Evelyn stepped into the private dining room. She took a seat and glanced around. "The decor here is really tasteful," she said.
"The owner designed it himself. He used to be an interior designer before switching to the restaurant business," Grace explained with a smile.
"No wonder," Evelyn replied. "He's a man of many talents."
Grace nodded and smiled, then asked, "So, you're due next month?"
"I'm just three months along," Evelyn said.
"That fast? I had no idea you were expecting before."
"I didn't know either. A Chinese medicine check-up tipped me off," Evelyn answered with a grin.
"Oh, you're far too careless. How could you not know something like that?" Grace said, half amused, half exasperated.
"Yeah, I really was careless," Evelyn admitted.
"But it's fine now. You just need to be more careful from here on out."
"Right. By the way, are you fully recovered?"
"Almost. With some rest, I'll be good as new."
"I was scared to death that day," Evelyn said.
"How did you find out?"
"Owen called Alexander, and I answered the phone," Evelyn explained.
"Owen. He was frantic to get me to a doctor. Don't hold it against him."
"It's okay. The situation was really urgent back then. He did it for you."
"I understand," Grace nodded. "Owen told me later. Honestly, if I'd known you were pregnant, I never would have agreed to let you donate blood."
"It's fine. It's all over now, and we're both healthy," Evelyn said, shaking her head with a smile.
"Evelyn, you're so kind," Grace said, looking at her sincerely.
Evelyn felt a little embarrassed.
If Alexander hadn't asked her to donate blood that day, she might have hesitated for a long time. She might not have done it at all.
So, to be honest, she felt unworthy of Grace's gratitude.
"Grace, I actually hesitated that day. I had just found out I was pregnant, and the doctor said my health wasn't great. I needed to be extra careful. If I hadn't been the only one with O-negative blood that day, or if Alexander hadn't urged me, I might not have stepped forward," Evelyn said truthfully.
Grace looked at her and shook her head with a smile.
"Evelyn, no matter what, you saved me in the end."
"It's good that everyone is okay. Let's not talk about it anymore. Don't take it to heart," Evelyn said.
Grace smiled at her but didn't nod or shake her head.
A benefactor might forget their own kindness, but the one who received it could never forget such a great debt. Otherwise, they would be ungrateful.
The dishes arrived one after another.
Grace introduced the specialties of each plate.
"Did you come here often before?" Evelyn asked while eating.
"Not often. Maybe two or three times a year. But I'm always satisfied," Grace replied.
"The taste is really good," Evelyn nodded in agreement.
The two ate and chatted like old friends who hadn't seen each other in a long time.
They both tactfully avoided certain topics.
After the meal, Evelyn's phone rang. She saw the caller ID and felt a bit awkward.
"It's fine. Answer it. I'll go to the restroom," Grace said with a smile.
"No, no, it's nothing important," Evelyn said quickly.
"It's okay. I actually need to go," Grace said, standing up and walking out of the room.
Evelyn had no choice but to answer.
"Alexander—"
"Where did you go? When I called back just now, Mom said you went out," Alexander asked on the other end.
"Having dinner with a friend."
"Emily or Charlotte?"
"Do I only have those two friends?" Evelyn laughed.
"Aren't you with them most of the time? Or is it a male friend?" Alexander teased.
"Yeah, yeah. Are you jealous and angry right now?" Evelyn joked.
"That depends. Is he a hot young guy who's better looking than me, or a guy who's uglier than me?"
"I'm kidding. I'm with Grace," Evelyn said truthfully.
"How did you end up with her?"
"Because of the blood donation. I said no, but she insisted on treating me to dinner. I couldn't refuse. I was bored at home anyway, so I came," Evelyn explained. "But we're almost done. I'll head back soon. Don't worry."
"Alright. Don't come back too late. Call me if you need anything."
"I will. Did you have lunch?"
"Just finished."
"Oh, get some rest, then you can work this afternoon."
"Okay. I'll pick you up tonight."
"I understand. Let's talk later. Bye."
After hanging up, Evelyn still had a smile on her face.
Honestly, every time she talked to Alexander, her mood naturally lifted.
Grace had gone to the restroom. She didn't return to the room immediately. She stood outside for a while before coming back.
"Why were you gone so long? The food is getting cold," Evelyn asked with a smile.
"I was chatting with the owner. Do you want anything else? The desserts here are pretty good too."
"No, no. I'm really full," Evelyn waved her hand.
"You don't have to be polite with me," Grace said with a smile.
"I'm not being polite. I really can't eat another bite."
Grace looked at her and smiled, not insisting.
"Let's sit for a while and rest."
Evelyn nodded.
"By the way, I might be going back soon," Grace continued.
"Going back?" Evelyn looked at her, confused.
"When I came back, I wanted to build my career here. But maybe I'm too used to life abroad. I haven't adapted well since returning. My health hasn't been great either. So after thinking it over, I decided to go back to the headquarters and continue working there," Grace explained.
"What about your family?"
"They're all abroad. I'm the only one staying at home right now."
"Oh. I don't have any experience living abroad, so I'm not really sure. But I know that as long as you're with your family, everything will be fine," Evelyn said.
"Yes. I want to be with my family too," Grace nodded.
"It won't be easy to see you and have dinner together in the future."
"No, I'll come back to China. And if you ever come over, you can come see me."
"That's true," Evelyn nodded with a smile.
Grace smiled but remained silent.
After a long pause, she spoke slowly.
"I can see that Alexander is very happy with you. I'm really happy for you too."