79 Chicken Skin (1/2)

Neo noticed that I was in a good mood when I arrived in our table. He still have that signature poker face of his, it was only for a second but I saw doubt and curiosity glimmer in those pitch black orbs of his. I didn't give heed to whatever he might be thinking right now because my full attention is on the food in front. I am not lacking when it comes to food or money but for me free food is the best. It is not everyday that I am treated to such a fine restaurant by the people on top of the food chain anyway. I just hope I get to enjoy this food peacefully.

There are a variety of delicacies displayed in front of us right now. A very expensive wine is also prepared for our table. I found out that the four of them, including miss A, are actually childhood friends. Juaqin and Fei are older than us and are currently enrolled in a well known University in Y Country which is only a few hours drive away from X country. Fei's mother is one of the faculty staff in Xin City high. She often comes back to Xin City High to visit or surprise her mom on her workplace. She once saw a forum about me in the school's webpage that is why she knows about me being nicknamed as the ice queen. Juaqin is actually the quiet and gentleman type. He doesn't talk much but I can sense the cold shoulder Neo is giving to this cousin of his.

”Where is Ashly? She should be back by now. Oh, here she comes.” Fei said as she spotted Miss A in the distance.

”I'm sorry. Mother suddenly called to check on me.” she apologetically said as she sat back down to her seat.

”Auntie can be too antsy sometimes.” Fei said as she held a knife to cut the steak on her plate.

”Let me help you with that.” Juaquin said, offering to cut it for her.

”Oh, thanks J.” said as she pass the knife and plate to him.

”Your welcome.” Juaquin said.

I silently observed their small gestures as I chew on my own steak. Are they a couple? They seem close to each other, but Neo did mention that his love rival is his cousin? Was he talking about Juaquin? If so, then that explains his sudden killing intent earlier.

”Mother just wants to make sure that I am safe. You know how overprotective she can get. She felt relieved when I told her that Kei is also here. She said that Kei will surely look after me.” she smilingly said as she turned to look at Neo. Neo only nodded his head and didn't say anything else. Her cheeks then started to turn pinkish when Neo agreed to what she had just said.

Oh, so she's using the 'close-to-the-family' card now? This little missy is very sly. She knows her cards well. Though it doesn't really matter to me. She can use every card she has but that will never change the fact that you are a bad girl and the demon king already knows it. I wonder how this devil will drag this fallen angel into the underworld for punishment.

Miss A felt elated that Neo actually sided with her in front of me. She secretly smirked as she imagined how jealous I might be feeling right now. I didn't mind her knowing look at all as I continued to elegantly eat my food.

Everyone ate in silence. It is proper etiquette to avoid talking or doing anything else when having a meal. I was about to grab the glass of water when I noticed Neo removing thechicken skin from the chicken meat and placing the chicken skin on the side of his plate. As if on instinct, my hand unconsciously moved on its own and before I knew it the chicken skin is already on my plate.

Elrae! This is embarasing! Why did you even do that?! I scolded my self as I saw the expressions of those in our table.