Chapter 333: Meant the world

A buffet in an amusement park was unheard of, but this place just became one of Penny’s favorite spots! However, because only those who had food stubs could eat at the buffet, Penny and Zoren had to return to the shooting booth.

"Miss, didn’t you say you wouldn’t come back here?" the staff blurted out in shock. He quickly moved closer to the couple and said, "Just give me the token, and I’ll pop the balloons for you. It’s dinner time, and people are less patient when they’re hungry!"

Penny looked at the guy with conflict in her eyes. "Sir, aren’t you being judgmental right now?"

"I’m sorry," the staff lowered his head, "but I’m thinking of the bigger picture!"

It wasn’t like Penny was the problem here, but her date! Zoren was a little stubborn, and because of him, they were holding up the line longer. Therefore, the staff didn’t want any problems to arise.

"Fine," Zoren nodded. "We’re hungry, anyway."

The staff’s expression brightened while Penny’s brows twitched. He wasn’t even hiding it. With that, Penny handed over the token, and another staff member did the job for them. They then handed the food stubs to Penny and Zoren, making it clear they simply wanted them to go away.

Penny frowned at them but didn’t dwell on it.

If only Penny and Zoren knew they were actually being broadcasted through the staff’s telecoms. All the staff had been victimized by them, so the staff, who only wanted every guest to be happy, showed a lot of patience and made each game easy for them just so they wouldn’t hold up the line for too long.

Penny and Zoren looked happy as they left the booth, and the other guests weren’t too angry, so that was all that mattered.

\*\*\*

When Penny and Zoren returned to the buffet, the staff there guided them to a vacant table in the corner. Despite the influx of people in the restaurant, it was surprisingly big enough to cater to everyone. Surely, this amusement park thought of every aspect before it was built.

Now, even though Penny knew it wasn’t an actual business, she was interested in investing and doing some good causes. She already had more than enough to help — even though she was already helping. It was the first time she had known something like this theme park.

After eating to her heart’s content, Penny and Zoren didn’t linger and walked their way out.

On the wide path toward the huge gates, a satisfied smile was cemented on her face.

"Their food is also nice," she said. "I thought because it was almost free, there would be something lacking in that area."

Zoren nodded. "The food is, indeed, better than I imagined."

"Hehe." Her steps slowed down as they neared the gate, and she looked back at the amusement park. "It’s even prettier and more magical at night, huh?"

Since night had fallen, all the lights were on, from the beautiful street lights on the paths, the fairy lights on the grass and decor, the rides, and even the stalls. In the morning, the amusement park showed the fun side of everything that challenged one’s courage. But at night, it gave off a sentimental and calming vibe.

"It’s beautiful," she whispered, smiling. "Thank you for taking me to this place, Zoren."

Slowly, Penny faced him. "I enjoyed this place very much and, for some reason, it brought back the child in me. I almost forgot I was once a child."

With everything she had been doing all these years, Penny had forgotten how to be a child. Well, no one could blame her because this wasn’t her first life. Therefore, she didn’t mind sacrificing her childhood for her future.

Even so, that didn’t mean she didn’t like the experience.

"It’s the same for me," he replied soothingly, snapping his eyes to the view behind them. "I never enjoyed my childhood, but today, I feel fifteen years younger."

"Haha."

The two of them stared at the amusement park from the entrance with satisfaction on their faces. They hadn’t said it aloud, but there would be a second date for sure.

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

[Bennet Mansion]

Slater paced back and forth in the living area, still wearing the clothes he had on since this morning.

Charles, who was seated in the wing chair, couldn’t stop the vein on his forehead from protruding. "Slater, will you please sit down, my son?" he expressed when he couldn’t take it anymore, glaring at his third son. "You’re making me dizzy!"

"But it’s getting late!" Slater exclaimed. "It’s almost nine, Dad! Why hasn’t she come back yet? Second Brother, should we call the police?! You have connections, right?"

Everyone looked at Slater in dismay. All of them were worried — except Allison — but they didn’t think Penny would be abducted. Although Zoren had made an impression on them, being worried about Penny’s first date was natural. But Slater was taking this to an entirely different level.

"Slater, why don’t you go back to your room and rest, hmm?" Allison suggested with a defeated smile. "Your sister is alright, for sure. They probably enjoyed their time together and didn’t notice the time."

"Enjoying their date is not a problem, honey," Charles shook his head mildly. "But if she doesn’t come home and has to spend the night with him... I don’t think that’s good for a first date."

"I agree," Hugo nodded. "But I trust Penny. She won’t do that."

Atlas glanced at his second brother, only to notice that Hugo had been stretching his fingers as if he was warming up for a boxing fight.

"Boys..." Allison shook her head. "Haven’t you realized you spent the entire day worrying about your sister? Penny is already old enough, and at this age, others have already had a few romantic relationships. Penny didn’t date — ever. So, why don’t you try to be..."

Allison’s voice trailed off when they heard a car outside, and all the seats around the living area were suddenly unoccupied. She only blinked, but they were all gone, except for Haines. How swift!

She sighed and looked at Haines. "Haines, if you didn’t have a bad knee, do you think you’d also jump outside like that?"

"For sure." Haines chuckled, not denying it. "Keeping quiet doesn’t necessarily mean I’m not worried about Penny. Though, for some reason, after meeting her date this morning, I felt less worried. He looked at her like she meant the world to him... just like how Charles used to look at you, and then at his daughter."