Chapter 156

"Evelyn!" Lillian clasped her hands together, her eyes sparkling like stars. "If we get selected for the talent show, we'll earn two extra credits!"

She bounced toward Evelyn like an excited bunny.

Lillian had always been Evelyn's shadow.

Full of energy, her smile bright as a sunflower.

Now she gazed at Evelyn with hopeful eyes, her lashes fluttering.

Evelyn sighed. "I really can't dance."

Her skills were limited to combat and takedowns.

"No worries!" Lillian beamed. "I'll design the simplest routine. You just need to stand there and look pretty!"

She playfully winked.

Evelyn reluctantly nodded. "Fine."

"Perfect!" Lillian twirled in delight, looping her arm through Evelyn's. "Let me treat you to dinner to celebrate!"

The sudden contact made Evelyn stiffen.

She instinctively tried to pull away.

Lillian immediately released her. "Sorry, sorry! I got too excited."

She remembered Evelyn's aversion to physical touch.

"It's fine." Evelyn shook her head gently.

She didn't dislike Lillian.

The girl's sunny warmth reminded her of sunlit sunflowers.

Years of intense training had just conditioned her to recoil from closeness.

Lillian exhaled in relief and cheerfully hailed a cab. "I found this exclusive private kitchen! It took me a whole month to get a reservation!"

She rattled off an address.

Evelyn frowned slightly.

Why did that sound familiar?

The car stopped before an elegant heritage building.

"Here we are!" Lillian tugged Evelyn's sleeve as they exited. "The chef only serves ten tables a day—super selective!"

Evelyn looked up, her pupils contracting.

Wasn't this the same place Ethan had brought her?

Lillian was already pulling her toward the entrance. "Hurry! They cancel reservations if you're late."

The host meticulously verified their booking before allowing them in.

Evelyn was baffled.

Last time with Ethan, they'd walked right in.

"Check out the menu!" Lillian guided her to a corner table. "Only two dishes per person."

Evelyn stared at the menu in confusion.

Ethan had ordered nearly every signature dish that night.

"Will two dishes be enough?" she couldn't help asking.

Lillian lowered her voice conspiratorially. "The portions look small, but they're surprisingly filling!"

Evelyn grew even more puzzled.

Last time, each plate had been an exquisite work of art...