The Trending Topic Herself: The Villainess is the Superstar!

Chapter 285: The Hot Pot Restaurant in the Deep Alley

Maya Monroe understood from his words that it meant he had prepared other plans.

The person coming to pick them up was still Vincent Summers, and before getting into the car, Maya Monroe saw him winking at Ian Rowe.

She roughly understood where Ian Rowe learned his method from.

At the same time, she found it somewhat amusing—Vincent Summers was also a straightforward man, so what could they possibly have to exchange and learn from each other?

Maya Monroe got into the car first, and during the brief moment, Vincent Summers couldn’t help but ask Ian Rowe, his tone filled with excitement and pride, "Ian, how was it? My method worked, didn’t it? Let me tell you, that’s how it’s done in TV dramas; that’s romance! The meal you cooked was really unnecessary; you should’ve just hired a Michelin chef instead!"

"Joel Quinn’s way was just useless; you should’ve listened to me! I’ll say it: roses and candles are timeless, eternal classics!"

Vincent Summers couldn’t help but beam with pride, asking for confirmation, "Ian, just tell me honestly, did Maya Monroe get moved to tears? Ah, what a pity I wasn’t there; I would’ve loved to see the scene of a tiger shedding tears..."

"Not bad," Ian Rowe said in a relaxed tone, his mood quite good, his voice slightly elevated.

Vincent Summers instantly understood what it meant and chuckled, "So, Ian, about that raise you mentioned earlier... It’s not like I absolutely need it, but you know what they say, ’A gentleman’s word is his bond...’"

Ian Rowe gave him a sidelong glance, having already seen through his intentions, "You won’t miss out, just get in the car."

Vincent Summers eagerly agreed and quickly got into the car.

Ian Rowe sat next to Maya Monroe and placed his hand over hers, slightly curled. When he saw she didn’t resist, he gradually tightened his grip.

Maya Monroe closed her eyes slightly, breathing steadily, but her mind was exceptionally clear.

For example, she could smell the sandalwood scent coming from beside her, and she could feel the searing warmth from his fingertips spreading upward along her skin.

Having heightened senses didn’t seem like a good thing after all; Maya Monroe tried her best to ignore these sensations but ultimately declared failure. She urged herself to sleep to escape the dilemma in front of her, yet her mind still echoed with the memory of that beautifully detailed cake, the shining candle in the daylight, and those dazzling roses...

It was like an absurd and intoxicating dream, hard to expel from her mind.

Meanwhile, Vincent Summers in the front kept on chattering, from analyzing buildings to discussing coffee from a particular store, annoyingly loud...

Maya Monroe opened her eyes, "Stop mumbling."

Vincent Summers paused and saw Maya Monroe’s impatient face in the rearview mirror. He thought for a while and swallowed his complaint.

Now he understood that offending Maya Monroe was akin to offending Ian Rowe, and offending Ian Rowe wouldn’t bring any good. If he wanted a promotion and a raise, he’d better read the situation and flatter the right people.

In fact, even without considering Ian Rowe, Maya Monroe wasn’t someone easy to deal with either; offending her wouldn’t yield any good results.

Vincent Summers grunted but didn’t speak again.

Ian Rowe observed everything silently. His plans to spend alone time with Maya Monroe were always disrupted by Vincent Summers’ loudmouth.

Spending time alone with her was the best scenario.

Finally, the car stopped in front of a shopping mall, and Ian Rowe held her hand as he got out of the car.

"I’ve thought about it for a long time; it seems I’ve never properly gone shopping with you, and that’s my mistake. We have a lot of time today, and whatever you want to do, I’ll accompany you."

Ian Rowe had thought long and hard about what to give Maya Monroe for her birthday. Jewelry, clothes—all were rejected in the end. Perfumes and bags wouldn’t interest her either as she was never interested in those things.

Just preparing a cake and meal wasn’t enough; Ian Rowe eventually came up with this idea. Whatever Maya Monroe wanted, he would give her, and he would accompany her to try anything.

Maya Monroe’s eyes lit up slightly, "I can do anything I want?"

He nodded.

"So, if I want hotpot and barbecue, that’s okay too?"

Ian Rowe hesitated for a moment but still nodded.

Maya Monroe excitedly took Ian Rowe’s arm, "Then let’s not stay at this mall; let’s go to a hotpot restaurant. I know a place that tastes really good, especially with its extremely spicy option..."

Maya Monroe mentioned a hotpot spot located in a little alley, not in a bustling area, and it took quite a bit of effort with twists and turns to get there.

Once they arrived, Vincent Summers left without looking back; he didn’t particularly like hotpot and was equally indifferent to being a third wheel during romantic dinners.

"Here it is, let’s go inside and take a look!"

The last time, Serena Sawyer had brought her here, and just one visit was enough for Maya Monroe to remember the authentic taste.

Maya Monroe pulled Ian Rowe by the hand inside, her eyes filled with excitement.

Ian Rowe’s gaze lingered on their clasped hands, and he said nothing, letting Maya Monroe lead him forward.

As soon as they entered, the pungent spicy aroma hit them.

Ian Rowe had never been to such a place before; the shop wasn’t big, with tables lined one after another, bustling with noise. The loud chatter was unrestrained, forming a dense crowd.

Maya Monroe walked familiarly to the counter to reserve a private room.

Ian Rowe, with his outstanding appearance and rare grace and elegance, looked like a picturesque scene just standing there, making it hard to avert one’s gaze.

Despite his cold demeanor, his allure attracted quite a few people asking for his contact information.

Ian Rowe politely declined, holding Maya Monroe’s hand, making the diamond ring on his ring finger even more prominent.

Their matching rings were obviously a couple’s set, and their striking figures made them appear perfect for each other. The surrounding crowd soon dispersed.

After booking a room, a staff member came over to guide them upstairs.

Maya Monroe adjusted her mask, teasing, "Didn’t expect you’d be quite popular."

Ian Rowe unconsciously tightened his grip on her hand, giving her a sidelong glance, "Why do I sense you’re a bit gloating?"

His tone was deeper than usual, carrying a hint of danger.

Maya Monroe quickly put away her smile, "That’s not what I meant; how could you think that of me..."

Ian Rowe glanced around the room, which wasn’t elegantly decorated but was clean enough.

The serving speed was fast, and the staff was courteous.

The hotpot was bubbling, the spicy aroma filling the air. Ian Rowe took out a handkerchief to cough lightly, the steam reddening his beautiful eyes.

He moved back a bit, distancing himself from the hotpot.

Maya Monroe was busy adding food to the pot, not forgetting to add some for Ian Rowe, "This is a divided pot; you can have the clear broth side."

Her cheeks were also flushed, the fair skin showing a hint of red, her eyes misty, but her expression was very excited.