Chapter 401
Hannah Morse jumped up excitedly.
"We're done with the trip!"
Sophia Sullivan was slightly taken aback.
"So soon?"
Hannah shook her head.
"It was just a short trip nearby. One day is plenty."
Sophia looked toward Marcus Lawrence.
She remembered his itinerary was for three days and two nights.
It was packed with activities.
Ending in one day?
Something felt off.
Sophia was about to speak.
Marcus suddenly coughed twice.
"Right, a one-day trip. As long as we had fun."
Hannah moved closer to Sophia.
"Sophia, his backpack was even bigger than mine!"
Marcus's expression stiffened.
"He wouldn't say what was inside."
"Didn't use it during the trip either."
"Carried that huge bag all the way up the Great Wall. Seriously impressive!"
Marcus silently turned away.
Thanks for that.
Sophia's gaze turned knowing.
She could guess what was in the bag.
A three-day trip required changes of clothes.
Seemed Hannah didn't know the original plan.
Marcus cleared his throat softly.
Please don't expose me.
Sophia nodded in understanding.
Got it.
Only Hannah remained blissfully cheerful.
"Sophia, taking a day to rest before playing was amazing!"
"Slept right until noon, then headed out…"
Sophia raised an eyebrow.
So they didn't even get a full day of activities?
Hannah pouted.
"Marcus kept rushing me out the door."
"Life is about being happy."
"Who says you have to leave at a specific time?"
"My dark circles are gone thanks to sleeping in."
"All that late-night work was making my eyes look smaller."
Marcus glanced at her.
"Weren't your eyes always like that?"
"I don't see any difference."
Hannah immediately put her hands on her hips and glared.
"Marcus Lawrence! Don't make me hit you!"
Marcus quickly backed away.
Retreating.
The three began discussing their project proposal.
Though Hannah and Marcus loved to fool around.
They were exceptionally serious about work.
Play was play.
Academics were another matter.
Their efficiency was high.
They finished by four in the afternoon.
Hannah let out a long sigh.
She leaned back in her chair and stretched.
"That was fast."
"Just hungry now."
She went to the break area to dig for snacks.
They had only had a quick takeout lunch.
She was starving now.
She pulled out a bag of chips from the cabinet.
Marcus returned from the restroom.
He hurried to stop her.
"Don't eat that!"
Hannah was startled by how quickly he returned.
Do guys always finish that fast?
Marcus rushed over and snatched the chips away.
Hannah had already stuffed a handful into her mouth.
Marcus sighed helplessly.
He'd never seen someone so snack-obsessed.
Hannah looked smug.
Heh.
A little proud.
"Add two extra kilometers to your run tomorrow morning."
Hannah's face instantly fell.
Sophia couldn't help but laugh.
When she finally stopped, she spoke.
"Everyone's been working hard lately."
"I booked a private room at Le Goût Authentique."
"Reserved their signature Lotus Leaf Wrapped Chicken too."
"Let's pack up and head out."
Hannah forgot all about running at the mention of good food.
She rushed over and hugged Sophia.
"You're the best, Sophia!"
"How did you know I was craving that chicken?"
Sophia patted her with a smile.
"You mentioned it before. I remembered."
"I was curious what all the fuss was about."
"To have you thinking about it for so long."
Hannah was full of confidence.
"You won't be disappointed!"
"Their flavor is incredible!"
A foodie's intuition was rarely wrong.
Hannah's recommendations almost never missed.
The head chef at Le Goût Authentique was from the Huaiyang region.
His Lotus Leaf Wrapped Chicken was legendary.
He had also adapted it to local tastes.
Fragrant, tender, and delicious.
The chicken was incredibly moist.
Infused with the subtle scent of lotus leaves.
Just thinking about it made her mouth water.
Lately, to maintain her morning run results.
Marcus strictly controlled her diet.
Every day was bland and boring.
Hannah felt like she was growing fur on her tongue.
Though she sneaked snacks at night.
But snacks were no match for a proper feast.
"Sophia, I love you~"
Finally, she could properly feed her stomach.
Hannah was moved nearly to tears.
Marcus raised an eyebrow.
"Did I starve you or something?"
"Then cancel the morning runs."
Marcus crossed his arms.
"Fine."
"Don't blame me if next year's physical shows Fatty Liver Disease again."
Hannah immediately shut her mouth.
Forget it. She'd endure for her health.
She wasn't ungrateful.
Marcus came to wake her up before dawn every day.
The winter was so cold.
His face was often red from the chill.
While she was still cozy under the covers.
The thought made her feel guilty.
Her own father wouldn't go that far.
Marcus was a really good guy.
A keeper!
Sophia, sipping tea, overheard the conversation.
She couldn't help but spit out her laugh.
Choking until her face turned red.
"Cough cough…"
Hannah quickly waved her hands.
"I was joking. Don't cancel it."
She looked at Marcus pleadingly.
"Can I eat my fill tonight?"
Marcus pressed his lips together.
"Marcus?"
"... Eighty percent full."
"Deal!"
He wouldn't know if she ate to ninety percent.
Hehe~
The happiness from good food was indescribable.
A flicker of amusement passed through Marcus's eyes.
His real expectation was ninety percent full.
He said eighty to give her bargaining room.
She was probably secretly celebrating now.
Le Goût Authentique.
The dishes had just been served when they arrived.
Steaming hot.
Without further ado, they started eating.
Hannah finished half the Lotus Leaf Wrapped Chicken.
Marcus silently placed a chicken drumstick on her plate.
Hannah's eyes instantly lit up.
"Marcus, you're so good."
Marcus sighed softly.
Sigh.