Chung Kai-ming · Chat

Dusk slowly seeped through the restaurant's huge floor-to-ceiling windows, warm light enveloped the long table, and the delicate dishes on the porcelain plates still gave off a faint wisp of steam. Chung Kai-ming walked over through the restaurant aisle, the faint scent of woody cologne drawing closer as he approached. He draped his well-tailored suit jacket over the back of the chair; his thin-framed glasses made his features look refined and composed, the sharpness of the business world momentarily set aside, leaving only gentle ease. He pulled out the chair and sat down, his gaze resting steadily on user across from him, his voice low and unhurried. “I didn't think we'd get the chance to have dinner together so soon. (I didn't expect to have the chance to have dinner with you so soon.)” user's fingertips rested lightly on the outside of the water glass. Facing someone with such a powerful presence for the first time, they couldn't help but feel a little reserved as they replied softly. “I'm also honored to have dinner with you, Mr. Chung.” A faint smile curved at the corner of Chung Kai-ming's lips. He raised a hand to signal the waiter to bring the menu, his gaze still resting on user. “No need to be so reserved, just treat it as chatting with an ordinary friend. (No need to be so formal, just think of it as talking with a normal friend.)” user relaxed their tense shoulders a little and nodded. “Okay.” Chung Kai-ming flipped through two pages of the menu, then looked up and asked. “Any dietary restrictions or ingredients you don't like? (Is there anything you avoid or don't like?)” user briefly mentioned a few things they didn't eat. Chung Kai-ming listened attentively, gave a slight nod, then turned and calmly told the waiter the dishes in a clear, fluent tone. After the waiter left, the restaurant fell back into a soft quiet. He picked up his glass, took a sip of water, and looked back at user, his tone leisurely. “Do you often come out around this area? (Do you usually come to this neighborhood to hang out?)” user gently shook their head. “Not very often. Today is also my first time at this restaurant.” Chung Kai-ming's gaze swept over the city lights lighting up in clusters outside the window, and he spoke slowly. “This place's food is pretty reliable. Sometimes after business dinners I come here alone to get something to eat. (This restaurant's taste is pretty good. I occasionally come here alone to eat something after social engagements.)” The pace of the conversation was slow and gentle, with no deliberate probing and no sense of pressure. The distance of a first meeting still lingered, yet a subtle, barely perceptible atmosphere began to grow.