### Chapter 12: The Young Woman’s Mung Bean Cake
As a part-time high school student, what sort of image does Lin Tian cut at the restaurant?
Diligent, few words, law-abiding, never doing more than necessary.
When he has no work, he stands there like a stone; whenever he serves customers, he greets them with a warm smile.
He’s practically a human vending machine.
Though he’s really handsome, which once made the female employees dream of approaching him for a chat.
But whenever they saw him standing there, emotionless, like an NPC from a video game who’d say “bring it on if you’re tough enough,” it would scare his colleagues off.
Many wondered:
Is this guy autistic or something?
Fortunately, he had Xu Yong by his side. Besides making Lin Tian look even better, Xu Yong also served as a reminder that Lin Tian had friends!
So when a young woman appeared at the restaurant entrance, peering in to find Lin Tian, his coworkers were shocked.
“Could you call him over? Thank you.”
Gan Yan Yu crossed her arms holding a little bag, politely requesting.
“Sure thing!”
“Wait just a moment!”
Several male coworkers scrambled to agree, all wanting to make a good impression on the young woman. Finally, Xu Yong went over.
Inside the restaurant, the female coworkers also noticed the little girl at the door.
They took her in with a once-over.
Looked like a princess from a European royal family from the Middle Ages. Adorable and elegant, but with a sharp edge to her charm.
The only downside? Well, she didn’t have my face.
Why was such a beautiful woman looking for Lin Tian?
A classmate?
A girlfriend?
Horrible thoughts swirled in the minds of the female coworkers.
Did Lin Tian hide his social skills because they weren’t worthy?
Must be nice having a Juliet at home, doesn’t need any weeds around here!
“Lin Tian, how much did you blow at that foot bath place? How are you managing to cosplay as a student while doing offline stuff too?”
Xu Yong questioned curiously as they walked out.
Lin Tian stopped walking.
Looking at his innocent friend, he sighed deeply.
Patting Xu Yong on the shoulder,
“If you can fool your buddy, just don’t fool yourself. It’s okay to be fooled a little.”
An old meme from internet forums worked wonders in breaking Xu Yong down right then and there.
He couldn’t keep up the facade anymore, crying out:
“Waaaaah! You actually got your act together!!”
Before, Xu Yong could force himself into believing Lin Tian’s social awkwardness was due to their unworthiness.
But now, seeing the stunning beauty in person, Xu Yong couldn’t take it.
Because at that foot bath place—
No matter how much money he spent, no one ever offered to do offline stuff!
“I should head back in. If there are customers, remember to cover for me.”
Lin Tian left Xu Yong with his instructions and headed quickly toward the door.
Stepping outside, Lin Tian felt a strange sensation upon seeing Gan Yan Yu again.
Longing days turned into years, it seemed.
“Why are you here?”
“Bored.”
“Aren’t you hungry?”
“Just wanted to see you.”
Gan Yan Yu lifted her head, eyes scanning the interior of the restaurant,
“You work here?”
If anyone else said that, it would mean, “What, you’re working here?!”
A fight would likely erupt between Lin Tian and the speaker.
But Lin Tian knew there was no malice in Gan Yan Yu’s words. She just wasn’t tactful.
“Yeah.”
“Cooking?”
“I’m a server, not a chef.”
“Your meals always taste so good, and you’re not a chef?”
“It’s just eggs I know how to cook. Can’t compare to a pro.”
Lin Tian sensed that Gan Yan Yu had high hopes for his cooking prowess.
Doesn’t seem to know much about life…
“Well, when will we go eat?” asked Gan Yan Yu thoughtfully.
“Pretty soon, I get off duty by eight-thirty. Give me another ten minutes.”
“Alright.”
“Yeah.”
After a brief conversation.
There fell an awkward silence.
Gan Yan Yu looked down, cheeks flushed with unmistakable embarrassment.
Wandering over, Xuyong caught sight of this.
Stunned, he wondered:
How did these two manage to seem both familiar and new?
This some sort of 2024 relationship drama?
“Oh!”
Suddenly remembered something, she looked up, reaching into her bag.
“What’s this?”
“These are mung bean cakes I made for you.”
“You made them?”
Lin Tian was surprised.
Opening the bag, inside was a transparent plastic box.
The box was filled with neatly arranged yellow blocks.
“No molds, handmade. A bit ugly, but should taste alright.”
Gan Yan Yu spoke earnestly.
On desserts, she had confidence.
She handed the box to him, lid open.
“Try one, please.”
Lin Tian raised his hand in hesitation,
“Got gloves?”
They looked a bit greasy, he still had to work after all.
Unexpectedly, the girl reached out, pinched a piece,
Holding out her other palm beneath the cake.
“Ah~”
Demonstrating, she opened her mouth.
Lin Tian instinctively followed suit.
With nimble fingers, she placed the whole chunk into his mouth.
Pulling away, she stumbled awkwardly, touching his teeth.
Feeding someone?
Lin Tian froze.
He savored the mung bean cake, soft and fragrant.
Delicious.
Perhaps the dramatic feeding move added appeal.
She really knew how to make sweets.
Though she might’ve given him a mouthful too big. Chewing, it was a bit sticky.
It wasn’t bad, being fed by a klutz like her felt strangely comforting.
Gan Yan Yu, clearly aware of the awkwardness,
Flush-faced, looked away, perhaps blushing.
But a moment later, she turned back.
“Tasty?”
“Mmm!”
Lin Tian nodded through a mouth full of cake.
“Glad you liked it.”
Seeing Lin Tian savoring the sweet,
Gan Yan Yu felt a sense of accomplishment.
Her efforts paid off.
Corners of her mouth lifting, Lin Tian saw the smile.
For the first time, he saw her genuinely beam.
Two big emotional moments, both about food.
She must be a secret glutton.
“Wanna more?”
“Nah, save it for after work.”
Swallowing the cake, Lin Tian replied.
Despite wanting more of the spoons, staying longer might draw complaints from Xu Yong once he’s covering.
Turning to go back in, he glanced at Gan Yan Yu.
Not wanting to leave her alone either,
“Come in, rest for a moment.”
(End Chapter)
