The old man finished the acupuncture and gave a few more instructions, marking the end of today’s treatment.
On the way back, Moore Audrey occasionally glanced up to sneak a peek at Thompson Miguel.
After a few more glances, Thompson Miguel couldn’t help but turn to look at her.
Moore Audrey panicked for a moment but quickly regained her composure.
“I just wanted to see if today’s treatment was effective…”
Thompson Miguel was taken aback by her words, then suddenly raised his hand to pinch her cheek.
Moore Audrey jumped in surprise.
“What are you doing?!”
Thompson Miguel continued to look down at her, leaning closer, and under her gaze, he took her hand and placed it on his face.
Glancing at her, he said, “You can pinch it…”
Moore Audrey was stunned but followed his instructions.
Then, with a hint of amazement, she exclaimed, “Thompson Miguel, your skin is so soft!”
Thompson Miguel: “…”
He shot her a nonchalant glance, and Moore Audrey snapped back to reality, becoming serious again as she poked at him.
Then, as if realizing something, she nodded thoughtfully. “Why don’t you… smile a little?”
Thompson Miguel looked at her, frowned, and after a long moment of contemplation, he made an effort to smile.
Moore Audrey watched for a while, then nodded. “It feels… like you have a bit of expression now…”
Thompson Miguel asked earnestly, “Really?”
Moore Audrey smiled and nodded, then lowered her head, feeling her ears heat up, her heart racing.
Thompson Miguel’s effort to smile was just too adorable!!!
This patience made her completely forget that he had pinched her cheek.
She just kept her head down, lost in thought, unaware of the boy beside her who was pinching his own hand.
As he relaxed his fist, recalling the sensation from earlier, Thompson Miguel’s lips curled slightly, a rare hint of joy appearing on his face.
Indeed… Moore Audrey’s face was as soft as a dumpling.
After coming out of the alley, the two discussed where to eat, leaving the choice of destination to Thompson Miguel.
Without a second thought, Thompson Miguel took her to a private dining restaurant, still a small shop tucked away in an alley, looking quite exquisite.
As soon as they entered, someone greeted Thompson Miguel, clearly familiar with him.
When that person turned and saw Moore Audrey, he smiled and couldn’t help but tease the boy.
“Hey… bringing your girlfriend here this time?”
Thompson Miguel frowned slightly and explained seriously, “No, she’s just a classmate…”
But the person just smiled and said nothing, patting his shoulder with an expression that said, “I understand.”
Moore Audrey, however, was properly tucked away to the side.
Thompson Miguel chatted with him for a moment, then, as usual, led Moore Audrey into a private room.
Moore Audrey, curious, looked around, and just as she withdrew her gaze, someone pushed the door open and entered.
As soon as that person appeared, Moore Audrey exclaimed in surprise, “Aren’t you…?”
That person was calm, seemingly unfazed by their meeting, smiled at her, then turned back to the boy.
“Same as usual today?”
Thompson Miguel glanced at Moore Audrey, barely noticeable frown creasing his brow, then looked up to meet the other’s gaze.
“Just like always!”
The person didn’t mind his indifference at all, but before leaving, he looked at Moore Audrey and smiled, leaving her feeling a bit puzzled.
Moore Audrey frowned, turned to Thompson Miguel, thought for a moment, and suddenly asked, “Was that person your relative?”
Thompson Miguel paused in pouring hot water and softly replied, “Mm.”
Moore Audrey nodded, not saying anything more, her face deep in thought.
Thompson Miguel glanced at her, frowned slightly, suddenly feeling a bit unhappy.
“Do you know him?”
Moore Audrey shook her head. “I don’t know him, I just saw him on the way home before and thought it was you, so I patted his shoulder…”
Thompson Miguel was taken aback, then thought for a moment and added, “He’s my cousin…”
Moore Audrey nodded in realization.
Just as she nodded, the dishes were served, all looking quite exquisite and beautiful.
Moore Audrey tasted a piece of meat, her eyes lit up, and she turned to Thompson Miguel, her face full of joy. “Thompson Miguel… the food here is really delicious…”
Thompson Miguel looked at her for a moment, then shifted his gaze, lightly responding with an “Mm.”
He raised his right hand’s index finger, pursed his lips.
