---
Chapter 12: A Dinner Worth a Thousand Words
"He's been turned down seventeen times this month, and he still won't quit? That's gotta be a record."
"And yet he walks around like every woman owes him something just because he's got a little money and a famous uncle."
The low hum of office gossip filled the break room like static on a bad radio. No one mentioned John's name directly, but everyone knew who they were talking about. They passed around fruit cups and tea like they were moviegoers munching popcorn, reveling in the drama of Susan's ongoing rejection of her arrogant coworker.
Upstairs, behind the tinted glass of his private, soundproof office, John was seething. As the door slammed shut behind him, he let out a primal yell and hurled a desk ornament against the far wall. The ceramic shattered against the drywall, echoing in the empty space like a gunshot.
"Damn it! That stuck-up—" His voice cracked into incoherence.
He collapsed into his leather chair, breathing hard. His face, pale and pimpled from long nights and worse habits, flushed with rage. No matter how many different women paraded in and out of his life, no matter how many dinners he threw or gifts he offered, Susan remained indifferent. And now, just because she'd captured a couple of lucky photos of Superman, she thought she was above him?
John's lips twisted into a sneer.
She'll regret this, he thought. I always have my ways.
---
As the sun dipped behind the skyline and the glowing city lights began to flicker on like stars, the office buzzed with the usual end-of-day energy. Computers clicked off. Keyboards quieted. Phones returned to their cradles. And among the steady stream of workers heading home, Susan leaned back in her chair, stretched her arms above her head, and let out a satisfied sigh.
Ding!
Her phone lit up with a text message.
> "Susan! I'm downstairs at your building! Come down!"
A smile tugged at her lips. It was only five o'clock on the dot. Punctual, even a little eager.
So much for Mr. Cool-and-Composed.
She grabbed her small compact mirror, dabbed on a quick layer of makeup, and gave her reflection a nod of approval. Then she headed toward the elevator, heels clicking against the polished floor tiles.
By the time she stepped outside, the city was alive with motion. The sidewalks were jammed with office workers and food delivery bikes, neon signs flashing across glass towers. She scanned the curb, eyes flicking between black sedans and yellow cabs.
"Hey! Susan!"
The voice came from behind her—too close.
She spun around, startled, and found herself practically nose-to-nose with Lin Feng. His grin was boyish and wide, his dark eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Lin!" Susan gasped, taking a step back with a blush creeping into her cheeks. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"
He didn't answer. Instead, Lin Feng raised both hands and traced a slow circle in the air.
"Ta-da!"
With a faint shimmer, as if conjured from thin air, a bouquet of lush, crimson roses bloomed in his arms. He bowed slightly and extended them toward her like a gallant knight presenting a treasure.
"For you, Miss Susan. You look especially radiant this evening."
Susan blinked in surprise. "Did you… just do a magic trick?" she asked, taking the bouquet. The rich floral scent filled her nose, chasing away the day's exhaustion. "How did you know I like roses?"
"That," Lin Feng replied with a wink, "is my little secret."
He offered his hand with a flourish. "May I have the honor of escorting you to dinner?"
Susan's cheeks flushed pink again, but this time, she didn't look away. She slid her hand into his. "Of course, my mysterious magician."
They walked hand-in-hand toward the curb where a sleek, black Rolls-Royce awaited them. The vehicle gleamed under the fading sunlight, and its signature flying lady ornament pointed proudly forward. The driver stepped out and opened the door.
"Happy?" Susan exclaimed in surprise.
"Miss Susan," Happy greeted with a friendly nod before turning to Lin Feng. "Mr. Lin."
His tone was noticeably respectful—almost reverent.
Susan's brows furrowed. "Wait… why is Happy Hogan your driver tonight? Isn't he Tony Stark's personal bodyguard?"
Lin Feng smirked. "Didn't I mention? Tony and I are friends."
"I thought you meant in a casual, you-met-at-a-party kind of way," she said, eyes narrowing. "Not borrow-his-driver kind of friends."
"Well," Lin said, helping her into the car, "I guess you'll have to keep discovering new sides of me."
---
Back inside the office tower, a group of coworkers loitered near the windows, watching the street below.
"Is that… Susan getting into a Rolls-Royce?"
"Dang, her boyfriend's fine," someone muttered, zooming in with their phone.
"He's young, charming—and rich?"
"Oh my God, post it in the group chat! Group! Chat! Now!"
Moments later, Susan's impromptu photoshoot hit the office messaging app like a bomb. Screens lit up as colleagues gawked, zoomed, and speculated.
"Maybe it's a rented car?"
"Please, you ever seen a license plate like that on a rental?"
"Wait—hold up. That's a Stark Industries plate."
"You don't think… her boyfriend is a Stark?"
"I just want to see John's face when he finds out."
"Want to see +1."
---
Meanwhile, inside the Rolls-Royce, Susan tried to process everything.
"So… how do you know I don't like steak?" she asked, curious and suspicious.
Lin Feng just chuckled. "Let's say I did my research."
And by research, I mean I bought a preferences profile from the system for 300 reputation points. Lin mentally grumbled. That dog system is highway robbery.
Susan tilted her head, unconvinced. "Let me guess… we're having seafood?"
"Getting warmer."
"Seafood and Oriental cuisine?"
"Now you're on fire," Lin said, beaming.
Susan's eyes lit up. "Wait a second—don't tell me it's Penglaiyun!?"
Lin gave a sly nod.
"No way!" Susan clapped her hands in excitement. "That's the top-ranked restaurant on every 'dream date' list!"
"It wasn't easy," Lin admitted. "But I pulled some strings."
Susan looked at him in amazement. "You got a reservation at a place that doesn't take reservations?"
Happy finally spoke up from the driver's seat. "Miss Susan, Mr. Lin is one of Stark Industries' shareholders. And he's one of Mr. Stark's most trusted associates. I doubt there's a place in this city that would dare turn him away."
Susan turned slowly toward Lin Feng, stunned. "You're a shareholder of Stark Industries?"
Lin shrugged. "Tony gave me a small stake. Said it was a thank-you gift."
"Just when I think I've figured you out…" Susan muttered. "You're like a human treasure chest."
---
Penglaiyun lived up to every bit of its reputation. The architecture was inspired by ancient Eastern palaces, with gilded dragon motifs curling across the ceiling, and the scent of ginger and star anise thick in the air. Private dining suites offered breathtaking city views, and servers moved like dancers between tables.
Susan's eyes sparkled as the courses arrived: snow crab steamed with Shaoxing wine, abalone with oyster glaze, and sashimi so fresh it seemed to melt on her tongue.
She savored each dish, occasionally sneaking glances at Lin Feng. He seemed as comfortable here as he did flying through the sky, which only made him more fascinating.
"I'd give this dinner a solid nine out of ten," Susan said afterward as they slid into the back seat for the ride home.
"Only nine?" Lin teased, inching just a little closer.
"I don't want you getting cocky," she replied, arching a brow.
But she didn't move away.
The car cruised down the glittering streets of New York, and for a moment, everything outside seemed to slow. The air between them was warm, full of laughter, stolen glances, and the thrill of something just beginning.
And somewhere far above, the stars began to come out.