Chapter 208 – Dumplings in a Paper Bag
Mira gave him one last glance. "We'll talk later."
Lux smirked. "Can't wait."
They stepped out of the car into warm, late-afternoon sun. The scent of incense and roasted spices hit him immediately—star anise, black pepper oil, and something citrusy and sharp, like pickled lotus stem. A warm breeze tugged at his jacket.
He already knew before looking.
Eastern cuisine.
Of course.
The restaurant loomed like a palace carved into glass and cherrywood—subtle, rich, discreet. Two golden lions guarded the front steps. Waitstaff in silk stood like decorative swords, poised and perfect.
He looked over at Mira.
"Really?" he asked. "This is your low-key lunch spot?"
She adjusted her hairpin. "Would you prefer fast food?"
"I mean… now that you've said it, yeah. I kinda want dumplings in a paper bag."
She gave him a side-eye so sharp it could fillet mana whales.
