Chapter 12

This Thai restaurant, named Bangkok House, located in Causeway Bay, is decorated with a distinct Thai style, featuring glittering murals, luxurious chandeliers, red sofas, and waiters in Thai attire who move back and forth. Even the chopstick sleeves are made of Thai-style rattan.

Li Xuan chose a seat by the window, watching the two beautiful sisters on the other side of the table who were looking down at the menu. He inwardly sighed that the romantic dinner for two he had planned was now marred by a third wheel. Zhong Chuhong has two younger sisters, and this one is the younger of the two, named Ah Wen.

After the initial shyness, Ah Wen gradually relaxed and took charge of ordering the dishes without hesitation. She ordered Spicy Green Papaya Salad, Golden Fragrant Curry Crab, Basil Fried Eggplant, Seafood Pineapple Rice, and a pitcher of Rose Milk Tea. Although it was her first time eating Thai cuisine, she ordered the dishes with confidence.

"Here, take a look and see if we need to add anything else," Zhong Chuhong handed the menu to Li Xuan, noticing that he was staring at her in a daze.

"Hehe!"

The soft giggle from the younger sister made Zhong Chuhong's cheeks turn slightly red. She was about to poke this dazed man, but Li Xuan had already come to his senses.

He awkwardly touched his nose, feeling a bit embarrassed. He had always boasted to his friends about his extensive experience with women, but this time he had really embarrassed himself. However, he had one advantage: a thick skin like a copper wall.

"Let's add a Lemon Fish!" Li Xuan nodded to the nearby waiter. In his previous life, when he worked in Silicon Valley, he had eaten Thai cuisine with his colleagues, and the only dish he still remembered was the Lemon Fish.

"Sister, is that handsome guy across from you trying to pursue you?" Zhong Chuwen tilted her head and whispered in her sister's ear.

"You talk too much!" Zhong Chuhong blushed and glared at her sister, then deliberately changed the subject, turning to Li Xuan and asking, "What was the good news you said you wanted to tell me?"

Li Xuan looked at the slightly bashful girl in front of him, feeling a bit smug. He was dating the future sex symbol of Hong Kong, a dream for many.

Despite his inner excitement, he maintained a gentlemanly demeanor and said, "The boss of the company where I interned over the summer recently secured the Hong Kong and Taiwan distribution rights for a Japanese printer brand. He plans to shoot a TV commercial before the product launch, and I recommended you!"

Li Xuan took out the business card that Huo Junming had given him: "This is the director's card. Give him a call tomorrow to set up a time. My boss, Mr. Huo, has already spoken to him. If everything goes well, the lead role is reserved for you!"

"Really? Is that true?" Zhong Chuhong took the business card from Li Xuan, and the title on it was indeed that of a director.

"Brother Xuan, you must have a lot of influence! Even your boss listens to you!" Ah Wen looked at him with admiration, while Zhong Chuhong frowned slightly.

An ordinary intern would not have such influence with their boss. Li Xuan briefly recounted the highlights of his work experience over the past month, and the two girls' eyes sparkled with admiration.

It's not uncommon for children from ordinary families in Hong Kong to work part-time during the summer to earn living expenses, but most of them just do odd jobs. Someone like Li Xuan, who not only convinced his boss to secure a big deal but also made a substantial profit, is one in a million.

Zhong Chuhong earns a few thousand dollars for a commercial, and twelve thousand dollars would be enough for her to work hard for two to three years. After participating in the Miss Hong Kong pageant, although she didn't make the top three, she received many commercial offers due to her good looks. She used to earn about a thousand dollars a month working in a jewelry store, but now she earns five to six thousand dollars a month by shooting two to three commercials. She felt a bit proud of herself.

But compared to Li Xuan, she felt inferior. He could sell a small design for tens of thousands of dollars to a foreign company. It's really frustrating to compare. Thinking of this, Zhong Chuhong gave the man across from her a glare.

Li Xuan was a bit confused by the beauty's glare. Did he exaggerate too much? Fortunately, the waiter started bringing the dishes.

Li Xuan's first impression of Thai cuisine was that it was sour and spicy, with a tangy and fiery flavor, mainly using seafood, vegetables, and fruits as ingredients, which are said to be nutritious and healthy. The Golden Fragrant Curry Crab looked worth its price, with a golden color and a very attractive appearance. It came with a small dish of crispy bread, which was perfect for dipping in the curry and tasted quite good. The three of them chatted and ate, and the atmosphere gradually became more relaxed.

"Xuan, how many people are in your family? Are you the youngest?" When a girl starts chatting about family matters, it means she has let her guard down.

"No, besides my dad and mom, I have an older brother and a younger sister," Li Xuan said, wiping the curry from the corner of his mouth with a napkin.

"Oh, right! I remember, you bought a recorder for your sister last time!" Zhong Chuhong said, a bit embarrassed.

"Actually, my family's situation is worse than yours. We are a family of five living in a 300-square-foot flat in Shau Kei Wan. My dad and mom both work in a garment factory in Kowloon Bay!" Li Xuan briefly introduced his family situation and then smiled confidently at her.

"But I believe life will get better! I've discussed with my older brother, and we plan to find a new place to live soon, moving out of the public housing. As you know, there are too many troublemakers in Shau Kei Wan! Then I plan to use the money I earned to start a small factory. I just talked to a very influential person before meeting you, and if everything goes well, we'll start production next month. I'll invite you, Miss Hong Kong, to cut the ribbon!"

"Brother Xuan, you are so filial and capable!" Ah Wen, who was busy eating the crab, had very good hearing and had been eavesdropping on their conversation. Filial men are always more appealing to girls.

"Um, I told you, I'm not Miss Hong Kong, her name is Zheng Wenyi!" Zhong Chuhong gave Li Xuan a playful glare.

Li Xuan naturally knew this was a sign of her mixed feelings, so he gently looked into her beautiful eyes and softly said, "In my heart, you are the number one Miss Hong Kong!"

Such blatant sweet talk is actually very effective with girls. This time, Zhong Chuhong didn't argue but turned her head and lightly tapped her sister's head, scolding her for eating messily with her mouth full of sauce.

Li Xuan smiled. This was a deliberate change of topic by the girl, and he went along with it, chatting about other interesting things.

When Li Xuan went to the restroom, he secretly paid the bill at the front desk. If a girl invites you to a cheap curry meal, you can leave the bill to her. But tonight, with the three of them spending over three hundred dollars, Li Xuan decided to show his gentlemanly side.

After dinner, Li Xuan accompanied the sisters for a walk around Causeway Bay. The two girls were frugal and only looked without buying. By the time Li Xuan's feet were sore, Zhong Chuhong finally let him off the hook and decided to go home.

Li Xuan took a taxi to drop the sisters off at their home. His first date was finally over. Although the third wheel somewhat ruined the atmosphere, overall it was a success. Even when he made some jokes, Zhong Chuhong didn't dislike him, which was a very positive sign.