Chapter 284 - Lunch Date
'Sophia? The nerdy girl in the picture? When did she become so beautiful like this? Is she kidding me? Did she send someone else in her place?'
Marcus darted his gaze back and forth between Sophia and his phone. He was comparing the Sophia in front of him now and the Sophia on his phone screen. They looked different but after taking his time, he could see some similarities between the two ladies.
She had brown eyes, even the color of her hair matched the picture on his phone. It did not take long when Marcus was convinced that the charming Sophia in front of him was the same girl in the picture.
'Damn. I didn't know that she could be as beautiful as this. Wait, did she really dress up today for this date? Wow… if yes then I should be flattered for that. So Jane was telling the truth. This Sophia has a crush on me.' Marcus couldn't help but smile at that thought.
Finally, Marcus was able to respond to Sophia. He extended his hand in front of her as he introduced himself.
"Hi Sophia, I'm Marcus, Jane's older brother. I'm sorry. I didn't recognize you right away." Marcus let out a soft chuckle.
Sophia tried her best to maintain her composure.
'Í can do this. Just follow Mr. Zu Wan's advice. I need to act confidently before him. Don't be nervous Sophia,' she reminded herself.
Sophia gladly accepted and shook his hand while smiling at him. Marcus was dumbfounded once more after seeing Sophia's charming smile. She looked more beautiful when smiling.
Soon, Marcus guided Sophia inside the restaurant. In fairness, he was acting like a gentleman, opening the door for her first and letting her choose the table where she wanted to sit. He also pulled a chair for her first before Marcus took his seat.
Zhen-Zhen and Tristan were both smiling after seeing the interaction between Sophia and Marcus. The first step went well.
"Good job, Sophia," Tristan mumbled. Then he turned to his wife.
"Wifey, I should go now. Are you sure you can manage this, alone?" there was still a hint of reluctance in Tristan's voice. He wanted to be with her longer but he needed to get FaMo's substitute now.
Zhen-Zhen nodded her head while giving Tristan a reassuring smile. Tristan could only sigh deeply.
"Alright, Wifey. Then I shall take my leave now. Just call me if you need anything, okay?"
"Yes, hubby. I will call you. Take care."
Tristan kissed her on the forehead once more before leaving her. When Tristan left, Zhen-Zhen entered the same restaurant where Sophia and Marcus were currently having their lunch date.
She sat down on the table just a few meters away from Sophia and Marcus. She chose a spot where Sophia could easily see her. Sophia took a glance in Zhen-Zhen's direction. Their eyes met, and they smiled at each other.
Sophia had already conquered her nervousness and insecurity. She felt at ease after seeing Lillie's presence from the other table.
On the other hand, Marcus was very attentive to Sophia. When the waiter arrived to take their orders, Marcus asked Sophia what food she preferred most. He also told her to order anything she wanted and it's on him.
Sophia understood the basics of the first date as she learned it from FaMo. He told her that she should not feel embarrassed if ever Marcus would pay for their bill. It was his obligation as a man.
Though she was embarrassed, Sophia didn't complain anymore and just agreed with Marcus. She ordered the food she likes. Of course, one of them was the best-selling beefsteak.
While waiting for their orders, Marcus also started a conversation with Sophia. It seemed that Marcus really did know what to do when dating a woman.
"Hey, I heard a lot about you from my sister. Thank you for helping her out with her Mathematics Subject. But I hope she's not giving you more trouble," Marcus said, scratching his face while giving her an apologetic look.
He knew his sister's behavior very well. Sometimes, she's very annoying and overbearing. Even he, himself, didn't know how to handle and deal with her. Between them, Jane was the real spoiled brat.
"Actually, she's really a troublesome fellow," Sophia said truthfully. She immediately bit her lower lip, afraid that she had offended Marcus.
"Sorry," she mumbled immediately.
Marcus let out a husky laugh when he saw her cute expression. 'So cute. She's apologizing for telling the truth.'
Marcus waved his hand right away. "Oh, you don't have to apologize. You are just telling the truth. I swear… I can feel you. I know that feeling. She's my sister after all so I know how it feels to deal with her." he put on a pitiful face after saying those words.
Marcus and Sophia ended up laughing together because of his last remarks.
********
Meanwhile, Tristan who was about to leave the mall bumped into someone at the entrance. He was none other than but Clifford Sy, the CEO of the Sy Corp. Tristan was going out while Clifford was going inside. He was with his assistant.
Clifford was there to talk with the Mall's owner about the launching of their new product. This Mega Mall was one of the Malls that would sell the new product of the Sy Corp.
Tristan and Clifford stopped on their tracks as they faced each other. It was Tristan who greeted him first.
"Hello, CEO Sy, Long time no see. I didn't expect that in all places in the City of Empire, we will meet here in the Mega Mall," Tristan greeted him cheerfully as if he just met his old friend.
Compared to the friendly behavior of Tristan, Clifford was wearing his cold aura. He was looking at Tristan with his expressionless face. He just nodded at him before he continued walking, leaving Tristan on his spot.
Tristan smirked and shrugged his shoulders. "Still bitter?"
The assistant who was following Clifford behind could only shake his head. He knew that his boss was now in a bad mood after seeing the person he hated the most.
As they walked inside the mall, the assistant suddenly received a message from the owner of the Mall. The assistant tried his best to catch up with his boss and informed him about the message.
"Sir, Mr. Lee said that we can eat our lunch first because he will be late for 30 minutes. An emergency happened at home. His daughter got sick." His assistant told Clifford who's expression could no longer be painted.
"30 minutes late? Why he didn't inform me right away? I shouldn't have come early. I even saw the person I hated most!" Clifford was really pissed off now.
His assistant suddenly became problematic. His boss mood was already ruined and as usual, he was the one who would suffer because of this.
"Mr. Lee said he was about to leave their home when suddenly his daughter started vomiting. He also apologized." The assistant showed the message to Clifford.
Clifford took the phone from his hand and read the message himself. He frowned after reading the whole message.
"Ok then. We will take our lunch first. Do you have any recommendations?"
The assistant's face brightened up upon hearing that. Of course, he had a place in mind.
"Yes, boss. Let's go to Florenz Restaurant!"
Clifford just nodded his head in agreement.