"How have you been lately?"
"How have you been lately?"
"Enjoying the view in Japan?"
"Enjoying the life in New York?"
At the Square Hotel, inside the restaurant, both speak at the same time. Sebastian Vanderbilt is momentarily stunned.
Jessica Lewandov scans Sebastian from head to toe with an expression of disdain. "Still the same old predictable lines?" She rolls her eyes and continues, "Can you speak without sounding like you're from another era? Seriously, we're the same age. Can't you talk like a millennial?"
She eyes his shirt and slacks, muttering with more disdain, "Your fashion sense is just as dated as your lines."
"Hey, Jessica, are you questioning the fashion sense of a studio owner?" Sebastian says, feigning seriousness.
"Fashion sense? Yours?" Jessica mocks, "Who drives an ancient car to pick up a girl from the airport and dresses like a grandpa? Honestly, it's embarrassing."
Sebastian rubs his nose, feeling a bit defensive. He had rushed out without changing his clothes, thinking a suit was always the best option to show off his charm. But Jessica's continuous jabs are making him lose confidence. "It's can't be that bad..."
"Not that bad?" Jessica exclaims dramatically. "It's worse than bad!"
"So, what should I wear to not look so bad?" Sebastian raises an eyebrow, but then is caught off guard as Jessica pulls his hand towards her and fastens a golden watch around his wrist.
"???"
Sebastian is stunned for a good two seconds. When he snaps back to reality, Jessica is sitting across from him, her chin resting on her hands, her bright eyes twinkling like stars, waiting for his reaction.
"Is this... a Rolex?" Sebastian asks, hesitating to confirm.
"Yes, it's the limited edition gold Rolex of this year. Only 2,000 were made worldwide," Jessica says proudly. "You have no idea how crazy the sales were in Tokyo. The in-shop models were sold out in three seconds. A lot of folks in line couldn't even get their hands on one."
"How did you manage to get it?" Sebastian asks, curious.
"Seriously?" Jessica chuckles like he has told the funniest joke, clearing her throat. "Listen up, the person sitting before you is the phenomenon known as 'The Divine Muse,' with millions of fans worldwide, the future hottest singer in Uptown."
"And you gift people with gold Rolexes?" Sebastian suddenly interjects.
Jessica freezes, her prepared speech interrupted, leaving her unable to respond.
"And you say my taste in fashion is bad?" Sebastian glances at his wrist, slightly disdainful. "Don't you know that leather straps are trending now? Even my dad wouldn't wear this style."
"Are you serious?" Jessica squints at him, finally snapping out of it.
"Do I look like I'm joking?" Sebastian blinks, trying to look as sincere as possible.
Their eyes lock for a moment, and then...
"Ugh! You are so dead, Seb-bastard!"
"???" Sebastian's eyes widen. "Hey, why are you cursing?"
"Cursing? I'm about to beat you up!" Jessica stands up, looking ready to fight. "Do you know how long I stood in line for that watch, and you dare say it's ugly!"
Jessica comes charging at him, hands raised.
Jessica gets pinned against the wall.
Jessica leans against the wall, her hands pinned above her head by a strong grip. She tries to fight against the strength, but firm hands are unmovable like iron-made handlocks.
Sebastian's face lights up with a smug smile, feeling a sense of achievement as if he has just tamed a rebellious cat. However, as he continues to smile, he realizes Jessica has stopped struggling and has lowered her head, her wavy, ash-blonde hair cascading down, hiding her face.
Sebastian looks down at Jessica, realizing how close and intimate their position has become. He quickly releases her and steps back, trying to act nonchalant. "Weren't you just boasting about being a superstar? What happened to standing in long lines?"
"That's none of your business," Jessica replies, rubbing her slightly sore wrists. "Just don't say anything bad about the watch again."
"But," Sebastian begins, but the look in Jessica's eyes, despite its lack of real menace, makes him give in. "Alright, I'll treat it as a treasure," he says, exaggerating his tone.
"That's more like it," Jessica huffs, lifting her chin and sitting back down across from him.
"Alright, let's stop fooling around and order," Sebastian says, handing her the menu with a grin. "You've been running around all day; aren't you hungry?"
"Yes, I am!" Jessica's demeanor shifts immediately at the mention of food. She pouts, looking adorably pitiful.
"Then hurry and order." Sebastian chuckles. "Consider this a reward for gifting me that gold Rolex— order whatever you want."
"Really? Now you play the generous gentleman card, huh?" Jessica's eyes sparkle mischievously.
"Just for tonight. Even if you want to take the whole restaurant home, I'll make it happen." Sebastian smiles warmly. He enjoys the relaxed and easygoing atmosphere whenever he is with Jessica, a luxury money can't buy.
"Alright, you're the best," Jessica teases, diving into the menu. After a few minutes, she announces her choices: "Steak, pork chops, pasta, puff pastry soup, sashimi... Oh, and no cucumbers in anything."
"Is that all?" Sebastian raises an eyebrow, amused. "I invite you for a grand dinner, and you order the most basic items?"
"Yeah, that's all." Jessica nods, looking completely justified. "I'm hungry, so I need more main courses."
In reality, Jessica thinks to herself, This stuff is way too expensive! Despite her large signing bonus, the prices on the menu are staggering. She tries to keep a composed exterior while internally balking at the prices.
"Just a reminder, Miss, the person you're dining with is an independent studio owner. Ordering such basic items really doesn't do him justice," Sebastian says, feigning seriousness.
"You remember you're a startup owner, right?" Jessica rolls her eyes. "Blowing money like this, you'll be crying when you need it later."
Sebastian is taken aback. So that's why she ordered the cheaper dishes? He looks at Jessica, realizing she is tough on the outside but soft at heart. His gaze softens as he laughs. "You're such a tsundere."
Ignoring her scowl, Sebastian closes the menu and hands it to the waiter, smiling. "We'll start with Bouillabaisse with foie gras truffle sauce, followed by Burgundy herb-baked snails, then German beer stew with black bread, Provençal grilled octopus salad, and for the main course, charcoal-grilled T-bone steak with black truffle sauce. As for drinks—"
"Ah-hem." Jessica clears her throat, interjecting. "I've had a long day, and I don't feel like drinking."
"Is that so?" Sebastian nods. "Then let's go with the vineyard's white wine."
"I—" Jessica starts to speak but stops when Sebastian flashes his wrist, showcasing the watch. "I didn't refuse your gift, did I?"
Jessica falls silent, unable to argue back. Suddenly, Sebastian adds, "Oh, and could you also bring us a cup of beef ramen from the store?"
"???"
The waiter looks puzzled, and Jessica is taken aback. Sebastian shrugs and says, "You can see someone here is worried about the bill, so..."
Before he can finish, he feels a sharp pinch under the table. "Ignore him; he's just being silly," Jessica quickly tells the waiter, who leaves. She then turns to Sebastian. "Are you crazy? This meal costs almost as much as that watch!"
"Are you going to eat it or not?" Sebastian counters.
"Of course, I'm going to eat it," Jessica pouts. "It's already ordered, why would I waste it?"
"See, that's the spirit," Sebastian laughs.
"Why are you laughing?" Jessica glares, her annoyance apparent. "What's so funny?"
Sebastian chuckles, "I was just thinking, in all my years, it's the first time I've had to beg someone to order food, only for them to act all indifferent."
"Don't worry; you'll get used to it," Jessica waves him off nonchalantly.
Sebastian is momentarily speechless but then breaks into a genuine laugh. This is so typical of Jessica.
Before long, he feels something under the table. He looks down to find Jessica's feet, adorned with bright yellow nails.
"???" Sebastian looks up, puzzled.
"Didn't you say you knew a massage technique to improve circulation?" Jessica asks seriously.
"But we're about to eat," Sebastian says, taken aback. He still feels a bit shy about doing this in such a public setting.
"My feet hurt," Jessica says, blinking her bright eyes. Her voice, already soft and gentle, takes on a pleading tone. "I've been walking in high heels all day, non-stop."