You Look Like Someone Before...
1353 Words
In that pavilion filled with traditional designs, the air was tinged with a faint scent of pear blossoms. As the final act of "A Streetcar Named Desire" slowly came to an end, the audience gradually dispersed, leaving only the night breeze to flutter through the empty courtyard. Selena couldn't help but glance at her watch, realizing she had been waiting quietly for two hours. The warmth of the dishes on the table had long dissipated, replaced by a layer of faint chill.
Quentin was still harboring grievances from their last unfruitful meeting, deciding to retaliate in the same manner this time.
Selena chuckled inwardly; he was indeed petty. She slightly shook her head, about to signal the waiter to pack up, when she heard a familiar yet unexpected voice from behind: "Huh? Lena, is it really you?" Turning around, she saw a young woman with curly hair excitedly running towards her. (Lena was Mia's affectionate nickname for Selena.)
Selena slightly frowned, searching her mind for this face, "Mia Carter?"
Selena remembered that after being taken back by the Sutton family at the age of sixteen, she was in high school, and Mia was one of her few classmates. Despite Selena keeping her distance from most people, Mia always ignored her aloofness, dragging her shopping, eating, and playing games. Mia was very popular in school but never put on air. Her clothes, though lacking brand labels, were all high-end custom-made, but her classmates, who hadn't seen much of the world, thought she was just wearing ordinary clothes. However, Selena had visited her home, a single-family villa in a bustling urban area, worth nearly ten million dollars, reportedly bought by her family just for her schooling.
Mia sat down, not waiting for Selena to respond, and happily said, "It really is you! Lena, you've changed so much, you've become even more beautiful! I heard you went abroad after graduation; I didn't expect we could meet here again!" Her voice was filled with surprise and warmth.
Mia sat down, flipping through the menu, waving to someone aside: "Uncle, no need to look for a seat, let's eat here!" This must be the joy of being rich; even in a high-end restaurant, no reservation is needed, and the identity of a wealthy person is the best past.
Selena gently sipped some sparkling water, her gaze passing through the decor to land on the man behind Selena. He was a tall figure, walking through the reflective glass doors, dressed in a suit and overcoat, looking exceptionally eye-catching.
The only flaw seemed to be his right leg, which was slightly inconvenient, as he leaned on a dark gold cane, adding a touch of mystery to his cold and abstinent aura.
Selena's gaze followed his figure, slowly moving up until she could see his incredibly handsome face clearly. It was a face so delicate it seemed almost inconceivable, with sharp contours, and slightly pale skin, giving off a fragile and profound beauty.
She nearly spit out the water in her mouth, hurriedly turning her head, coughing continuously.
"Cough cough... what did you just call him?" Selena's voice was filled with shock and disbelief. Mia stood up, saying, "This is my uncle. Uncle, this is my good friend from high school, Lena."
Quentin's gaze lingered on Selena for a moment, his eyes deep, his voice low and charismatic, as if savoring the nickname "Lena."
The centuries-old nickname being called out by her ex-boyfriend startled Selena.
Selena felt a wave of nervousness; she hadn't expected to encounter Mia's uncle in such a situation, much less that he would be her former one. Hastily concealing her inner turmoil, she politely replied, "Hello, I'm Mia's high school classmate, Lena."
After losing her memory due to an accident in her childhood, she was adopted by a kind couple and hence took their surname. It was only after being found by the Sutton family that she resumed the Sutton surname. During her time with him, she hadn't yet revealed her true identity, silently praying he wouldn't recognize her.
Quentin's gaze seemed to penetrate the heart; he released the cane to shake hands with Lena.
His hand was slightly cold, like someone who had been ill for a long time, and the touch of his slightly callous fingertips inadvertently brushing against the back of her hand evoked fragments of memory from that night at the Crownview Hotel.
The contrast between the man's wildness in bed and his current cold demeanor was stark.
Selena's cheeks involuntarily heated up; she lowered her head, trying her best to hide her embarrassment.
Seeing the girl blush from just a handshake, Quentin raised an eyebrow.
He glanced at the table number, a hint of obscure darkness flashing by, "Miss Lena, you have an appointment?"
Selena didn't want to let it be known she was here to discuss divorce with an old man, so she blurted out, "No, I just arrived and happened to run into Mia."
Quentin questioned, "Then this table of dishes..."
Selena calmly replied, "Left by previous customers."
Mia interjected, "But I heard you were going to take away just now!"
Selena: "......"
Facing the man's meaningful yet inquisitive gaze, she took a deep breath, and lifted a smile, "It would be a pity to waste, I'll take it home to feed the dog!"
Her demeanor was cool and elegant, but her smile revealed an indescribable charm, making everything else seem dull in comparison.
Quentin momentarily lost his focus...
"Do you also have a dog?" Mia was excited, "My family has a dog too! A Doberman, super pretty! What breed is your dog?"
Selena was stuck, "Uh, I'm not too sure..."
Mia realized, "A mixed breed? That's quite trendy now!"
"Right, right, right, a mixed breed..."
Quentin slightly furrowed his brow.
Why did he feel insulted listening to their conversation about dogs?
"Lena, what do you want to eat? My uncle's treating today, let's order whatever!" Mia handed Selena a menu.
"It's not necessary, it's a family dinner for you, I shouldn't intrude..." Selena wanted to escape.
Eating with her ex-boyfriend at the same table, she was worried about being recognized... too risky!
Mia, however, grabbed her, "No way! We've finally reunited, and I have something to ask of you! If you won't let me treat you, I'd be too embarrassed to speak up!"
Selena was taken aback, "What is it?"
"It's like this, Lena, I heard that a new gene therapy drug called 'CRN' has recently been released abroad, which has shown significant treatment effects for various terminal illnesses with minimal side effects. My grandmother was diagnosed with liver cancer earlier this year, and I wanted to see if this drug could cure her, but there's no official channel yet..."
"You want to buy this drug?"
Mia nodded earnestly, "Aren't you working at the International Pharmaceutical Association after graduation? You must be an apprentice there, right? Could you help introduce me to one of your expert teachers there? I can pay a high price!"
Selena hesitated, "But this drug hasn't yet been approved in this country. Completing the entire process could take a quick one to two years or even seven to eight years, making it illegal to circulate and sell here before then, considered smuggling."
Mia's expression dimmed, "Then my grandmother is..."
Selena continued, "If you really need it, I can give you a few boxes. Gifts between friends and relatives don't involve transaction amounts, so it won't be a problem."
"Really?!" Hope rekindled in Mia's eyes.
"Of course, I'll be staying here for a while anyway..."
"That's great, Lena! You're my savior! Now I really must treat you!" Mia gave her a big hug.
Selena's body stiffened momentarily, but she endured, not pushing her away.
"I'll go to the restroom! Start without me if the dishes arrive!" Mia ran off halfway through ordering.
Suddenly, only Selena and Quentin were left at the table. The two looked at each other, the atmosphere a bit awkward.
Quentin seemed to notice her discomfort, slightly raising an eyebrow and softly speaking, "Miss Lena, you look a lot like someone I know."
- Writer
