"So, what are we eating?" After a long pause, Lu Jin cleared his throat and finally broke the silence.
The tension between the two had grown strange and unspoken, making the atmosphere feel almost surreal.
Enola's lashes fluttered slightly as he bit his lip softly and looked at Ruan Ruan in Jackson's arms. "Ruan Ruan, what would you like to eat?"
Ruan Ruan tilted her head at Enola, blinking curiously. "Enola's ears… they're red!"
Young as she was, she adored her "good-smelling, gentle teacher," and laughed with crescent eyes, reaching her arms out to him. "Enola, carry me…"
Enola, who was fond of the sweet little girl, reached out to hold her tiny hand, giving her fingers a light squeeze. "Of course."
Jackson, however, said nothing, holding Ruan Ruan close as he turned and walked ahead. Enola blinked in surprise, quickly stepping forward to follow him. Lu Jin, once again left behind, watched the three of them with a puzzled expression.
He observed the tall alpha with his powerful aura carrying a small child who bore a striking resemblance to him, while the delicate and refined omega trailed a few steps behind, a soft smile in his eyes as he looked at the child in Jackson's arms.
With the assistants and restaurant staff hovering nearby, they looked, oddly enough, like a family on an outing.
Lu Jin clicked his tongue, shaking his head with a smile. Impossible. Jackson was known for his integrity; he'd never cheat. Besides, this omega didn't seem like the type to interfere with someone else's family, and Jackson was even less likely to let it happen.
He shrugged and caught up with the group.
They arrived at their usual spot, Yaoyuan, a private restaurant known for its serene ambiance and exclusive reservation policy. Located in the city center, it was a peaceful retreat amidst the bustle.
After a ten-minute drive, the Maybach pulled into a quiet alleyway. As they stepped out, a low-key young man came out to greet them, clapping Lu Jin on the shoulder and nodding at Jackson. "You're in luck. Old Chen's just perfected a new Huaiyang dish for today!"
"Mr. Gu, Yulan Pavilion has been waiting for you—and I see you brought your niece?" The young man smiled at Ruan Ruan and then glanced at Enola.
They were all sons of prestigious families in A City, but Jackson was the most influential of them all, and everyone knew it. The young man naturally put on his most courteous demeanor.
He was also well aware of Jackson's recent engagement to the Bai family. Yet, today, the omega by Jackson's side was someone unfamiliar, and they stood close, practically together.
It was odd. Jackson had always been aloof, practically avoiding omega company. If this were… that kind of relationship… it wouldn't seem right.
No, if this were one of those situations, he wouldn't be bringing a child or even his closest friends along. Besides, this omega had a cool and gentle air, not someone who seemed untrustworthy.
The young man brushed off his suspicions, turning to Enola and asking, "You seem new here. May I ask—?"
Before Enola could reply, a low voice from Jackson's side interrupted, "Enola."
Interesting.
The young man noted Jackson's use of just the name, and the fact that Jackson, usually reserved, had initiated the introduction himself. Regardless of their relationship, it was clear Enola held some significance.
"Mr. Enola." The young man offered a handshake to Enola.
As they entered the restaurant, he made sure to inquire about Enola's preferences, only leaving after seeing them comfortably seated to arrange everything in the kitchen.
Lu Jin chuckled, "Only with Jackson, right? Since when does Mr. Chen personally come out to greet people?"
Jackson shot him a glance but said nothing.
Though the food at Yaoyuan was known for its delicate flavors, it wasn't particularly to Enola's taste, and he only took a few bites out of politeness.
The restaurant staff provided dedicated care for the child, but Ruan Ruan seemed shy, sitting there with her face drawn and teary eyes, clearly uncomfortable.
Meanwhile, Lu Jin was discussing a newly opened development in the city center with Jackson, frowning over a bidding issue. "They told me it's a prime spot with the new metro line eight opening soon, but Lin Huan's team is also trying to bid for it."
"My goal is to secure it, but I don't have enough liquid assets to pull it off," he added, his frustration clear.
Jackson, seemingly indifferent, shook his head slightly.
Lu Jin paused, surprised. "What do you mean?"
Jackson replied, "Experts from the provincial museum are scheduled to survey the area. They suspect it's a Song Dynasty burial site."
Lu Jin took a sharp breath, quickly downing his drink in one gulp. "Thanks, brother. I almost got trapped in that mess."
While the two continued their business conversation, Enola glanced at his phone, noting a new message. He set it down, turning his attention to Ruan Ruan, whose big eyes were still filled with tears.
"Would you like a hug?"
Ruan Ruan's face instantly lit up at Enola's offer, nodding eagerly. She snuggled into his arms, her chubby cheeks pressing against his as she planted a soft kiss. "Smells so nice… Enola!"
Enola smiled warmly, leaning down to kiss her on the forehead. "Ruan Ruan is such a good girl."
Suddenly, he realized that the table had fallen silent. Looking up, he found both Jackson and Lu Jin watching him.
A bit flustered, Enola asked, "Are we interrupting? Should I take Ruan Ruan for a little walk?"
Lu Jin quickly shook his head, "No, no, we were just admiring how cute Ruan Ruan is…"
Enola rose, gently taking Ruan Ruan's small hand. "We just finished eating. I'll take Ruan Ruan for a little walk."
"Alright," Jackson said with a nod.
As the pair left, Lu Jin sighed with a touch of regret. "What a shame."
Jackson gazed at his untouched drink, ignoring him.
Lu Jin leaned in. "You don't think so?"
"Think what?" Jackson replied, his tone neutral.
Lu Jin shrugged. "It's a shame about Enola. Such a beautiful omega—calm, elegant, with the kind of grace that makes him perfect for family life."
Jackson frowned slightly. "What are you trying to say?"
Lu Jin smirked. "Someone as suited to being a spouse as he is… it's just a shame he's already married."
Clink— The porcelain cup in Jackson's hand rolled off and landed softly on the carpet.
Lu Jin glanced at Jackson in surprise. "What's wrong? Don't tell me the drink's that bad?"
He continued with a sigh, "Seriously, though, whoever convinced Enola to marry him is incredibly lucky."
Jackson stared at the cup on the floor, silently agreeing.
Finally, he looked up and asked quietly, "How do you know he's married?"
Lu Jin clicked his tongue. "You haven't noticed, have you?"
"He's been checking his phone and replying to messages throughout dinner. He's definitely updating his husband. I mean, who wouldn't want to keep tabs on such a gorgeous spouse? And with how well he's getting along with Ruan Ruan, he's probably thinking about starting a family himself."
"And most importantly," Lu Jin added, "didn't you see the ring on his left ring finger?"
Jackson looked at the freshly poured sake in front of him, falling silent for a long moment before replying, "Hm."