Chapter 332: Buffet

The experience at the amusement park was amazing, but the unlimited policy for purchasing chocolates? Chef’s kiss.

Penny couldn’t help but giggle at herself, hugging the paper bag as if its contents were gold.

"You seem happy," Zoren noticed. "I can’t see you clearly, but even I can feel your excitement."

"Of course, I’m happy!" she exclaimed. "Do you know how hard it is to get this chocolate?"

"No."

She shook her head but wasn’t surprised. "This type of chocolate is only made in batches a few times a year. Even before it’s distributed, there’s already a waitlist of people eager to get it. And even then, there’s a limit on how much you can buy. That’s why my brother nearly killed me when I ate his share when we were kids."

"Ah," Zoren nodded and chuckled. "Is that so?" How come he never had such a problem?

"Now, I’m more interested in this park," she blurted out. "I wonder if it’s open for investment or partnership?"

"I doubt it."

"Why?"

"Because this amusement park isn’t a business," he said. "It’s a charity."

Deep lines appeared between her brows. "I’ve never heard that before."

"Well, it’s because they don’t advertise it. It’s more of a project than a business," he explained. "If it were a business, the Pierson Corporation would already have its hands on it."

Whoever the owner was, they must have been filthy rich!

Penny faintly hissed as she looked at him in dismay. "The Pierson Corporation really wants to monopolize every industry, huh?"

"It’s not my fault," he chuckled, defending himself. "Our family is huge, with many different branches. It’s always been a business-oriented family. The only family I truly recognize is my grandmother."

"Well, if it’s a charity project, does that mean..."

"Once all the staff are paid accordingly, the rest of the funds go towards maintenance and the chosen charitable causes," he explained, revealing his knowledge of the park. "That’s why I brought you here as well. We could have spent a lot of money somewhere else, but knowing our money is going to help others should guarantee me a second date."

"What?" Penny laughed, but her cheeks instantly turned red. "The first date isn’t even over yet, and you’re already thinking about a second one?"

"I’m a man of conviction." He shrugged. "Though we can talk about that later. I still have to impress you more to get that easy ’yes.’"

’He doesn’t have to try, though,’ was what crossed her mind at the moment, but she kept that to herself. "You’re right. You still need a little bit more effort to really impress me."

"Haven’t I impressed you enough?"

She shook her head. "You have to compensate for the fact that you have no idea what I look like."

"Right." He nodded. "Should I get myself a new pair of eyes?"

"What?" Her expression died as she looked at him wide-eyed. "Tell me you’re kidding."

"I’m kidding." He laughed while she heaved a sigh of relief. "Did you really think I was serious?"

"Anyone would think you were serious." Penny looked at him with slight disappointment. "Mr. Pierson, please don’t joke like that. Someone might take you seriously."

"But I think I have a good sense of humor."

You THINK!

"Benjamin always laughs at my jokes," he added while rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "And some of my uncles and even Dean always tell me I’m a funny guy."

’I’m pretty sure they didn’t mean it literally,’ she replied in her head.

"Anyway, aren’t you hungry?" she asked, changing the subject. "We haven’t had any real food since we got here."

"You just had snacks," he replied quickly, making her face stiffen. "Didn’t you?"

"Do you want a second date?" she blurted out, shutting him up instantly.

"Oh." His expression looked as though he’d been splashed with a bucket of cold water. "Right. I’m hungry — famished. The snacks aren’t enough."

Penny huffed and nodded in satisfaction. "See? I told you, we’re hungry."

"You’re right." He nodded. "I heard there’s a restaurant here. Should we have dinner here, or would you prefer to eat somewhere else?"

"Didn’t you say we could spend our money somewhere else?" she teased. "If our meal is going to help someone else, then I’d rather eat my heart out and still be able to help."

The corners of his lips lifted into a satisfied smile. "Very well."

With that said, the two of them walked a bit further around the amusement park before Penny asked the staff where the restaurant was located. After getting directions, Penny and Zoren obediently followed them and found themselves near the entrance.

The restaurant was right there, just close to the target shooting booth they had tried first.

"Oh, that’s the restaurant!" she clapped, her excitement uncontainable. The monster in her stomach was growling in jubilation.

Zoren, on the other hand, didn’t react much. He simply walked beside her, not noticing the look of relief from the staff at the target shooting booth.

Noticing the staff at the target shooting booth, Penny cast him a devious grin. "We’re not coming back for the hundredth round," she said, her face twisting as they heaved a sigh of relief.

’Goodness,’ she thought. ’I want to tell them about the amusement park’s theme, but well, I don’t want to blame them.’

Penny shook her head and led the way to the restaurant. Although Zoren was matching her pace, she was slightly ahead. There were a lot of people today, and even before going in, she could already see that the restaurant was packed. She was afraid they might have to wait because there weren’t any available tables.

But when Penny stepped inside and saw everything, she stopped completely.

The restaurant wasn’t just a restaurant; it was a buffet. Her eyes twinkled instantly before lighting up even more. The beast in her stomach was now roaring even louder.

"Wow... a buffet in an amusement park," she whispered under her breath. "I love this place."

Meanwhile, Zoren glanced at her before his mouth curled up into a satisfied, fulfilled smile.

****

A/N: Do you want a clue?