Chapter 2
642words
Whenever Lucy mentioned troubles at the restaurant, they mysteriously resolved themselves—the ancient refrigerator suddenly worked perfectly, the overdue rent was anonymously paid, and the restaurant's interior received an overnight facelift. Though Lucy remained oblivious to the source, she couldn't help wondering about the enigmatic man who appeared each night.
That evening, with only the three of them in the restaurant, Lucy playfully suggested teaching Adrian how to make dumplings. Chef Chen watched from the corner, his weathered face unreadable.
"Dumplings?" Adrian's brow furrowed in confusion. "Are these also Sichuan cuisine?"
Lucy laughed, the sound like silver bells. "Not exactly! But making dumplings is a tradition for Chinese families. It's something we do together—a bonding ritual, you could say."
"Family..."
The word hung in the air. Adrian couldn't remember when he'd last truly contemplated its meaning. Since his Transformation at the hands of a Dracul prince, such human connections had become distant memories.
"I'd like to learn," Adrian said softly.
"Watch first," Lucy said, taking a dumpling wrapper so thin it was nearly translucent. "Add the filling—not too much, not too little. Then fold it like this, dip your finger in water, and pinch along the edges to seal it..."
In seconds, a perfect crescent-shaped dumpling appeared in her hands, as elegant as a porcelain sculpture.
"It seems straightforward enough," Adrian murmured, picking up a wrapper and attempting to mimic her movements.
Theory and practice, however, proved to be entirely different beasts. The nearly omnipotent Vampire Duke's first attempt was a misshapen mess—lopsided with filling oozing from the poorly sealed edges.
Lucy couldn't suppress a giggle. "Well, it has... character!"
Adrian rubbed his nose, embarrassment coloring his features.
"Don't rush," Lucy said, moving beside him. "Here, let me show you..."
She stood behind him, her warm hands gently guiding his. The faint scent of flour mingled with her natural perfume as her breath whispered past his ear. For the first time in centuries, Adrian felt his heart race.
"Pinch it just like this... yes, that's it," Lucy instructed patiently, oblivious to the intensity growing in Adrian's gaze.
"Lucy," he said suddenly, his voice cutting through the comfortable silence, "have you ever thought about... leaving this place?"
Lucy froze, a half-formed dumpling suspended between her fingers. "Leave? Why would I want to leave?"
"I mean, move to a bigger city, open a larger restaurant. Let more people experience your extraordinary cooking."
Lucy considered his words, then slowly shook her head. "I've never really thought about it. This small shop is where I grew up. And cooking isn't about fame—it's about bringing joy to people who truly appreciate it. Like you." Her eyes met his. "Seeing you enjoy my Blood Curd Stew each night gives me all the satisfaction I need."
"If..." Adrian hesitated, his voice uncharacteristically uncertain. "If one day I had to leave, would you miss me?"
Lucy's hands stilled. "You're leaving? Why?"
Seeing the distress in her eyes, Adrian felt both elation and uncertainty. "No, it's nothing you've done. I just... worry that circumstances might force me to leave someday."
"Could you... stay?" Lucy's voice trembled slightly. "I've grown used to making Blood Curd Stew for you each night, to hearing your stories about music, to having you... by my side. If you left, I'd be terribly lonely."
Adrian stood perfectly still, stunned by her candor.
"Lucy, are you saying...?"
"I'm confessing, Adrian. I've fallen for you."
Adrian froze, uncertain how to respond. The last woman who had spoken such words to him had long since turned to dust. He was a vampire, she was human—wouldn't she be terrified if she knew? After all, she was vulnerable even to common street thugs.
Without another word, Adrian fled the restaurant, leaving Lucy standing alone among half-formed dumplings.
