Food Wars, My Dishes Don't Just Shine

　However, in the dimly lit environment of a movie theater, people's fears are amplified to an extreme degree, making watching horror movies feel terrifying.

　“Fuck.

　Jesse is actually dead; the cruise ship is a purgatory for her soul, and she must relive this experience until she can accept her own death and let go of her obsession with her son.

　This is a cycle.

　When the mystery of the horror cruise ship was revealed, Leah unconsciously swore, then muttered the plot to herself, her hair standing on end, which drew a sidelong glance from Bai Yuan beside her.

　"You're really becoming Chinese. I thought you'd be able to play Faker."

　A slightly teasing voice came from Bai Yuan's mouth, and then he opened his hand and rubbed Liya's head to soothe her agitated heart.

　"After all, I've been here for several years, and I've become quite localized."

　Lia shrugged, her excitement calmed down considerably after Bai Yuan interrupted her.

　"We'll be going now. You two should go home early; it's not safe for two kids to be out so late at night."

　The movie was nearing its end. Bai Yuan took out his phone to check the time, then said to Yukihira Soma and Takumi Aldini beside him.

　"We understand. Be careful on your journey."

　Before Soma Yukihira could speak, Takumi Aldini spoke first.

　Running into your teacher at the movies, especially with his girlfriend—who can understand that feeling? It's incredibly awkward! He couldn't wait for Bai Yuan to leave.

　"Ah."

　Bai Yuan nodded slightly, then took Liya's hand and left the scene, heading downhill to leave. But for some reason, she suddenly stopped.

　Do you like that?

　Suddenly, Bai Yuan's hand was pulled tighter. He stopped and turned his head to see Liya standing still with her eyes sparkling. In her eyes was a pure white puppy doll.

　The doll is only the size of a fist, but it is very exquisite. The details and stitches on its body are all the work of a master craftsman.

　Most importantly, it's the only pure white puppy plush toy in the entire claw machine.

　Next to the white one is black, which is also very exquisite, but not the only one; they are densely packed all over the claw machine.

　"Mmm! I want this, it's so cute, please get it out for me, Boss Bai!"

　Compared to the reserved nature of Easterners, Westerners are relatively more outgoing and will express their needs very directly when they want something.

　"Alright, then I'll show you my claw machine skills!"

　Seeing Lia clinging to his arm and acting coquettishly, and with her trusting eyes, Bai Yuan felt secretly pleased and patted his chest. He then pulled her hand and headed towards the toy store.

　Lia followed behind him like a little fangirl, silently watching him, her fair face full of anticipation.

　Bai Yuan stood confidently in front of the claw machine and dropped in a coin.

　Start operating the joystick.

　Leah stood there, holding her breath, her eyes fixed on the white puppy doll, which was located in the middle of the black puppies. To catch it, she would first have to clear out all the black puppies around it.

　On the first attempt, the claws gripped the doll precisely, but suddenly released it during the ascent, and the doll fell back to its original position.

　Bai Yuan frowned, while Liya let out a disappointed sigh.

　"Don't worry, this is just a warm-up."

　Bai Yuan comforted him, then inserted another coin.

　The second attempt also ended in failure. The third, the fourth... With each failure, Bai Yuan's brows furrowed, pondering when he would be able to trigger the guaranteed reward, while Liya's expression changed from anticipation to worry.

　"How about...we choose another one?"

　Leah whispered a suggestion, pointing to the black puppy plush toy next to her. "It's right next to the exit. You can grab it by pressing it down a little."

　Compared to the elusive white puppy, the black puppy is clearly easier to obtain.

　"If it doesn't work the first time, try ten times; if it doesn't work the ten times, try a hundred times. You'll eventually succeed. The important thing is that you like it; you don't need to compromise."

　Hearing Lia's understanding words, Bai Yuan patted her head, put the coin in again, and started a new round of claw machine games.

　This process lasted a long time. In the middle, three black ones were even pulled out, while the white one remained motionless in the middle. Gradually, people surrounded the two of them.

　Everyone is discussing when Bai Yuan will be able to catch the white puppy. Lia isn't the only one here who likes the white puppy.

　"It's moving! It'll be out soon!"

　Watching the white puppy rise and fall with the help of the hook, with no more obstacles around, Leah shouted excitedly.

　"I estimate I can pick it up in ten tries."

　"The probability of getting this machine is very low. The toys inside are all brand-name products. It will take at least twenty tries."

　“I said, once is enough.”

　After playing the claw machine for a long time, Bai Yuan has finally figured out the trick. He kept trying to touch the white puppy and finally managed to move it. It was no longer being held down by any of the toys. It was time to rescue it from the claw machine!

　"Once is enough..."

　Looking at the confident look of the man in front of her, Lia repeated it in disbelief. At this moment, Bai Yuan seemed to be shining in her eyes!

　"Go, Hook of Redemption!"

　Press your hand firmly on the button, and the hook will slowly descend.

　Bai Yuan shouted with great enthusiasm, partly because he had failed too many times, and partly because there were many people watching around, which ignited his passion!

　Boys' happiness is that simple.

　The hook in front of them landed on the white puppy under everyone's gaze, brushing past it, making their previous enthusiasm seem like a joke.

　however!

　Is that really the case?

　As the hook ascended, it seemed about to completely leave the pile of dolls. Just as the surrounding crowd showed disappointment and prepared to leave, the bottom of the hook, by sheer coincidence, snagged the edge of the white puppy's rope.

　"Holy crap, this works!"

　"Using a hook to suspend the doll's rope and then pulling the doll out along with it—is there really such a thing as playing with it? Or rather, is it even possible to do that!?"

　Was this also part of your plan?

　Boss Bai!

　Lia looked excitedly at the claw machine in front of her. The moment the doll fell out, she hugged Bai Yuan's head and leaned in to give him a big kiss.

　"Oh!"

　Seeing this, a chorus of cheers immediately rose from the crowd, while Bai Yuan enjoyed a sense of accomplishment and the pleasure of being kissed on the forehead by the girl.

　It's such a fun claw machine game!

　It was already 9 p.m. when they came out of the mall. Just as Bai Yuan was about to say goodbye to Liya and return to their hotel, Liya grabbed his sleeve and blinked her big, affectionate eyes.

　"Tomorrow is not my competition, but I want to practice cooking. Could you come to my hotel and stay with me? I can't improve on my own."

　Now that they've established a relationship and are boyfriend and girlfriend, letting Bai Yuan leave so easily would be too unfair to their relationship.

　"Please, please! I really want to improve!"

　Lia shook Bai Yuan's arm, speaking softly and coquettishly, while the vigorous movement also released a faint fragrance into her nose.

　The girl's affected manner really made Bai Yuan's heart itch.

　"Since you don't have a match tomorrow, I'll give you a massage to relax tonight."

　Thinking of Lia's delicate and petite feet, Bai Yuan couldn't help but swallow. Before the two of them were officially together, he couldn't forget them and often held them in his hands to play with. Now that the girl was being so proactive, it would be unreasonable for him to refuse.

　"Okay, I'm feeling a bit tired, especially my feet. I've been walking a lot lately, and they feel sore and swollen. I need to give them a good massage."

　Lia knew everything about Bai Yuan's personal preferences.

　This guy likes feet, but he doesn't show it. If it weren't for the fact that his hands lingered on his feet for too long, and the joyful excitement in his eyes during the massage—those are all subconscious reactions that are hard to hide—it would be impossible for anyone to tell.

　Find.

　"According to what you're saying, if your legs are sore and you can't walk during a competition, it will definitely have a significant impact. We must address the problem at its root."

　Thinking of this, Bai Yuan bent down and grabbed Liya's legs, which were tightly bound by white silk, and gently kneaded them in front of everyone.

　"My hotel is nearby, how about we get the massage when we get back? It's kind of embarrassing here..."

　Looking at Bai Yuan, who was somewhat out of control, Lia's heart raced. She then opened her arms in front of him, as if to give him a hug.

　In this position, all men would put down what they were doing, take the initiative to greet her, and embrace her as she longed for a hug.

　Mom often uses this trick on Dad, and every time Dad can't resist. He carries Mom back to the room, and then it takes half an hour before he comes out again.

　The same is true today.

　Skin to skin, feeling the warmth of the embrace before her, Lia wearily buried her head in Bai Yuan's chest and whispered the way to the hotel.

　The distance from the street back to the hotel was only fifteen minutes, but the overwhelming happiness in her chest had already overwhelmed Leah's reason.

　In the past, she would never have enjoyed such treatment. Bai Yuan always had a cold and aloof demeanor, as if he didn't want to be disturbed, no matter who he was dealing with.

　I never expected there to be this side to it.

　The key opened the hotel door, and the two went inside. They closed and locked the door behind them, and then Bai Yuan put Liya on the bed.

　"shoe."

　Without saying much, Lydia, lying on the bed, raised her little feet, pointing her toes directly at Bai Yuan's nose. At this moment, her eyes were already glazed over, and her body felt tingly and numb, as if she had been electrocuted.

　"Okay, I'll help you take it off."

　Bai Yuan wasn't in much better shape either, but he still managed to sit on the bed and place Lia's white-stockinged feet on his lap.

　At this moment, Leah's legs were slightly bent, and she wore a pair of delicate light brown leather shoes with smooth surfaces, exuding an understated elegance.

　Bai Yuan gently held her ankle, feeling its jade-like warmth. His movements were gentle and slow, as if he were unwrapping a precious gift.

　His fingers gently rested on the shoe buckle, the metal buckle making a soft "click," and the shoelaces loosened. He supported her heel with one hand and slowly took off the shoe with the other.

　As the shoes left her feet, a faint scent of leather wafted out, mingling with the slight warmth of Leah's feet, making her heart race.

　She wore a pair of white stockings, the delicate material clinging to her skin and outlining the beautiful lines of her feet.

　He gently placed the shoes he had taken off aside, and his fingers inadvertently touched her toes. The stockings felt soft and smooth, with a slightly cool and delicate feel.

　Leah's toes curled slightly, and she unconsciously murmured "hmm," seemingly shy about his touch, yet also with a tacit understanding.