Chapter 25 - The Code: Zoey

When they came inside, Zoey and Matthew Xi were instantly assisted.

"Table for two please," Zoey answered. She arched her brows seeing the lady peer at Matthew Xi longer than when she stared at her.

"This way please." Sensing the dangerous vibe from Zoey, the lady receptionist retracted her gaze from the Matthew Xi and assisted them to a table for the two of them with a polite smile.

"I'll return to get your orders." Upon guiding them to the corner table — which Zoey requested — the lady gave them the menu before departing.

"Tsk," Watching the woman leave, Zoey clicked her tongue in annoyance. She then returned her gaze to the man across her and she snapped her tongue again.

The innocent Matthew Xi who did nothing wrong knitted his brows. Staring at her, Matthew Xi wondered what did he do for her to get annoyed out of nowhere.

"Haist... darling, you're so handsome — it's annoying." Outspoken as ever, Zoey answered the question he had in his mind.

"...��� Blinking his eyes many times, Matthew Xi was lost of words. He had always known that he had a decent facial features. However, he wasn't that vain to dwell on it.

To him, as long as a friend person looked decent and clean, he/she was also good looking. After all, he was never a fan of this society's standard for beauty.

So, why was she annoyed by his appearance?

"Forget it — I'm just mumbling nonsense." Seeing his lack of reaction, Zoey shook her head as she waved her hand off. "So, what are we having?" Zoey asked, diverting her focus on the menu.

Matthew Xi stared at her for a while, curious what she meant moments ago. 'Why would she say something and not continue? What a troublesome habit.' He thought internally as he gaze down on the menu.

****

After several minutes of waiting, their food were finally served. Since the place has a western concept, they had steaks and a few sides.

"Thank you," When the last dish was served, Zoey turned to the waiter and thanked him.

The waiter smiled at the natural coquettish smile on Zoey's lips and blushed a little. Despite that he only blushed a little — almost not noticeable — it wouldn't escape Matthew Xi's twenty-twenty vision.

Matthew Xi altered his gaze from the waiter who beamed her a meek smile to Zoey who tucked her hair behind her ear. For some reason, his eyes darkened because he knew Zoey was purposely doing it.

'You're too handsome it's annoying.' Suddenly, Zoey words minutes ago floated in his thought bubble. Somehow, he finally understood what she meant earlier.

Therefore, from displeasure, Matthew Xi was amused. Zoey's way about relaying her message, her way of saying things without opening her mouth, and getting her answers without asking... it amused him.

Matthew Xi had already noticed this antics of her, but was uncertain on most of it. But now, although he couldn't say he already cracked this code named Zoey, he finally understood its first page.

"Huh..." A faint scoff escaped from his lips as he began slicing the steak. At this point, the waiter also left and Zoey remained smiling.

Zoey watched him slice the steak on his plate with elegance, like a noble man. 'Ahh... he really looks like and move like a prince. How nice.' She could not help but compliment as she was drawn at him just by cutting the steak.

There were truly people who were blessed with natural grace and elegance without trying. Now, Zoey's curiosity towards the man had leapt to a new level. Even so, now was not the time to satiate her curiosity.

"By the way..." Just as Zoey snapped and was about to strike a conversation, her words trailed off upon seeing him lift his plate and place it in front of her.

Without a word, Matthew Xi then got her ordinal plate and place it in front of him before he cut it.

"Didn't you say you're starving?" Matthew Xi said, not casting her a glance.

"Oh..." Surprised at the sweet gesture, Zoey touched her cheeks that heated just now. "Thank you," For the first time, Zoey was lost for words by his sudden gesture.

She could only thank the unfazed Matthew Xi who was clueless for making her heart flutter for the first time.