Chapter 39

The restaurant Lucian and Julie frequented five years ago was still open, though it had been renovated, upgraded, and expanded. The staff had taken over from the owner, who used to attend to customers personally.

Lucian chose a seat by the window and glanced at the menu. “Any food restrictions?”

Julie shook her head.

Lucian then ordered a few dishes and handed the menu to the waiter. He pulled out a cigarette and fumbled for a lighter but couldn’t find it.

He held his hand out to Julie. “Lighter?”

Julie was a little confused. “I don’t have one.”

“It’s in the pocket of my coat.”

Julie suddenly remembered she was still wearing his coat; she reached into the pocket, found it, and pulled out a black lighter, handing it to him.

Lucian took it, lit the cigarette, and inhaled deeply, exhaling a cloud of smoke.

Julie watched him for a moment, then hesitated before speaking. “Didn’t you say you were quitting soon?”

“Not yet,” he replied.

“Do you need to make preparations before quitting?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Lucian’s gaze shifted to her face, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Of course. Quitting smoking requires a substitute.”

“A substitute?”

Lucian didn’t answer. His eyes lowered to her lips, which were small, rosy, and tempting. A wicked thought crossed his mind—“Kiss her. Kiss her hard.” He wanted to see what color her lips would turn after he kissed her.

He parted his lips and said, “I can’t reveal it right now.” Ah, he was still keeping her in suspense. Julie rolled her eyes inwardly.

“Julie.” He raised an eyebrow. “Do you want me to tell you what it is?”

At first, she hadn’t been curious, but with his teasing, she couldn’t help but wonder what kind of substitute he meant. She nodded slightly, her pink lips parting just a bit. “I do.”

“Kissing,” he said, the word hanging in the air.

Julie was left speechless. For a moment, the silence between them stretched.

Seeing her stunned expression, Lucian’s smile deepened. “Maybe I should ask less; I might scare you.”

Julie quickly turned away, mumbling, “I’ve told you a hundred times, I’m not a kid.”

Lucian chuckled heartily. “How will you prove that?”

Julie pulled out her ID card without missing a beat and slapped it before him. “See? I’m 22. Not a kid.” She emphasized the word “kid” with extra force.

Lucian laughed out loud at her serious demeanor.

“Why so serious, kid?” he teased.

Julie puffed out her cheeks in irritation. “I’ve told you so many times. Don’t call me a kid.”

“Alright,” Lucian replied, leaning back in his chair and eyeing her. “Call me your big brother and I’ll stop calling you a kid.”

Julie’s temper flared. She turned away, refusing to engage.

Lucian said, “Such a big temper for a kid.”

“You’re the kid,” she thought to herself. Julie felt like there was no winning this conversation.

Seeing that she wasn’t responding, Lucian reached out and ruffled her hair. “Okay, sorry. Don’t be mad.”

Julie huffed but didn’t say anything.

When the dishes arrived, Julie noticed Lucian had ordered grilled fish. But the sides were full of ingredients she didn’t like, such as coriander, cauliflower, potatoes, and onions. Her pretty brows furrowed for a moment, but she quickly relaxed again.