Lin Feng’s fingers twitched around the stem of his wine glass. Across the table, Su Yun sipped her merlot like she’d been born holding a sommelier’s certificate. The candlelight caught the edge of her smirk.
Shit.
This wasn’t just dinner—this was a live grenade with a linen napkin tucked under it.
[Ding!]
[Pro Tip: Don’t chew with your mouth open. Also, maybe breathe?]
Lin Feng’s knuckles went white around his fork. Even the System thought he was doomed.
The leather-bound menu might as well have been written in ancient Greek. ¥800 for steak? ¥1,200 for fish that probably didn’t even come with fries?
[Warning: Basic dinner = Basic favorability. Don’t be boring.]
Su Yun’s nail tapped her glass. "Second thoughts?"
Lin Feng’s pride prickled. Then—
[Emergency Knowledge Pack: ’How to Pretend You’re Fancy’ - ¥200]
*...This damn System.*
"Activate it," he muttered under his breath.
A wave of information hit him like a champagne cork to the forehead:
- Merlot pairs with red meat
- Never order white with steak
- Truffle oil is liquid gold
Lin Feng straightened his spine. "That merlot would sing with a beef filet. Medium rare. Truffle sauce, obviously."
Su Yun’s eyebrow arched. Actually arched.
[Favorability +5%]
[Multiplier Activated! Total: +10% (For Not Being a Caveman)]
When the ¥1,200 charge hit his account, Lin Feng’s eye twitched. But then—
Su Yun smiled.
Not the polite one she’d worn all evening. A real one, sharp at the edges like broken glass.
"Next time," she swirled her wine, "pick the vineyard."
Lin Feng’s pulse jumped. Next time.
[Mission Complete!]
[Reward: 10% Closer to Not Dying Alone + Mild Heartburn]