"We've been walking for a while, why don't we sit down and have some barbecue?" Chen Mo stopped at the edge of the street and looked up at the commercial building across from them, where a large sign read "Charcoal Grill."
He took a small sniff.
The distinct aroma of barbecue immediately hit his senses, making his mouth water.
Chen Mo couldn't help but swallow. Ever since college, barbecue had been his favorite—he used to eat it almost every week.
Barbecue and beer—what a divine combo.
It was a taste better than being immortal.
Only now, with everything going on at Black Domain Tech, he hadn't had the time to enjoy it.
"Barbecue?" Tian Tian hesitated. Though she smelled the aroma too, she resisted. With her strict upbringing and overseas education, barbecue had always been considered junk food—something she'd never tried before.
"It's really good," Chen Mo smiled.
"Isn't it unhealthy?" Tian Tian tilted her head curiously.
"No way. I basically grew up on barbecue—I can't live without it. It's amazing. Wait… don't tell me—you've never had barbecue before?" Chen Mo froze, giving her a curious look.
"I really haven't… Isn't it considered junk food? I heard it's unhealthy," Tian Tian replied honestly, shaking her head.
"Then what do you eat when you're craving something?" Chen Mo asked in disbelief.
"Sushi, bread, pastries… things like that."
"…" Chen Mo smacked his lips, his expression growing stranger. He had no right to judge her life choices, but he still felt a little sorry for her. She'd grown up never tasting barbecue? That meant she'd missed out on so much deliciousness!
"Let's go!"
"If you've never had barbecue, I'm going to break you in right now. It's the best food on earth! A life without barbecue is incomplete."
"Just wait—once you try it, you're gonna love it."
As he spoke—
Chen Mo reflexively took Tian Tian's hand and led her toward the charcoal grill restaurant. The place was packed and bustling. Stepping inside felt like diving into a lively marketplace, with all kinds of voices ringing in their ears.
It would definitely be overwhelming for someone who preferred peace and quiet.
On the other side—
Tian Tian felt the warmth of his hand in hers, and her face turned crimson in an instant. This was the first time a young man had ever held her hand! The sudden bashfulness made her want to pull away immediately.
But Chen Mo's expression didn't seem intentional.
And he was her boss.
Would it seem rude if she pulled away?
Tian Tian's thoughts were in disarray. She had no idea what to do, so she just let it happen.
Her heart was pounding like crazy, thumping louder than her life line. It felt like a deer was jumping around inside her chest.
Chen Mo guided her to a quiet window-side corner. From here, they could see the bustling street outside—a great spot to eat barbecue and enjoy the view.
Once seated—
Chen Mo let go of Tian Tian's hand as if nothing had happened, not even the slightest hint of apology. Like he'd just grabbed a buddy's hand—not a reserved young woman's—no big deal.
He glanced at Tian Tian and saw her blushing like a tomato. Confused, he mumbled inwardly.
It's just barbecue, right?
Why's her face so red?
Does eating barbecue make people blush?
Perplexed, Chen Mo decided to ignore it. He took the menu from the waiter and began ordering—without even asking Tian Tian what she liked. He ordered everything on the menu, two of each, and a dozen beers on the side.
He wasn't worried about leftovers.
With him around, a mountain of barbecue wouldn't be a problem.
Chen Mo was in a great mood! And when he was happy, he craved barbecue. Black Domain Tech had just produced a biobattery production line and the ultra-smart mechanical arm.
Two major, strategic products.
Once released to the public—
They'd launch Black Domain Tech into a whole new tier.
Wasn't that something to celebrate?
First, they could use the biobattery to break into the energy market—possibly even swallow it whole—turning Black Domain into a world-class energy giant.
Then, use the ultra-smart mechanical arm to get in with the military.
And from there, grab a defense license—
Transform into a military contractor no one would dare mess with.
That'd be unbeatable!
Wait!
Chen Mo suddenly thought of something.
He was planning to restart the nuclear plant. Maybe he could use the military connection to get a good deal? Like acquiring regulated nuclear materials—clearing all the hurdles to make it a smooth process.
That might actually work.
Chen Mo murmured to himself and mentally noted the idea.
Before long—
The waiter brought out all the food and beer. The table was covered in barbecue: lamb skewers, beef skewers, hot dogs, chicken wings… everything you could imagine.
They had it all.
"Dig in!"
"It's really good."
Chen Mo grabbed a chicken wing, dipped it in seasoning, and took a big bite. The flavor burst across his tongue, lighting up his taste buds.
It was delicious.
He tore into the food, grease dripping from his lips, completely oblivious.
Tian Tian looked at Chen Mo and suddenly felt her appetite grow. Could it really be that good?
What should I do?
I really want to try it!
Why did junk food smell so amazing?
Tian Tian reached for a chicken wing, but halfway through, she hesitated and pulled her hand back.
"Chen Mo… is barbecue really healthy?" she asked nervously.
"Of course. Don't worry, just eat." Chen Mo glanced at her and immediately understood what was going on. He handed her a chicken wing.
"Well… okay, I'll just try a little."
Tian Tian took a bite—and was instantly hooked. She couldn't stop.
This is way too good!
How can something taste this amazing?
I want more!
Tian Tian fully transformed into a foodie—chicken wing in one hand, lamb skewer in the other.
Pop! Chen Mo opened two bottles of beer and handed one to Tian Tian. Then he continued eating and drinking with joy. With good food and a beauty by his side, what more could he ask for?
Just then, while he was mid-bite, his wireless earpiece buzzed—and the Red Queen's mechanical voice came through.
"Master."
"The military has taken the bait. They're en route to Black Domain Tech. Should we return first?"