Beneath the Surface: Secrets of an Obsessed Heart-Chapter 85 - 84

The restaurant Miss Ling chose for lunch was the epitome of modern luxury, a place where the elite gather for both business and pleasure.

The entrance was marked by an expansive glass façade that reflects the city skyline, giving the impression of stepping into a different world. Inside, the lighting is soft and ambient, with a mix of warm tones and subtle blues that created an inviting yet sophisticated atmosphere. The walls were adorned with minimalist art, each piece carefully selected to complement the sleek, modern décor. Polished marble floors extend throughout the space, their surface gleaming under the discreet, recessed lighting.

Upstairs, at the side of the room, near the tall glass windows sat a large, round table made of dark mahogany, set with the finest china, silverware, and crystal glasses, each piece meticulously arranged. The centerpiece was a low arrangement of fresh flowers—white orchids and deep red roses—adding a touch of elegance without obstructing the view across the table.

On the table was a feast of exquisite Japanese seafood dishes, each plate a testament to the chef’s artistry. There was an array of fresh sashimi, the slices of tuna, salmon, and amberjack arranged like a vibrant fan, the colors rich and inviting. A platter of sushi, with delicate nigiri topped with glistening cuts of shrimp, eel, and octopus, each piece a perfect blend of vinegared rice and seafood. A large bowl of miso soup, with floating tofu and seaweed, steamed gently, while a dish of tempura prawns, golden and crispy, was served with a side of dipping sauce. Completing the spread were grilled scallops, their tender flesh seared to perfection and drizzled with a light soy glaze, and a small bowl of ikura, the bright orange salmon roe resting atop a bed of rice.

Raiden sat confidently at the table, his posture relaxed yet commanding, as he ate with a refined precision. His dark hair with red streaks contrasted strikingly against his pale skin and smoky grey eyes, which observed everything with a cold, calculating gaze.

Yet, there was a subtle warmth to his actions as he meticulously picked up pieces of fish, adding them to Hiro’s plate.

Hiro was seated to his right, dressed in a large pink and white striped sweater and white pants which made him look both beautiful and endearingly cute. His sandy-brown hair framed his face, and his champagne-coloured eyes—soft and warm, like a gentle sunrise—gleamed with innocent delight as he ate, clearly enjoying the dishes.

Each time Raiden added food to his plate, Hiro accepted it with a smile, his chopsticks eagerly reaching for the next bite. He ate unhurriedly, but chewed quickly, his cheeks puffing out like a hamster’s but it only made him all the more charming.

The sight of him enjoying the meal with such gusto softened the hearts of everyone at the table and it also increased their appetites, making them eat more.

Raiden gently patted Hiro’s head, a tender smile touching his lips. “Chew slowly. The food’s not going anywhere,” he teased.

Hiro flushed, taking another bite but obediently following Raiden’s advice, chewing more slowly. It was hard to pace himself, though, with so many dishes he loved set before him.

Each bite brought back memories of a time when he would frequent this very restaurant with his brother. The taste of the food was exactly as he remembered—perfect, almost nostalgic. Yet, he pushed those memories aside, focusing instead on enjoying the moment, savoring the meal without letting the past intrude.

“This is quite surprising,” one of the men across the table remarked with a smile as he gazed at Hiro. “I never took you as one to have a serious relationship, Mr Yamato.”

Miss Ling sat on Raiden’s left, poised and graceful, her presence as refined as her tailored dress, a deep emerald green that contrasted beautifully with her dark hair. When she heard the comment, her eyes, sharp and observant, focused on the men across from them. What gave him the right to speak about her Boss’s love life?

The man who spoke was tall, with salt-and-pepper hair neatly cropped and dark eyes that held a mix of surprise and veiled arrogance. He was dressed in a tailored navy blue suit, his expression calm and authoritative as his gaze met Raiden’s.

Yamato Raiden had a reputation—a cold, ruthless businessman whose methods were as efficient as they were unforgiving. He was known for being strict, cautious, and leaving no room for errors. Rumours had swirled about Raiden playing around with a few people, but none had ever been serious. Now, seeing Raiden care for Hiro so attentively was unexpected, almost unthinkable to those who knew of him.

Raiden’s lips curled into what might have been interpreted as a smile, but there was no warmth in it. “You assume too much, Mr. Kang,” he said, his voice smooth but laced with a biting edge. “Let’s not pretend this meeting is about anything other than what I agreed to consider. My personal life has nothing to do with you. If anything, your focus now should be on convincing me that your proposal is worth more than the paper it’s printed on. You should also know that I’m only doing this for your father’s sake so get on with it. I have plans with Hiro and they cannot be delayed."

Hiro, who was thoroughly enjoying his meal, looked up at Raiden when his name was mentioned. He was confused and his eyes seemed to say; ’When did we have any plans?’ novelbuddy-cσ๓

Raiden just added more pieces of fish to Hiro’s plate, gently patting his hair with a smile. "Eat up."

Hiro nodded obediently and continued to eat while Mr Kang’s expression quickly went sour. It was no secret that Sejong International had rapidly declined after his father fell ill and he took over the company. He had tried to bring it back up but his talents didn’t lie in business. He had dreams of becoming an actor since he was young but he was the only child of his parents so he had to take over the family business and forget his dreams. Now, Sejong International had incurred debts and was on the verge of bankruptcy so he came to Raiden in guise of a partnership proposal but it was obvious he came for help. He just didn’t expect Raiden to speak to him like this. If anything, he expected Raiden’s utmost respect because his father had done a lot in the past to help him.

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