The Western restaurant was well decorated. Its romantic style gave off a very warm and homey feeling, suitable for couples going on a date or for friends to meet for a cup of coffee.
It was strange that so many people gathered here. What was even stranger was the atmosphere. They weren't communicating with each other.
Jack didn't speak because he felt the others didn't like him.
He understood why Eric didn't like him. But he couldn't figure out why this beautiful woman, Lea, disliked him too.
They didn't know each other, and so there was only one reason why she disliked him.
It was because of Rachel.
She was one of Rachel's friends, and Rachel must have said something about him to her.
It was easy to guess why she had treated him so coldly.
Jack wore a poker face. He wouldn't let their hatred get to him.
Eric was sitting opposite Jack. He sometimes mocked Jack, and sometimes talked with Lucas, as if they were good friends.
He asked about Lucas and Rachel's campus life.
Lea joined their conversation, leaving Jack out of the loop. He had no idea what they were talking about.
Jack had no chance to join their conversation.
So he continued to enjoy his meal in isolation and peace.
Eric was determined to keep Jack out of the conversation.
But he didn't expect that the man would sit there so comfortably in solitude. He continued to eat his food without minding everyone else.
Eric was very disappointed and struck up a conversation to attack him. "Mr. Fu, you must be very busy these days. How is it that you even have time to have dinner with us?"
Jack knew if he didn't answer his question, Eric would not let him go.
Rachel silently groaned. Eric needed to stop being such a bully. The air was already harboring a lot of tension. There were more opportunities in the future for him to pick a fight with Jack.
It was not a good time for them to talk and she wanted to close the door to deal with her family matters. She feared that if Jack held a grudge against Eric, he might do something to hurt him. She was very sure about this.
Eric was not smart at all. But before Rachel could say something to calm him down, Jack suddenly placed his knife and fork down.
His good-looking lips curved into a faint smile. "No matter how busy I am, I still have time to spare for a meal."
Eric's legs turned limp, Jack's poker face annoyed him. But he knew when to back down and had to admit that he was spineless. He had no comeback to retort.
The reason why he was so brazen to provoke Jack was because he knew Jack wouldn't do anything to him in public.
This was his advantage. But, he was still not as intimidating as Jack.
Although Eric was angry, he didn't dare to continue taunting him.
He peeped at Rachel and found her calm face. It didn't seem like she heard their pugnacious conversation.
Lucas started a conversation with Jack. They were not familiar with each other, but they were both mature and rational people. They wouldn't lost their minds like Eric.
The two men had a pleasant conversation, especially when it came to financial stocks. Both had a very keen insight on the matter.
Eric looked at Jack and Lucas, who were chatting happily. He suddenly felt sick.
He looked at Rachel sympathetically, trying to seek comfort. She did not disappoint him. She patted his arm under the table to assure him that she was there.
When he was confused, a greasy little hand reached out from the other side and handed him a piece of spaghetti. "Eric, here you are!" said Mendes, smiling.
Eric laughed and looked at the spaghetti in the child's hand. "Thanks, you go ahead. I have my own."
Lea grabbed Mendes' hand and took the spaghetti from him. Rachel wiped his hand with her wet tissue and said helplessly, "Don't grab food with your hand."
Lucas stopped talking with Jack and turned to Mendes, looking very disappointed. "Mendes, have you forgotten what I've told you?"
Lucas had already discovered that Mendes had some bad habits. Perhaps it was because no one had taught him before.
Fortunately, Mendes was smart and listened to what he said. After Lucas had mentioned it twice, he had corrected himself.
However, he caught Mendes doing it again. Lucas warned him, "You can't grab your food again. Do you hear me?"
Mendes made a face and stuck out his tongue at Lucas. "Got it."
Rachel chuckled and helped him wipe his hands clean. "Okay, then start eating your meal properly."
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