighty then.
Lei’s intense words hung in the air.
We continued around a pond.
The path wound through lush greenery and vibrant flowers.
Up above, lit branches swayed gracefully with the breeze.
At night, the pond itself was a breathtaking sight. The lanterns' soft glow reflected off the still water, creating a shimmering, otherworldly effect.
Even more, tiny, delicate lights floated on the surface.
“And here we go.” Lei led us to the area where we would eat, a soft gasp left me.
“Aww. I love this.”
It was a scene straight out of a fairy tale, bathed in the dreamy glow of moonlight.
A table adorned with fine linens and lit candles sat beneath a majestic cherry blossom tree, its delicate petals falling like soft kisses upon our faces. The heavy lit branches formed a protective canopy, as if nature itself was conspiring to create an intimate and magical setting for us.
Meanwhile, the table was elegantly set with fine China, crystal glasses, and silver cutlery that gleamed in the soft light.
All the candles filled the air with their sweet scents, dancing among the garden’s earthy fragrance and the subtle aroma of the nearby pond.
I couldn’t have dreamed a better setting.
Lei stopped us and turned to me. “Do you like it?”
“I love it.”
“Good.” He moved closer to me and pressed his lips gently against my cheek in a tender kiss. His lips were soft and warm.
All these tingling sensations shivered through me.
So incredibly close, he gazed into my eyes and boldly inhaled my scent.
Swooning, I could see the slight creases around his eyes, and the way his eyelashes fluttered against his skin as he breathed me in.
He was so fucking handsome and all mine.
I would fight a bitch over him.
He stepped away. “I want your first night at Lotus Blossom to be special.”
“It already is.”
He led us closer to the dining space.
To the side, the chef and two staff members—dressed in blue—stood by another table covered with several covered silver platters, each kept warm by little flames flickering underneath.
When we got closer to our table, Lei let go of my hand and pulled out my chair.
“Thank you.” I sat down, feeling the luxurious comfort of the cushioned seat.
“You’re welcome.” He took his place right next to me and his eyes never left my face.
Is this my life now?
A soft smile played on his lips and I knew that regardless of what he heard on that phone call, it was going to be an awesome night.
The chef approached with two glasses of champagne and placed each one down in front of us. “Good evening, Mountain Master and Mountain Mistress.”
I widened my eyes, still not used to the title or such big fan fair over me. “Good evening.”
“I hope you two are very hungry this evening.”
I nodded. “I’m starving.”
“Wonderful. We will begin plating your foods.” The chef gave me a warm smile. "By the way, Mistress, do you have a particular love for any cuisine? It would help me plan for your future dinners here."
I shook my head. “I don’t really have one. I just want you to enjoy yourself as you cook. My mother always used to say that a happy cook in the kitchen is a delicious feast for everyone.”
The chef’s eyes lit up with excitement. “That is wonderful to hear. I’ll enjoy making many meals for you.”
“Awesome.”
“Will you be at Lotus Blossom tomorrow evening for dinner?”
“Yes, I will be.” I stiffened. “But my cousin has decided that we are having a cookout. He has this special recipe he does with ribs and is excited about doing it tomorrow, so there will be no need for you to make dinner.”
To my surprise, Lei grinned.
Good. He’s fine with it.
The chef looked intrigued and then a bigger smile spread across his face. “A cookout?”