Super Spender

Chapter 89: First Encounter

She set out to devour delicacies from Moon of West Lake, though Kay Lee knew they would likely have closed long ago. Nonetheless, she made towards that direction despite the ninety-nine percent certainty of the bakery having closed. The reason she loved their pastries was that with every bite, she would remember her late grandmother and the flavors of her childhood.

Nonchalantly, knowing that they were already closed, Kay Lee was on no hurry. She casually walked in that direction. Her emotions were difficult to describe when she turned a corner and noticed the light still sparkling, indicating that they were still open. The surprise spread gently through Kay’s heart resembling the way a hint of hope brightens the heart of a person who had nearly lost faith in the world.

Her feelings were hard to explain, but beneath her baseball cap and large sunglasses, Kay Lee sported a genuine smile, a rare sight. She instantly started to make her way towards the bakery, afraid she might be too late, lest the shopkeeper decided to close.

It was after midnight and her getup was somewhat strange, but Kay Lee paid no heed. With few lingering pedestrians on the streets, Kay had soon reached Moon of West Lake. Undoubtedly, they were still open and appearing to be actively in business. As she pushed the door open, a server emerged.

“Hello, are you still serving?” Kay Lee urgently asked.

“Yes, madam, due to a recent change in management, our bakery will now operate twenty-four hours a day. From now on, you can drop by anytime for our delicious pastries,” the server explained courteously. Although deeply curious about what kind of person would warrant her potential boss to go to such lengths, she decided to complete her task at hand and rationalized Kay must be an extraordinarily beautiful woman, even with her face half-covered by large shades.

“Really? That’s wonderful!” Kay Lee joyously responded. She quickly approached the counter and ordered: “I’d like your namesake pastry and a Lunar Tea – the top-grade kind.”

If the pastries were a way to remember her grandmother’s delightful dishes, then her preference for tea was rooted in the old habit of her grandfather, who passed on this particular practice while serving as a security guard to an important figure.

“Your tea will be ready right away, but I’m sorry the pastries aren’t available today,” apologized the server, all the while grumbling to herself about the batch wasted in the kitchen.

“How come? Isn’t that one still there?” questioned Kay as she pointed to a Moon of West Lake pastry in the glass case.

“I’m sorry, madam, that one’s reserved by a customer who has already paid for it and plans to collect it later. Our stock is limited as we have only just begun twenty-four operating hours,” explained the server earnestly.

Although annoyed, Kay had no choice but to settle for a pot of Lunar Tea. She sat in her usual spot, thankful for the quiet atmosphere of the upscale bakery where patrons didn’t pay heed to others. Although she couldn’t have her desired pastry, the place being open gladdened her heart.

After sitting down, Kay grappled with her hunger and the lack of an alternative. She decided to quickly find something to eat after she left the bakery. Meanwhile, after her order arrived, Finn Lewis also received a message outside the bakery. He then straightened his clothes and asked for assurance: “There shouldn’t be any problems, right?”

As a rule, Zero wouldn’t usually bother to respond if the problem didn’t concern him directly.

Unusually, however, Zero did reply: “Very nice.”

Finn was taken aback but regained composure quickly. He snapped his fingers and cheekily responded, “You have an excellent taste. I must be very handsome.”

If Zero was before Finn now, he might have been tempted to spit in his face.

Finn soon arrived at the entrance of the bakery, which he had recently bought. Inside, Kay sat inconspicuously, though Finn spotted her immediately since there were no other customers. After entering and exchanging pleasantries with the server at the counter, he got a pastry and headed Kay’s way.

With sweat forming on his palms, Finn admonished his nervousness, took several deep breaths, and endeavored to remain calm. Unexpected ups and downs of recent days seemed to have hardened his heart.

Lost in thought, Kay was subconsciously stirring the tea in her cup. She was startled back into the moment when Finn set the Moon of West Lake pastry on the table before her. By the time she looked up, she saw Finn walking away having left the pastry.

“Sir,” Kay swiftly interjected.

Finn let out a sigh before turning to ask, “Yes, what can I do for you?” “What is this?” Kay pointed to the pastry and asked.

“Oh, I just got this for you. I heard from the server that you are a regular here and you love this pastry. So, I brought it to you,” shrugged Finn.

“Thank you, sir,” said Kay Lee with a smile, “but please take it back. I don’t need it.”

“No problem. I bought it to eat for breakfast tomorrow anyway. And since you’re here so late, I assume you haven’t had dinner. It’s not good for a lady to go hungry so late. As for me, I’m not hungry now so I can find something else to eat in the morning. It’s fine.” Finn let out a small smile and gestured dismissively.

Without waiting for a response, Finn turned around to leave. “Hey!” Kay called out to him again.

“Can I help you with anything else?” Finn turned back with a puzzled look on his face.

“Let me pay you for it,” said Kay, reaching for her bag.

“No need, we just happened to meet on the first day of this bakery’s twenty-four-hour operation. It’s fate. Please consider it as my treat. Goodbye.” Finn gave a light chuckle and then a wave. He paid no heed to Kay’s protests and promptly exited the bakery..