[System Alert: Amanda's Affection Level +6]
Nice!
The affection points were back.
James breathed a sigh of relief.
Actually, this type of question was straightforward, even having a standard response.
No matter the variation, just say, "You're the most important, and I love you more than anything."
Girls just wanted to hear your true feelings; they didn't want to hear anything else.
If you were genuine, you'd comfort them.
And if you were... a scoundrel, then try reasoning with them.
James wrapped his arm around Amanda as they returned to the private room.
Tailsa saw them enter, all lovey-dovey and clinging to each other, and her anger flared up again.
She pouted, turning her face away, waiting for James to come and soothe her.
But James sat down beside her without offering the comfort she expected.
Instead, he started chatting and laughing with Amanda on the other side.
Although James really liked Tailsa, her constant mood swings were starting to feel a bit spoiled.
Amanda, on the other hand, had given him cashback after a smooth talk.
He didn't mind comforting her, but it felt tiring, especially since it didn't increase affection points.
He wanted to see what would happen if he didn't appease her.
Just then, Monroe Anne, playing the role of a waitress, brought in a dish called Boiled Cabbage.
She explained that it was a delicacy from the national banquet, once reserved for emperors.
The dish was unassuming, just a few cabbage florets sculpted into lotus shapes. The presentation was beautiful, but the portion was small.
James, ever curious, asked about the price and was shocked to hear it cost 648 yuan. He immediately shut down.
At a roadside food stall, a large plate full of cabbage and meat cost only 18 yuan.
But these few cabbage flowers were 648 yuan?
Even some of the in-game characters wouldn't be able to afford this!
James had never experienced food at this level and thought rich people were fools.
A few cabbages made to look fancy, but it all ended up the same in the stomach.
He was filled with disdain for the wealthy.
That is, until Monroe Anne came over with a small teapot and poured clear chicken broth over the jade-like cabbage.
Instantly, the dish released an incredible aroma.
Despite looking plain and devoid of any meat, it smelled richly meaty, instantly stimulating the appetite.
Just as James reached over to try some, Amanda had already scooped a floret into a clean bowl, thoughtfully adding some broth, and placed it before him.
She then did the same for Timmy, patiently feeding her.
The whole gesture looked incredibly tender and natural, as if it were meant to be this way.
Compared to the sulking campus belle beside him, James felt that if they had a system, it would surely show:
[James's Affection Level for Amanda +10, for Tailsa -10]
Shaking off his random thoughts, he scooped up the tiny cabbage and popped it into his mouth.
With a slight chew, he discovered, to his surprise, that the dish was incredibly delicious.
The cabbage, softened by the hot broth, still retained a crisp texture.
The broth, simmered repeatedly, infused the cabbage leaves with a rich, savory meatiness.
Each bite was fragrant, crispy, and juicy. The taste buds reveled in the delightful contrast, yielding a profound satisfaction.
Clearly, the emperors of the past knew how to enjoy life.
James was utterly won over by the dish, exclaiming how good it was.
From now on, he would never dare look down on the tastes of the wealthy again.
Tailsa, meanwhile, ate her food sullenly. Seeing James engrossed in his meal and ignoring her, she felt a pang of grievance.
Watching Amanda act like the perfect housewife, serving James his foodâand seeing James clearly enjoying itâshe felt like they were the real family, happy and harmonious.
And she was just an outsider, out of place.
Tailsa grew increasingly upset.
If things continued this way, she might just lose him altogether.
No way!
Why should she give up such a great guy?
Tailsa rallied herself. She got up and, mimicking Amanda, scooped a bowl of cabbage for James, saying gently,
"If you like it so much, have some more."
James looked at Tailsa in surprise, not expecting her to get over her sulk without him having to coax her.
"You're not jealous anymore?"
"I was never jealous, what do you take me for?" Tailsa said, feigning innocence.
"Alright... if you say so. Try some yourself, it's really good," James said with a smile.
"No," Tailsa insisted, holding the bowl and using a spoon to bring a piece of cabbage to James's lips. "You had hers, you must have mine too."
"..."
James ended up feeling quite stuffed after the meal.
One serving from the left, immediately followed by one from the right.
And he couldn't refuse.
Monroe Anne, the restaurant owner, didn't join them for the meal. She acted like an ordinary friend, stopping by briefly to toast and exchange pleasantries.
Seeing James being attentively served and fed by the two women, she wasn't surprised.
But she found it remarkable that these two women, each no less stunning than herself, were willing to harmoniously coexist and serve the same player.
It was truly baffling.
Women naturally admired strength, and seeing James so popular, a thought that had been brewing in her mind resurfaced with increasing frequency.
But she didn't dare voice it.
It was, after all, too soon to make such a request after just one meeting.
After toasting, and seeing that they were all drinking tea instead of alcohol, she excused herself.
...
After finishing their meal, James and his group decided to take a walk to aid digestion.
They went to the front desk to settle the bill with Monroe Anne.
To their surprise, Monroe Anne smiled and declined, saying,
"Lord King, you're too kind. The $ 300,000 from before is more than enough; there's no need to pay extra."
With Tailsa and Amanda absent, James adopted a more domineering tone and said,
"Take it. Consider it your service fee."
He then transferred 100,000 yuan to her directly.
Monroe Anne looked at James intently and whispered,
"Thank you, Lord King."
"No need to thank me. I really enjoyed the food here. Next time, I'll come alone, and you can keep me company for a drink," James said with a chuckle before turning to leave.
Monroe Anne watched his departing figure, took several deep breaths, and finally made a decision.
She quickly composed a text message and sent it.
"Lord King, I know this is very forward, but I'm in a desperate situation. If you have the funds available, could you possibly lend me five million yuan...?"
"You can set the interest rate. During the repayment period, I will completely follow your instructions."
After sending the message, Monroe Anne felt as if all her strength had drained away. She leaned against a chair, staring blankly at her phone.
She was worried about being rejected but also feared James agreeing.
Her heart was in turmoil.
Her father had gotten into trouble, and her mother, already frail, had fallen ill from worry and was now hospitalized.
To refund customers and keep the restaurant afloat, Monroe Anne had taken out numerous loans.
Now, with business declining and the loans coming due, she had no money to repay them.
Plus, there were the debts left behind by her father.
She desperately needed this money.