Chapter 18%
A migratory bird that eventually found its resting place and so was Wanda. She decided to stay in Paris. She was thirty years old that year To keep herself from idling, she opened a small milk tea shop near the University of Paris. It quickly became a favorite hangout spot for students.&
It wasn’t uncommon for young male students, egged on by their friends, to awkwardly confess their affection for her in broken English. Wanda always gently rejected them. She knew it was merely part of the romantic nature of the Frenchmen. To soften the refusal, she would offer her admirers a free milk tea. I
Of course, those who came solely to take advantage were quickly shown the door… but it was not by her but by the group of justice–loving students who frequented her shop.
Over time, Wanda’s reputation spread across the university district. Some affectionately nicknamed her the “Mysterious Beauty from the East”
Nobody knew which city she came from or how she managed to run a modest milk tea shop in one of Paris’s most bustling areas. Then one man often patronized her milk tea shop. He would order a cup of milk tea and sit near the window while reading a book. He would sit there all day
When Wanda looked up, she would see him there.
It wasn’t until some regular students mentioned it that she learned he was o
one of their professors. Apparently, he was witty and engaging during lectures, but his grading standards were notonously harsh. Many students had failed his class.8
Hearing this, Wanda chuckled and teased in fluent French, “Don’t tell me you’ve failed his course too?”
“Ive never failed anyone without reason” A clear and crisp voice entered her ears.
Realizing that the professor had overheard her, Wanda blushed. She glanced around, hoping to find someone to help her, but the student who had started the conversation had already bolted a long time ago.
Left with no choice, she awkwardly offered, “How about I treat you to a cup of milk tea?”
“No need,” he replied with a smile, “However, I’d like to use this opportunity to ask you out for dinner instead. How does that sound?”
Caught off guard, Wanda looked up at him. To her surprise, he didn’t seem the least bit embarrassed. Though he smiled gently at her, he was staring straight at her.
There was something vaguely familiar about him.
After running her brain, she dismissed it as her imagination.
When she didn’t respond immediately, the light in Richard Ward’s eyes dimmed slightly. “Forget it,” he said. “I won’t force you.”
“Sure,” she said suddenly.
They talked at the same time. &
Their eyes met. Wanda pursed her lips and smiled. She finally realized that the man who looked calm was not calm at all. His ears turned red and there was a flash of nervousness in his eyes.
They finally decided to eat at a Hong Kong–style restaurant.
When they arrived, the waiter immediately greeted Richard. As soon as th
eyes. He inquired, “Is this your girlfriend?“%
as they saw Wanda, a hint of amazement flashed through the waiter’s
For some reason, Wanda felt offended. She pursed her lips, regretting her hasty decision to accept his dinner invitation.
Richard quickly clarified, “She is just a friend.”}
Sensing the awkward tension, the waiter hastily handed them menus and left the private room.
Richard gave her the menu and explained, “He didn’t mean any harm. He’s just ourous because this is the first time I brought a woman here.”
Wanda was not a petty person. When she heard this, she relaxed and ordered some dessert from the menu.
