Chapter 400: Shion's Senior, Hiratsuka Shizuka, and Shion's Helplessness
Vi might have been a tomboy through and through, but she was still a woman. Caitlyn, of course, was even more so. The moment they caught Lucifer's expression, they instantly recognized the playful, probing glint in her eyes.
That look was practically a spoken question, a silent inquiry that echoed in their minds: So, are you two little enforcers single? And if so, why?
Lucifer, realizing her "covert" observation had been anything but, let out a soft sigh. "No need to be so nervous," she said, her voice smooth as silk. "Why so agitated?"
Vi and Caitlyn exchanged a look, their gazes fixed on Lucifer's serene smile. They could feel the indignation bubbling up but dared not voice it. They were single by choice, a perfectly respectable state of being! Was it a crime for a woman to be unattached? To be beautiful for her own sake? The implication that something was wrong with them was infuriating, especially since Lucifer clearly wasn't single... and from what they'd heard, her man was exceptional. It was just so... annoying!
Lucifer glanced at their distressed faces and let a small, knowing smile touch her lips. 'Sure enough,'she thought,'these two little enforcers are far more interesting to tease than most.' As for that man, Akoya Seishu... he was better off destroyed.
With that thought, Lucifer turned her attention back to her phone, her fingers dancing across the screen as she resumed her chat. Every so often, she would flick her eyes up, catch Vi and Caitlyn's lingering stares, and then return to her device with a faint smirk. The two enforcers had no idea what she was doing, but that mischievous expression sent an uncomfortable prickle across their skin.
In truth, Lucifer was simply confirming that they were still watching her. And they were. Her real focus was on a conversation with Sōryūin Shion.
The topic, naturally, was the new female teacher. What she learned from Shion was nothing short of astonishing. The woman was apparently Shion's senior from university, two years her elder. They had been close back in school, but lost touch until the teacher had arrived at Koyo Academy two years ago.
The moment this senior discovered that Sōryūin Shion was the President, she had dragged her out for drinks that very night. Shion's texts painted a vivid picture: the woman had a monstrous appetite, especially for meat, yet somehow never gained an ounce of weight. That night, after getting thoroughly drunk, she had clung to Shion, sobbing for what felt like hours about her inability to find a boyfriend, all while lamenting how lucky Shion was to have a man who was always by her side, so affectionate and doting.
The senior's family was also incredibly wealthy. Finally, Shion revealed her name: Hiratsuka Shizuka. And though her name contained the character for 'quiet,' she was, in Shion's words, "a surprisingly hot-blooded young woman."
Lucifer nearly snorted with laughter. It was a rare sight to see Shion complain with such fervor. Every message was a new grievance about how Hiratsuka Shizuka was constantly dragging her out to bemoan another failed blind date, tormenting her endlessly.
But the part that truly made Lucifer lose her composure was Shion's next message. Apparently, Soryuin Akemi had let slip the news of Shion's upcoming marriage. Upon hearing it, Hiratsuka Shizuka had stormed all the way from Koyo Girl's Academy to Royal Sakura University and kicked a clean hole right through Shion's office door.
She then demanded that Shion clear her entire weekend—Saturday and Sunday—to go drinking with her. If she refused, Shizuka threatened to fight her, accusing her of being disloyal and abandoning her friends. The sheer pathetic desperation in her senior's eyes had left Shion feeling utterly helpless, yet also deeply amused.
Lucifer couldn't contain a small, muffled laugh. "Hahaha! So Kirukiru is getting dragged into this too! A battle of female warriors! This is going to be so much fun!"
Caitlyn was about to say something when the sound of approaching footsteps drew her attention. She and Vi turned in unison to see Ren emerging from the kitchen, pushing a dining cart. Four silver cloches covered the dishes, and the sight alone filled the two women with eager anticipation.
"Alright, first, for Miss Vi..."
"Just call me Vi, little brother," she cut in with a grin. "You're the first man I've met in a while who seems halfway decent."
"Very well, Vi," Ren replied with a warm smile. "This is your drink, but I personally recommend you enjoy it with your meal. The wine you ordered isn't quite suited for pairing with food; it's better as an after-dinner digestif."
Vi's eyes landed on the large, frosted mug placed before her. It was filled with a golden, bubbling liquid crowned with a thick head of foam. The condensation tracing lines down the glass made her swallow hard. "Is this an ale?"
"No, this is beer," Ren corrected gently. "While it is a type of ale, there are some key differences. You could consider this an enhanced version. And now, your dishes."
He lifted two of the cloches with a flourish. "For you, Vi, the main course is Water-Boiled Beef. And to accompany it... Hawthorn Spare Ribs."
The aromas that wafted up were intoxicating. Before Vi lay two dishes, both dominated by a brilliant, fiery red. Her mouth began to water instantly. She had never seen anything like them, but some primal instinct told her they would be incredible.
The first dish featured delicate slices of beef bathing in a shimmering crimson broth, glowing faintly under the restaurant's lights. The second was a platter of spare ribs coated in a glaze so perfect they looked like they were carved from crystal, their surface exuding an enticing sheen. Even the pieces of hawthorn scattered on top were like tiny, polished rubies. Every detail was a proof of the feast that awaited her.
Vi opened her mouth to speak, but Ren preempted her. "Please wait just a moment. Your main course is one small step from completion. Now, for you, little enforcer."
Caitlyn tore her gaze away from Vi's plate, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. "My name is Caitlyn! Caitlyn! Please stop calling me 'little enforcer'!"
"Of course, little enforcer," Ren said, his eyes twinkling. "Your dish is Mapo Tofu, and... Steamed Sea Bass."
Caitlyn stared at the ceramic pot set before her. Inside, tender cubes of white tofu simmered in a bubbling, bright red sauce. The aroma was aggressive, a bold declaration of spice and flavor that made her swallow reflexively.
She could already imagine the taste. The electrifying numbness of Sichuan peppercorns, the fiery heat of chili, the refreshing tartness cutting through it all—a complex dance of sensations that made one's mouth water just by sight and smell alone.
Forcing her attention to the second dish, she saw the Steamed Sea Bass. As the name suggested, it was a simple preparation, but its beauty lay in that simplicity. The pristine white flesh of the fish was perfectly cooked, showcasing its natural freshness and delicate texture.
Forgetting her earlier protest, Caitlyn looked up at Ren, her voice a little breathless. "Is my dish also one step away?"
Ren considered for a moment, then nodded. He retrieved an elegant flute from the cart, filled with a beautiful, layered cocktail. "A mixed cocktail for you. Of course, you can wait until your fruit arrives to drink it. And this," he said, picking up a small bowl, "is the final step for your dishes."
Caitlyn stared at the drink, its contents melting into each other like liquid agate, before taking a deep breath. "So, what step is Vi missing?"
Vi nodded eagerly, not wanting to ruin the meal by being impatient. Her question was answered a moment later. Ren brought a small pot of oil, heated until it was practically shimmering, and poured it over both the Water-Boiled Beef and the Mapo Tofu. The kitchen erupted with a dramatic, sizzling hiss as the scorching oil hit the aromatics, releasing an explosive burst of fragrance. He then sprinkled a few sprigs of emerald-green cilantro over the top, completing the masterpiece.
Vi knew her patience had been rewarded.
Ren placed a bowl of fluffy white rice before each of them, informing them they could ask for more at any time. With a soft, satisfied smile, he said, "Well then, ladies, please enjoy your meal."
As he walked back over to Lucifer's table, she held up her phone for him to see the screen. Ren leaned in, his eyes scanning the text. A slow smile spread across his face. "That's certainly interesting, but... huh?"
Lucifer, who had been watching his reaction, followed his gaze back to the phone. "What is it? Huh?!"
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