Chapter 79: The Scariest Thing Is Not What You Want to Do, But What I Think You Want to Do

This was a dinner that appeared somewhat romantic.

The elegant restaurant setting, with people speaking softly, was filled only with the piano music and the faint clinking of cutlery and dishes — unavoidable sounds when dining here, though everyone tried their best to minimize them.

Even sitting in the main hall, the atmosphere naturally created a sense of separation from other tables.

Each table was a small space, only accommodating the people seated around it.

Red petals, red tablecloths, and exquisite tableware gave the scene a romantic feel, even though Lynch had not made any particularly deliberate arrangements.

Perhaps because of the petals or the ambiance, most diners here were young couples.

Before the chef finished warming their food, Lynch talked about work.

Sometimes women seem easy to talk to, yet they hold certain stubbornness and an inscrutable quality—even they may not understand why they feel a certain way.

So the core topic could not be avoided. Lynch invited Vera to dinner to discuss work. If he avoided it, she would feel uneasy and start overthinking; if he brought it up, everything else would merely become a pleasant garnish to the evening.

“You know, I’ve been busy with the new job recently…” Lynch unfolded his napkin and smiled. A handsome man’s smile was always pleasant, just as beautiful people’s smiles were mesmerizing.

Lynch was handsome; his looks were his greatest asset. Handsomeness wasn’t a barrier to reaching the peak, but it made the path easier.

For example, now a handsome young man inviting a woman who was in a cold war with her husband to dinner created a slightly ambiguous atmosphere. The woman might enjoy this dangerously sweet moment with a faint flush.

If Lynch were ugly, not only would the atmosphere not be ambiguous, she probably wouldn’t even answer his calls.

Vera looked at Lynch and nodded. “You told me you had some plans for a new company.”

“Yes, I did…” His voice carried a kind of magic, allowing others to sense his inner joy—a special skill.

Expression and eyes combined with voice emitted misleading signals, making people feel he was genuinely happy. People relax their guard around good things; not just humans, animals do too.

“I plan to build a large company covering the entire state, finishing its formation between late this year and early next year.”

Halfway through, a waiter approached apologetically. Lynch paused.

The waiter held a bottle of red wine, bowed slightly. “Sorry, ma’am, sir, this is the wine you ordered.” He showed the label. “Shall I open it now?”

Vera touched her cheek and smiled, not in blame. “I didn’t know you ordered red wine.”

“If you don’t like it, we can have juice or something else,” Lynch quickly changed the choice, which made Vera embarrassed to say no. She just said it was fine, accepting alcohol with the meal.

She trusted Lynch and didn’t think he’d do anything inappropriate. Sometimes having a handsome face was enviable.

After smelling the oak cork, checking the label, and sensing the aroma and tannin changes, Lynch opened the bottle of red wine aged ten years.

Once the waiter left, Lynch smiled, “Actually, I don’t really like red wine; its taste…” He shrugged, making Vera laugh.

“If you don’t like it, why order it?” Vera asked, unsure why she asked or what answer she sought.

Lynch poured some wine into Vera’s glass, taking over the waiter’s task. “I thought you’d like it. I read some books saying ladies like red wine, right?”

His answer surprised her, shutting down further questions. If she asked why he read those books, the answer might be awkward.

Without pressing, Vera wouldn’t know, but after the meal when the alcohol took effect, she might overthink.

Why would a handsome young man want to please her? She’d invent a reason to satisfy herself, secretly delighted while enjoying the mood.

She might even tell herself that pursuing her was Lynch’s choice but wouldn’t accept it—so it wasn’t betrayal or infidelity. She couldn’t stop someone’s freedom based on her thoughts, even if that wasn’t the truth.

Sometimes women’s thoughts were contradictory; men could be even more so.

Vera’s light makeup no longer hid her warming cheeks. The flush made her look tender and hazy, her aura more fragrant.

“…This new company will have a dedicated accounting department. I don’t trust others much, so I want you to lead it.” Lynch placed the wine bottle in a bucket with ice cubes. The restaurant kept the wine at an ideal drinking temperature by preventing direct contact between ice and bottle.

Back on work, Vera’s expression grew serious, though uncertain. “I’ve never done this kind of work. Maybe you should find a professional. I can assist.”

Lynch looked into her eyes, shaking his head. “I don’t trust others. I trust only you.”

Being needed was a happiness. Vera’s gaze softened, voice gentler. “I’ll watch over it…”

“I insist!” Lynch said firmly. “I’m not afraid of mistakes or losses. This department is yours. That’s final.”

She nodded resignedly. “I’ll try my best. Don’t blame me if I mess up.”

Lynch smiled quietly, paused about ten seconds to let her absorb and accept the information before continuing. “The new job might get busy. I’ll have multiple companies to coordinate with, which may take up some extra time from you. If…”

Vera pressed her lips, interrupting, “I’ll help you, don’t worry!”

A sense of responsibility and mission instilled a mysterious strength, fueling a fighting spirit that could create miracles.

Lynch then discussed work details. The chefs finally brought their dinner.

A sumptuous meal, fine tableware, elegant setting, and the glitz of nightlife—no wonder people yearned for wealth, for true happiness lay hidden in riches.

After a while, around nine p.m., Lynch drove Vera to the entrance of her community. He intended to take her home but stopped outside.

He said if her husband saw her riding in a young man’s car, it might anger him and harm their relationship.

So Lynch, being considerate, parked outside the gate, saying it would help Vera sober up.

Moved by Lynch’s thoughtfulness, Vera said goodbye happily and walked home carrying her bag.