The restaurant looked and felt elegant.
It exuded a rich aroma of steak and red wine, reaching Noa before he even entered the building.
Hana, too, smelled something good.
She even started drooling. And rubbing her stomach, she practically begged Noa to order something quickly.
After Noa gave the signal, the waiter handed him the menus.
The prices were high—higher than anything Noa had ever eaten. Still, he didn't flinch. He just confidently ordered two plates of Sardinian su filindeu—a pasta known for its unique flavors and ingredients.
Noa also ordered a Golden Opulence Sundae and two bottles of the finest orange juice.
The whole meal cost about $1,200—more than one month of his groceries.
The chair Hana was sitting on was too tall for her. But upon hearing the order, her expectations skyrocketed, putting her in an excellent mood.
As she was swinging her feet above the floor, Noa looked around the café.
'What if one day I can own a place like that,' he considered, observing the exquisite furniture and golden lamps that filled the restaurant.
The time of his next stream was approaching, but his stomach kept rumbling.
With the system by his side and the money from missions and donations from his viewers, Noa was confident he could fulfill his new resolutions.
Soon, Noa was lost in his thoughts.
The calming vibe of the room affected his nerves.
It was his first time feeling so relaxed. As if he had no responsibilities, no annoying bosses, and no guilt towards Hana.
But when the waiter approached and put down plates on his table, Noa snapped out of his daze.
"Brother, what are you thinking about?" Hana asked.
Either her intuition was good, or he couldn't hide his expression well.
No matter which one it was, Hana watched him with interest, trying to guess what had occupied his mind.
"Nothing," he shook his head. "I was just hungry, and my mind wandered off. Let's… dig in."
She narrowed her eyes for a moment.
But the steam from the hot pasta reached her nose and eyes, completely shifting her attention to the plate before her.
In a second, she was no longer looking at Noa with judging eyes but was aiming her fork at her food.
"Yummy," she exclaimed after a first bite, her eyes watering.
Seeing this, Noa didn't linger either.
He took the silver fork and stabbed the pasta with it. Then he twisted the fork, winding up as much as it could hold before bringing it to his mouth.
The taste?
The texture?
It was heavenly, melting his worries and exhaustion away.
The flavors burst on his tongue.
Unlike the instant noodles he was used to, every bite had a rich, silky, and creamy taste.
Hana was savoring every bite as well.
She was eating slowly, puffing her cheeks, but the corner of her mouth was still smeared with the sauce, making her look even more adorable.
Watching Hana nibble on her food, Noa's lips curled into a smile. "Do you like it?"
Though he asked an obvious question, she quickly gave him a thumbs-up only to go back to her plate.
Just then—
Noa heard a loud but familiar commotion across the room.
As he turned his head, he noticed someone he knew very well—Mr. James, striding with a group of people. Their loud chatter and the vibe they carried quickly drew attention.
Mr. James was Noa's old supervisor when he worked at a convenience store.
The guy was insufferable.
He constantly scolded his employees, including Noa, for being late, taking even a simple break, or even daring to protest against him.
He was notorious for being an asshole, and everyone who had worked with him despised his face.
Of course, Noa had been one of his targets.
As a poor orphan, the man knew Noa couldn't fight back.
Now he walked in a suit, his tie crooked as usual.
Three beautiful women and a young man in casual attire followed him, clearly showing respect towards him.
But when his eyes landed on Noa, Mr. James halted his steps.
The boy he knew shouldn't be able to afford half a plate in this place, yet here he was dining with his sister at a table full of expensive plates.
"If it isn't my good friend," he exclaimed, approaching Noa.
The heads of the people behind him also turned towards Noa. They were surprised by Mr. James' sudden actions.
"Do you know these kids?" one of the women asked.
She was a blonde, tall woman with rare charisma. Every word she uttered asked the room to stay still and listen to her.
Mr. James was no exception.
He nodded slightly, a wide grin appearing on his face.
"He is my old employee. I was so sad to see him go—especially knowing how dire his situation was. But now I am glad to see him doing… better."
The women around him nodded.
Their eyes continued flickering between Noa and Mr. James—understanding that there was some kind of history between them.
Seeing this, the man didn't waste the opportunity. "How about we share a table?" he asked, expecting to see Noa tremble under his gaze.
To his surprise, Noa didn't seem to mind. "Yeah. Why not? It's good to catch up with acquaintances."
Mr. James narrowed his eyes for a moment.
He didn't lose his composure, however, and pointed to his friends to join him at the table.
He even got permission from the waiter.
As soon as the group sat down, the air shifted immediately.
The blonde woman crossed her legs elegantly, judging both Noa and Hana as if they were jewels she wanted to purchase.
Hana fidgeted because of her piercing gaze.
But seeing Noa's deep smile, she knew her brother had everything in control.
The young man accompanying Mr. James smirked and whispered something to the woman sitting next to him, making her giggle.
Noa ignored them again, staring at his old boss without changing his expression.
Mr. James felt that something was off.
Still, he leaned forward, and putting his elbows on the table, he asked, "I never thought I would meet you here. Last time I saw you, you couldn't even afford to pay rent."
His tone was smooth, sounding like a casual conversation.
"So, Noa, tell me how you got in here? Who is paying for your food?"