Chapter 230 Returning to the Most Beautiful Time
Gabriel tightened his grip on her hand and said, "I had it custom-made the first time I went abroad. Just picked it up now."
First time abroad? They'd only been together a few days back then.
"So early?" Jessica said and smiled.
"Not early." Gabriel said as he stopped and looked at her seriously. "For me, it was already late."
"But we had just started dating!" Jessica protested.
"Twenty-two days," he replied without hesitation.
Jessica was genuinely surprised. She always thought only women kept track of such details.
"How do you remember so clearly?" she asked.
"I remember every day with you," he said. "Jessica, for me, it wasn't early at all. From the moment I decided to be with you, I was ready for forever."
Gabriel claimed, "I wasn't acting on a whim; I knew you were the one."
Jessica looked up at the bright moon, feeling the night was exceptionally gentle and romantic. Even the air seemed sweeter.
After getting out of the car, Jessica was surprised to see the familiar scene.
"Why are we here?" she asked, looking at the food street.
Gabriel smiled. He said excitedly, "Didn't you say we first met at school? I'm reliving it." He held her hand and walked forward.
Jessica's face heated up, and she let him lead her like a well-behaved girl.
The food street was bustling with small stalls and groups of students eating, drinking, and chatting. It was lively.
There were also young couples, just like them, with boys leading girls through the street in search of food.
It felt just like No.1 High School, full of energy and vitality, making her feel youthful.
But Jessica felt a bit embarrassed. She tugged on Gabriel's sleeve. She asked anxiously, "Do you think we look out of place?"
"Why?" Gabriel replied as he raised an eyebrow.
"I'm too old to be pretending to be young," Jessica complained.
Gabriel chuckled and cupped her face, gently rubbing it.
"Let me see, where do you look young?" he teased.
After a moment, he said seriously, "Ms. Morgan, you look young all over. You fit right in."
Jessica was happy to hear the compliment. She covered her mouth and looked at Gabriel. She suggested, "Then why don't you check if you still look like a student?"
"I don't need to," he replied.
"Why?" Jessica was puzzled.
"Because I go for the mature, charming, and handsome look. Besides, with my looks, it doesn't matter if I'm a student or not," he said confidently.
Jessica stopped in her tracks and pinched Gabriel's face. She asked playfully, "What makes you so full of yourself?"
"Ms. Morgan, I'm not full of myself; I'm confident," he corrected.
Jessica laughed. She teased, "Narcissist."
Just then, they overheard a conversation nearby.
"Wow, Lily, look at that guy. He's so handsome. Is he from our school? How come I've never seen him?!" a girl exclaimed.
The other girl replied, "Probably not. Look at his clothes; he must have graduated long ago. He doesn't look like a student."
The first girl replied, "Who cares, as long as he's handsome."
Gabriel grinned, clearly pleased.
The girls continued chatting. "Look at that girl's cute pink outfit. I wonder where she got it."
Jessica stayed silent. They only noticed her clothes?
Sensing her thoughts, Gabriel said, "To me, you're the most beautiful."
Jessica smiled.
After walking the entire street, Gabriel asked, "What do you want to eat?"
Jessica looked around and pointed to a barbecue place. She suggested, "How about barbecue?"
She felt a bit anxious, knowing Gabriel usually ate healthy.
But without a word, he took her hand and led her to the barbecue place.
Inside, he asked, "What do you want?"
Jessica was still in a daze. Was it that easy? She had prepared arguments, expecting resistance.
Once the skewers were ready, Gabriel held her hand with one and the skewers with the other. Jessica ate one, and he handed her another.
They looked like a young couple.
Seeing he hadn't eaten any, Jessica asked, "Want to try some?"
"Sure," he said, taking a bite of the ribs.
Jessica was surprised. Gabriel seemed especially agreeable. She expected him to refuse.
After tasting it, he said, "It's really good. No wonder you like it, but I'm not sure about the ingredients."
"I loved them in college," Jessica pouted.
Gabriel offered, "If you want, I'll make it at home. It'll be healthier."
"You'll make it?" Jessica asked, blinking with skepticism.
Gabriel nodded. He said confidently, "Yes, Ms. Morgan's cooking skills are a bit lacking."
Jessica was about to laugh but couldn't. "Is my cooking really that bad?" she said then pouted.
"Yes, that's a fact," Gabriel replied seriously.
Jessica stomped her foot in frustration.
After finishing the barbecue, they ate a lot of other things. Feeling full, Jessica was ready to go home.
Suddenly, Gabriel pulled her. He suggested, "Let's take a walk inside."
"Can we get in?" Jessica asked.
"I have my ways. Wait here," Gabriel said.
A few minutes later, he returned, smiling and nodding. He said excitedly, "All set, we can go in."
Remembering his excuse last time, Jessica asked, "What excuse did you use this time?"
