Lilia got into the back of the car, followed by Claire. At first, Lilia asked Claire to sit at the front like before, but the woman insisted that it would be easier for her to chat when they were both in the passenger seats.
Andrew sat in the driver's seat and fastened his seat belt, then glanced at the two women in the rearview mirror. He felt a little lonely when he saw them chatting and laughing without him.
Andrew could not hold back and joked, "Am I your personal driver now?"
Claire turned her head and raised her eyebrows while wearing an angry expression, "What do you mean? You should be grateful that I gave you the opportunity to experience the joy of being a driver! Or are you saying that you don't need that kind of experience?"
Even though Claire said that, the two exchanged gazes full of love and understanding that no one else could understand.
Andrew smiled faintly and replied, "Of course I didn't mean it that way. I'm very happy, my dear."
The man's voice was so tender and loving that Lilia shuddered. She now understood why Chris always put on a weird expression whenever he saw her and Jean alone. Lilia quietly apologized to Chris, Kenny, and everyone who had been forced to see their intimacy. Now she learned how bad it was to be in that position!
Claire chuckled and patted the man's shoulder. As their car started to accelerate, Claire turned back to Lilia, "Just ignore him. Now, tell me ... "
*****
Imperial Restaurant was the most famous restaurant in all of Jakarta. The restaurant was located in the city center and was a must-visit for tourists. Looking back, the restaurant had been around for about 50 years, making it a quite historic place.
Andrew turned the car into a fairly narrow alleyway. The dim lighting along the road made the alleyway's atmosphere mysterious and filled with shadows.
At the end of the alley stood a small restaurant with a sign that read 'Imperial Restaurant'. Lilia stared at the restaurant with a mixture of surprise and disappointment. She thought the Imperial Restaurant would look even grander, true to its name. However, it turned out that the restaurant was not much different from other restaurants that could be found on the roadside.
Claire laughed when she saw Lilia's face, "Everyone who came here for the first time reacted the same way. This restaurant does look small, but don't underestimate the number of customers. If you want to eat here, you have to make a reservation from half a year earlier, or even a year before!" Claire explained proudly, as if this was her restaurant.
"I've heard of this restaurant." Lilia nodded, "Everyone says that the food is great. I've always wanted to try eating here!"
The smile on Claire's face grew wider when she heard that.
Andrew parked the car in the parking lot near the restaurant, then the three of them walked there. As he walked, Andrew quickened his pace and put a cashmere scarf around Claire's shoulder to keep her from chilling. The man didn't say anything, but his actions were full of concern.
Claire pulled the shawl tighter before smiling softly at her husband, "Thank you."
Lilia hurriedly looked away with a flushed face. Jean did that to her a lot too, but she still felt as if she was disturbing the romantic moment between them.
To divert her thoughts, Lilia focused her attention on the Imperial Restaurant. The Chinese food restaurant only consisted of one floor and looked quite old, but still well maintained. The exterior walls were painted gray, while the front door was made of wood, giving it an old but elegant feel. Lilia heard that there were many CEOs and celebrities from within and outside the country who were regular customers of this restaurant.
When they entered the restaurant, they were greeted by a receptionist. The staff member confirmed their identities before directing the three of them to the restaurant's only dining area.
"Lilia, do you know why it's so hard to find a table in this restaurant?" Claire asked as they walked down the hall with dim lighting.
Lilia shook her head, her gaze was busy studying the photos on the wall. The portrait adorning the left wall was of famous people who had eaten here, while the row across it showed the photo of the restaurant's owner from generation to generation.
"That's because this restaurant only accepts one group of guests per day!" Claire explained with a wide grin.
"O-Only one?" Lilia almost tripped over the uneven wooden floor when she heard that. No wonder people had to book a place a year in advance!
"The family that owns this restaurant is good friends with my family." Andrew gave an explanation from behind Lilia, "That's why we got a table tonight."
"I-I see ..." Lilia nodded stiffly.
Even though she came from a fairly wealthy family, she had never used her family name to get this kind of privilege. Lilia then recalled the time when Jean ordered the whole restaurant when they had dinner together. Maybe things like this were common in wealthy and powerful families?
They arrived at the dining room, which was filled with only a round table and a few chairs. Claire wasn't kidding when she said that only a group of guests could eat there in one day.
The waitress disappeared into the kitchen without taking their order. Claire explained that the restaurant menu changed every day, according to the restaurant owner's wishes. But Claire assured her that all of their dishes were equally delicious.
As they were waiting for their food to arrive, an old man with a hunched back walked in. The walking stick the old man was using made a regular knocking sound every time it hit the floor.
"Grandpa Anton!"
Seeing the old man, Andrew immediately got up from his chair and helped the man walk in. His gestures and expression were full of respect for the old man.
"Haha, I didn't think the two of you would really come!" Even though Grandpa Anton's hair had turned white and he was wearing progressive glasses with thick lenses, the old man's voice still thundered with excitement, "I thought my grandson only said it to make me happy!"
Claire also stood up and supported Grandpa Anton from the other side. The woman said, "Grandpa, sorry we came so suddenly. Please don't blame Hana. I asked her to book a place tonight."
"No, no, I don't blame anyone." Grandpa Anton shook his head, "I'm just glad you can come tonight."
The husband and wife talked for a moment with Grandpa Anton, then Claire pulled Lilia forward to be introduced, "Grandfather, let me introduce my sister-in-law, Lilia Pangestu."
"Hello, Grandpa Anton." Lilia bent her knees while greeting the old man respectfully, "Nice to meet you."
"Lilia Pangestu…" Grandpa Anton muttered, his gaze was fixed on Lilia. Even though the man was old, his gaze still looked as sharp as an eagle, "The family name 'Pangestu' is quite unique, huh."
For a moment, Grandpa Anton continued to stare closely at Lilia. An awkward silence enveloped the room. Andrew and Claire exchanged confused glances.
"Grandpa Anton, what do you mean ..."
Before Claire could finish her sentence, Grandpa Anton adjusted his glasses and said, "This kid looks really kind. She really looks like Simon."
Grandpa Anton was referring to his childhood friend. The two of them were close friends, but also rivals. Their relationship fitted the adage 'The more you fight, the closer you get'. Every time the two met, they would definitely compete using a chess game.
The husband and wife exchanged confused looks again.
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