At a street food stall in Magic City's bustling district.
A bright red Ferrari 488 was parked next to an ordinary spicy hot pot stall, instantly drawing the attention of passersby.
"Damn! That's some serious money - driving a Ferrari to eat at a street stall!"
"Maybe the car's just rented, bro?"
"Heh... Rented? Brother, let me tell you something - look carefully at that paint finish. You think you can rent something like that?"
"Holy shit! The passenger seat of a sports car never disappoints."
"My God, if I had such a beautiful girlfriend, I'd never take her to eat at a street stall."
Shen Manni had put a lot of thought into her outfit today.
It was her birthday, and she definitely hadn't dressed up specially to see Xu Mo!
She kept emphasizing this point, on and off, during the car ride.
Xu Mo's ears were nearly calloused from hearing it.
As for why they came here to eat...
Xu Mo had asked Shen Manni's opinion!
She was the one who said "anywhere" first!
"Manni, this is a dinner with special significance - probably your first time experiencing something like this," Xu Mo said with a grin to the slightly frowning Shen Manni.
[Special significance = saving money]
[Having food at all isn't bad, you're the one who said 'anywhere'! Can't blame me]
[Hah... haha, this silly woman would never eat at a street stall. She thinks any food handled without gloves is dirty. Born with a golden spoon, typical behavior of a pampered young lady]
[Go ahead, give me that look of disgust, followed by: 'You brought me here for our date? What do you take me for?' Come on, baby]
[Then you'll storm off in anger, and I'll go enjoy my fried chicken leg. Ah... haven't been here in ages, wonder if it still tastes the same]
"Yes! It really is my first time experiencing this."
Shen Manni remarked thoughtfully, stepping out of the car while Xu Mo watched in surprise.
This wasn't right!
Was this something a normal person would say?
Where was her CEO-level attitude?
"Aren't you getting out?" Shen Manni's voice drifted in.
Xu Mo: "Coming!"
She must be waiting for the protagonist to come and play hero.
But whatever, better get out first.
Hopefully, she'll get angry and leave halfway through the meal.
Their appearance quickly drew recognition from the surrounding crowd.
A handsome man and beautiful woman, clearly of high status.
Both dressed formally.
It was impossible not to attract attention!
Sharp-eyed observers recognized their identities.
The crowd erupted in excitement.
"Wow, Miss Shen accepted Mr. Xu's request? This is huge news! Absolutely massive!"
"Bro, how much per pound for this gossip? Since you know it's big news, hurry up and take photos to post online before someone else gets the trending topic."
"Oh right, right, thanks for the reminder, bro. But may I ask why you're reminding me?"
"Because if I'm the only one posting, I'm worried about getting legal notices from both the Shen and Xu families. If lots of people post, it's different. If lawyers' letters do come, at least I won't be the only one receiving them."
"Damn... truly Magic City's number one beauty, that face is absolutely stunning! Those legs are to die for - no, worth a lifetime!"
"She looks a hundred times better in person than on TV! That beauty is no joke."
Most of the customers here were ordinary citizens.
Successful entrepreneurs and famous people usually only appeared in people's lives through mass media, television, and online videos.
Seeing them in person was a first for most people.
Xu Mo secretly glanced at Shen Manni beside him.
Many people around them were taking out their phones to record videos and take photos for social media.
It wouldn't be long before this hit the headlines.
Xu Mo was no stranger to trending topics - these trivial matters.
He remembered during university, once when he was eating with a Korean department beauty queen, he accidentally dropped his chopsticks, someone happened to photograph it, and even that made trending news.
He'd become numb to it since then.
As long as you're not the one being embarrassed, someone else will be.
Xu Mo thought he was overthinking it.
Shen Manni frowned slightly but quickly composed herself.
They found a place to sit.
A middle school-aged girl came over with menus - she was the owner's daughter who helped out after school.
"Brother Mo, you haven't been here for a while."
Seeing the young beauty in the making.
Xu Mo smiled and teased, "Oh? Did Xiaoli miss me?"
Even the finest delicacies can become tiresome, and as long as the food wasn't too unpalatable, Xu Mo could accept it.
He didn't have that inherent arrogance and self-importance of special rich people.
He frequently visited street stalls for late-night snacks, and years ago, trending topics were full of him with one or several beautiful girls.
Accompanying him buying fried noodles at street stalls.
Xiaoli, the middle school girl, blushed. At her age of budding romance.
How could she be a match for the battle-hardened Xu Mo?
Plus, Xu Mo was particularly handsome in today's outfit.
Xiaoli was mesmerized, but then she saw Shen Manni sitting across.
Xiaoli's spirits immediately deflated.
Shen Manni's beauty had stunned her.
She didn't dare hope to be as breathtakingly beautiful as Shen Manni when she grew up - even one-tenth would make her happy!
"Ahem... you player, not even sparing middle school girls?"
Shen Manni glared at Xu Mo, her tone somewhat icy.
Xu Mo was startled.
He'd forgotten about Shen Manni, the third wheel.
Better get to ordering quickly.
"Xiaoli, the usual, two fried chicken legs. And..."
Xu Mo listed what he wanted to eat.
Xiaoli shyly took notes beside him.
Xu Mo ordered happily because these were all things he wanted to eat.
As for Shen Manni, he subconsciously ignored her.
Shen Manni's fingers curled slightly, tapping lightly on the table.
She brought Xu Mo back to reality, and he symbolically asked for her order.
She let him order for her.
Xu Mo had never felt so speechless in his life.
Couldn't you just say you wanted two portions?
Dating really was such a hassle!
Xu Mo complained internally.
[Strange, when did Xiaoli's stall get air conditioning? It's so cold ┭┮﹏┭┮]