Zayn's scrutiny lingered on the figure across from him, tracing its path from the snowy expanse of the nape concealed somewhat by the turtleneck down to the pale hand that clasped the glass with an air of refined poise.
His attention swiveled back to the stranger's eyes as his grandfather, disrupting his contemplation, uttered the name,
"Lei."
Lei. A name both simple and yet enigmatic. A silent query echoed in Zayn's thoughts,
Was it, in truth, the name he bore from birth?
The stranger's casual remark— "Not bad" —drew his gaze to the elder man seated beside him. The older man seemed to relish the attention he summoned, akin to a sculpture drenched in the aura of gods, until a metaphorical bucket of icy water obliterated the illusion, jolting him back to the world's stark reality. The state of bewilderment hardly encapsulated the whirlwind of sentiments inside him. In the span of minutes, fascination had waned, evaporating like morning mist under the sun's fervent rays.
With the meal's progression, his focus held steadfast on Lei, meticulously analyzing each of his movements. The impeccable precision with which he sliced his meat and savored every morsel resonated with an aura of cultivated refinement. A measured sip of wine carried an almost sacred demeanor, signifying a man who regarded time as a cherished gem. Lei emanated tranquility and grace, resembling the moon's ephemeral glow, yet simultaneously emanating a sense of detachment from the terrestrial realm.
Derived solely from his astute observations, he gauged Lei as a serene and graceful individual, a harmonious amalgamation of the moon's serene glow and the sun's luminous radiance. However, appearances could deceive, for he found himself unable to unravel the profound layers of Lei's character.
The suggestion from his grandfather to explore the city together harbored an unspoken agenda, a motive that eluded not Zayn's discerning gaze. Opting for a more straightforward approach, he sought Lei's phone number, only to be met with a polite refusal.
Understanding that trust wouldn't be easily procured through subtlety, he shifted tactics, unveiling the Zaven Cove proposal. Yet, as he navigated to the critical juncture—the plea for Lei to serve as a consultant—he detected a fleeting hesitance in the stranger's eyes. It marked a departure from his typical encounters. Fame, rewards, and recognition appeared to hold little sway over Lei, evoking queries regarding his underlying motivations.