Tiffany finally came to a realization, “Oh… I think I know who sent this. Then I don’t want it either. I’ll leave mine here too.”
Many stalls in the market were not open during Christmas time. Arianne shopped for ingredients here regularly, and one shop owner whom she was well-acquainted with happened to be around. After choosing her items and making her payment, the shop owner suddenly pulled out a black plastic bag, “Here, it must be difficult for two young girls to be all alone during the holiday season. My son brought this back from another country. Have some, it’s my gift to you.”
Arianne’s first instinct told her that it probably wasn’t anything too expensive. After declining a few times, she ended up accepting it anyway. Once they’d paid and left, Tiffany turned around and viewed their surroundings again.
“It’s strange. Everyone’s packing up to go home after we’ve finished making our purchases.”
Arianne turned around to look as well. It was true. It was still early, but that shop owner who had just given her a gift was getting ready to leave as well. She looked into the black plastic bag and suddenly realized the peculiarity of their situation. On the surface, the item was wrapped in a cheap, black plastic bag. It didn’t seem like anything expensive. However, inside lay a high-quality steak that was no less than one kilogram in weight!
It was difficult to find this type of steak anywhere in the country. It was imported and had a high market value, sealed in a vacuum pack. No one would be silly enough to just give something so expensive away. If the shop owner had actually managed to get ahold of this grade of steak, she’d need to be a high society lady. Why would she have to set up a stall and sell vegetables, or dress in such simple clothes if that was the case?
“I think… This seems to be Jackson’s style. After all, no one has a better grasp of ingredients than he does. I’ve had this steak in his restaurant before…” Arianne wore a complicated expression on her face.
Tiffany was suddenly enlightened, “Then were those scarves from him too? Are you sure that he’s the only one? Is Mark here? I’m kind of panicking… I’m too scared to go home now…”
Arianne’s shoulders sank, “Mark won’t come. At least, not yet. Since Jackson’s here, you can give him a call. This steak is too expensive. My cooking skills wouldn’t do it justice. Tell him to come over and cook it for us.”
Tiffany did not expect for Arianne to make such an arrangement, but it had been awhile since she'd had Jackson’s cooking. She was now craving for it, so she pulled out her phone and gave Jackson a call, which was received within seconds, “I know you’re here. You had someone arrange for us to get that steak, right? If you’re here, stop hiding. Come out and make us a meal!”
“You’ve caught me so soon? Alright, I’m coming out then.”
Jackson’s voice rang out from behind them. The pair turned around at the same time. Jackson was dressed in a black windbreaker, and his face was the picture of innocence, his aristocratic aura drawing a stark contrast against the filthy market.
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