The elevator ride to the third floor was an uneasy and silent journey for Zunnie. As the doors opened, she practically hurried out and approached her condo. Before she could enter, she heard his voice.
"Dinner will be ready at eight thirty. Don't be late since you're just down the hall."
Turning around, Zunnie faced the man who had spoken. He stood near the elevator, his serious gaze fixed on her. His amber eyes seemed to penetrate her soul through her deep blue ones. Each time she met his gaze, an anxious flutter stirred within her. She couldn't help but wonder what it was about him that made her heart skip a beat when their eyes locked.
"I can't make it…I'm busy," Zunnie replied, returning to her senses.
"Or you don't want to make it. Don't forget you owe me a ten-billion-dollars dinner."
Amused, Zunnie thought, 'Is he trying to bribe me with the money he spent? Too bad I can't give it back.'
Hearing Alex's invitation stirred a sense of guilt within her. Despite her promise to have dinner with him, tonight wasn't the right time for her to accept. Caution urged her to be careful, considering she barely knew him.
"Mr. Zi, I always keep my word. I will have dinner with you but not tonight."
"I will cook for two; if you feel hungry, come," Alex responded, turning and heading to his door, seemingly unaffected by her rejection.
Zunnie stood there, grappling with the revelation that her mysterious neighbor was Alexander Zi. As she entered her condo, she couldn't shake off the lingering curiosity about the enigmatic man just down the hall. She also couldn't help but reflect on how she had been curious about him, even approaching his door a few times to introduce herself. Every time she went to the door, she turned around and head back into her condo worried it was not a good idea.
Hungry as she was, going to his condo for dinner didn't seem like a good idea at the moment. She shook her head, gathered her thoughts, and entered her own condo. A sweet lavender scent greeted her, indicating that the maid had cleaned today. Surveying the condo, she noticed the thorough cleaning job and decided that Mrs. Quan deserved a bonus. She made a mental note to ask her dad, who paid Mrs. Quan, to consider offering her a bonus at the end of the month.
After returning a few calls, Zunnie indulged in a long, warm bath, feeling more relaxed afterward. As she descended the stairs, she noticed the clock on the wall displaying eight thirty, but the time didn't bother her. Although she had eaten a snack upon arriving home, her hunger lingered. Pouring herself a glass of wine and turning on the television, Zunnie found solace in her favorite drama series. It served as a distraction, keeping her thoughts from dwelling on the impending dinner with Alex.
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Alex had a hunch that Zunnie might not come over, but a flicker of hope remained as he took a shower after cooking. By nine o'clock, he had the dinner ready in bowls and decided to try his luck. Carrying the well packed bag of food, he walked to her door, pressed the doorbell, and patiently waited.
Zunnie, not anticipating any visitors except for Sanua, got up and opened the door without checking who it was. Her eyes widened when she saw Alex standing there with a bag in his hands.
Without waiting for an invitation, Alex invited himself in and headed to the kitchen.
"I brought you dinner, Miss Bai, and please don't tell me to get out. I cooked for you, but you didn't show up. That was not very nice," he said, sounding hurt.
Annoyed, Zunnie quickly shut the door and confronted him in the kitchen, demanding, "What the hell do you think you're doing? I️ never asked you to cook for two. I️ thought I️ was clear when I️ declined."
Ignoring her anger, Alex proceeded to open her kitchen drawers, searching for plates as he replied, "Where are your plates?"
Zunnie was left momentarily speechless, thinking, 'This guy sure has some nerve, barging into my house as if he owned it.'
"I'm not hungry. Now stop making yourself comfortable because I did not invite you in," she asserted.
I'm calling security if you don't leave at this moment. She continued to threaten him.
"Ah, found it!" Alex declared, seemingly ignoring her protests.
'He's totally ignoring me. What the heck? This handsome and bossy person is crazy,' she screamed inside.
"There's is not need to call them. I'm only eating with you. If you're worried call them to watch us eat. but I️ only have food for two." His warm smile reassured her he had good intentions.
She was about to call the security, but all her resolve crumbled when she inhaled the sweet and sour aroma from the food he was plating. Her mouth betrayed her, and she began drooling as her stomach loudly voiced its approval.
"I am not asking for anything much, just eat with me. Plus, you said you're not hungry… but what is that noise?" Alex finally looked at her for the first time since entering.
"I lied, I am hungry," Zunnie admitted, succumbing to the tempting aroma that enveloped her.
"Good, then sit."
"You don't have to be so bossy. This is my place, not yours," she complained, yet still found herself sitting at the table, unable to resist the allure of the delicious scent filling the air.
She pulled out her phone and turned on her voice record in case he tried anything weird.