The Return of the God Level Assassin Chapter 1321: YAN YAN'S 19TH BIRTHDAY (III)

A succession of dishes arrived at the table. The oysters were remarkably fresh, and the foie gras boasted a decadent, smooth consistency. Following this, a warm and hearty lobster bisque was served, and then truffle pasta arrived, its robust flavor a delight to Luo Yan. By the time the steak was presented, his hunger had waned, yet he continued to eat. A rich, savory sauce enhanced the steak, cooked to his preferred well-done state. He savored every bite.

Their meal was accompanied by conversation that flowed easily from one topic to another. A particular remark from Luo Yan sent Shen Ji Yun into laughter, a sound that resonated warmly within Luo Yan's heart. Even during moments of silence as they ate, an unforced comfort permeated their interaction.

Upon the conclusion of the main courses, a server approached to clear their plates. "Would you care to peruse the dessert menu?" he inquired.

Shen Ji Yun inclined his head. "Yes, if you please."

The server returned, presenting two compact menus. One was placed before each of them as he stepped back to await their selection. Luo Yan surveyed the available options: a chocolate cake, a fruit tart, an item featuring vanilla cream, and a chestnut mousse listed toward the bottom.

"I shall have the chestnut mousse," he declared, looking up from the menu.

Shen Ji Yun handed back his own menu. "The same for me."

The server made a note of their choices and departed. Luo Yan leaned back in his chair. "You didn't even glance at the other selections."

"I observed your choice," Shen Ji Yun stated plainly. "If you selected it, it is likely quite good."

Luo Yan chuckled. "And what if I happened to choose incorrectly, and it turns out to be unappetizing?"

Shen Ji Yun offered a slight shrug. "Then we would both find ourselves mistaken, together."

Together. The word caused Luo Yan to smile. It evoked a feeling that whatever they undertook, wherever their paths led, they would face it side-by-side. He reached across the table, resting his hand atop Shen Ji Yun's. His companion turned his palm upward, interlacing their fingers without a word.

A few minutes later, the server returned with their desserts, placing them gently before them. His gaze briefly alighted upon their clasped hands, but he offered no pause or outward reaction. He simply set the chestnut mousse before each diner, gave a subtle nod, and said, "Kindly enjoy your desserts."

With that, he turned and withdrew, leaving them once more in their private conversation.

Luo Yan raised an eyebrow, a flicker of admiration for the establishment's staff evident. The server's composure remained unruffled upon witnessing their joined hands. His attention then shifted to the chestnut mousse presented to him. It took the form of a smooth, light brown dome, enrobed in a thin, dark chocolate glaze, and served within a shallow white bowl. A delicate gold leaf graced the center, with a slender cookie placed artfully against its side.

He withdrew his hand from resting above the table and took up his spoon. Gently slicing into the mousse, he sampled a portion. The chestnut flavor was subtle, not excessively sweet, carrying only a faint whisper of cream. Its texture was airy and smooth, providing a dessert that felt light rather than burdensome after a substantial meal. He took a second spoonful, then a third, appreciating its elegantly simple yet perfectly executed taste.

"This is truly delicious," he remarked to Shen Ji Yun.

Shen Ji Yun took a bite of his own dessert and a smile touched his lips. "Yes, it is very good."

"I am pleased I made the right selection," Luo Yan declared with a grin. "So, what is our next stop after this?"

"The subsequent destination holds the true surprise," Shen Ji Yun responded, his tone dropping to a low, enigmatic level.

Luo Yan's curiosity was now thoroughly ignited. He found himself wondering with great anticipation what Shen Ji Yun had precisely orchestrated.

***

Following their dinner, the pair exited the restaurant. Once again, Shen Ji Yun took the wheel to transport them to their next location. As Luo Yan remained unaware of their impending destination, he simply surrendered to the journey.

Approximately twenty minutes of driving ensued before the surrounding streets began to feel familiar. Luo Yan recognized the vicinity; they were nearing the Liangma River. He gazed out the window, attempting to decipher Shen Ji Yun's intentions. The car turned into a conspicuously vacant parking lot situated close to the water, with only a sparse scattering of other vehicles.

Shen Ji Yun guided the car into a space and switched off the engine. "We have arrived," he announced.

Luo Yan exited the vehicle and surveyed their surroundings. The river flowed steadily before them, its surface shimmering with the reflected lights of the nearby cityscape. The walkways bordering the riverbanks were notably quiet, devoid of any other individuals. A modest jetty extended into the water, illuminated by a gentle string of lights. A boat was moored there, a compact vessel complete with a cabin radiating a warm, yellow glow from within.

He fixated on the boat, then scanned the area once more. "Why is this place so deserted?"

The river itself was not a private domain; it was a public space, the kind that typically saw people strolling along its banks or relaxing on its benches. Yet, not a soul was present.

Shen Ji Yun offered a casual shrug. "I have reserved the entire dock for the next hour."

Luo Yan blinked, momentarily taken aback. He had been aware that Shen Ji Yun had something planned, but this exceeded his expectations. A private boat. An entire dock exclusively for their use. He looked again at the vessel, then turned his gaze back to Shen Ji Yun.

"You've chartered a boat?" he inquired.

Shen Ji Yun extended his hand. "Let's go."

They made their way toward the dock, a staff member offering a respectful nod as they approached. Shen Ji Yun uttered a few hushed words to the staff member, who then indicated the waiting boat. Shen Ji Yun boarded the dock and turned, extending his hand once more to Luo Yan. Luo Yan accepted the offered hand and stepped onto the boat. The vessel dipped slightly under his weight, rocking gently before becoming still. He peered into the cabin. Though compact, just enough for the pair of them, the ample windows along the sides and front allowed the vibrant city lights to flood the interior. Inside, a table was set with an assortment of snacks, accompanied by two chairs.

Luo Yan faced Shen Ji Yun, a smile gracing his lips. "So, an evening boat ride?"

Shen Ji Yun returned the smile. "Precisely."