Diana poked Ethan's arm tightly, the corners of her eyes and eyebrows full of smiles:
"Okay, Ethan, you got a little fan brother before school even started."
Ethan also sighed:
"Yes! It seems that today's museum trip has been quite rewarding! Even saved the younger brother of a 'future classmate.'"
Ethan looked at the solemn silhouette of the building steaming under the scorching sun, and the corners of his mouth raised slightly:
"Jack is right, some experiences are worth it."
....
Stepping out of the shade of the entrance.
The scorching sun in July was like hot sandpaper, instantly enveloping their whole bodies.
The roaring voices, the flow of traffic, and the smell of hot asphalt steaming in the air announced that the solemnity of the museum had been left behind.
Diana raised her hand to shade the sun, and the Vacheron Constantin on her wrist refracted a fine light under the scorching sun:
"Honey, energy gauge is exhausted! Strategic supplies urgently needed! Target – authentic DC food!"
Ethan laughed lightly, his arm naturally wrapped around her slightly sore waist, and his fingertips pressed extremely covertly on her side.
In exchange for her low exclamation:
"...Little devil, we're outside!"
He ignored her protests, pulling her to avoid a tour group, and swept his eyes over the restaurant signs lined up on the street:
"Want authentic local food?"
"Of course!"
Diana's eyes sparkled:
"If we don't eat authentic DC cuisine, wouldn't it waste this 'lingerie procurement trip'?"
She deliberately emphasized the last few words, and gently scratched her fingertips in the palm of his hand.
Ethan's breath caught. This little vixen...
Under the elegant sign of a renowned steakhouse, the crowd wound like a dragon outside the stately entrance.
The air was filled with a unique atmosphere that mixed grilled meat, wood smoke, and eager anticipation.
Diana raised a touch of little fox-like pride at the corner of her mouth, and shook her phone:
"Fortunately, I prepared ahead—reserved a window seat yesterday."
"..."
Ethan raised his eyebrows and squeezed her bottom punishingly with his large hand:
"Okay, naughty auntie, turns out you already planned what to eat!"
The waiter, dressed in formal attire, respectfully led them to a great viewing spot on the second floor.
Next to the large windows, a small table faced the open kitchen area.
It was right next to the open kitchen, and behind the huge transparent glass was the ultimate stage for culinary artistry.
The elegant dark wood paneling, brass fixtures, and tasteful lighting created a sense of refined luxury, and at this moment, everyone's eyes were attracted by the "star" behind the glass.
A chef wearing a traditional white chef's hat and solemn expression was standing at the preparation station.
The knife in his hand flashed with cold light, and a perfectly grilled steak, glistening and plump, was positioned before him.
The chef focused intently, the tip of the knife lightly touching the most tender part of the meat—only a subtle sound was heard, and a slice as thin as paper, almost transparent, was precisely removed, perfectly demonstrating masterful technique.
Immediately afterwards.
The knife flashed swiftly, so fast only the afterimage was visible, and slices of meat with uniform marbling and picturesque texture fell onto the white porcelain plate like artwork.
The perfectly seared exterior formed a caramelized crust, while the tender meat was a warm pink inside.
The whole process was smooth and fluid, full of power and rhythmic beauty, a double feast for sight and smell.
"This isn't just food, it's clearly artistic creation."
Diana held her cheeks and watched intently, her amber eyes reflecting the attractive luster of the meat and the chef's focused figure.
Ethan poured her freshly brewed iced tea.
The ice clinked in the crystal glass, and the condensation blurred the cunning in her eyes, leaving only pure appreciation.
He whispered in her ear:
"In the 'tasting' session later, naughty auntie will have to keep up your energy."
The prepared dishes were presented by a waiter pushing an exquisite cart.
Fine china plates were arranged in order: perfectly seared steaks (caramelized crust), tender medallions (pink and juicy inside), delicate accompaniments (crisp asparagus), fresh garnishes (colorful microgreens), rich sauces (red wine reduction, herb butter), and finishing touches (flaked sea salt, cracked pepper).
Coupled with a small plate of artisan bread and compound butter, it formed a mouth-watering, colorful, and flavorful tableau.
"Come, appreciate the craftsmanship of this renowned establishment."
Ethan demonstrated with his own hands, took a piece of the perfectly crusted exterior and dipped it in a touch of sea salt—this was the most authentic way to appreciate the quality.
He wasn't in a hurry to put it in his mouth, but raised his hand lightly and brought it to Diana's lips:
"The gentleman offers the finest morsel, please taste it, Ms. Liu."
The moment it entered her mouth, the richness of the beef fat and the grainy texture of the salt burst on the tip of her tongue, turning into the ultimate savory aroma.
Diana squinted her eyes with satisfaction:
"Mm... This 'lingerie' wasn't bought in vain, energy replenished perfectly!"
Ethan's smile deepened, and then he prepared the classic combination.
He took a piece of bread, spread the herb butter, laid two slices of the perfectly cooked steak, pink and attractive, then added microgreens and a drizzle of sauce.
His fingers were slender and powerful, but his movements were extremely dexterous and elegant—a few folds and rolls, and a firm, flavorful, and layered bite was formed.
This time, he still brought it to her lips:
"Ethan's special preparation, please accept."
The ultimate seared crust, the tender and juicy meat, the rich and complex sauce, the fresh and aromatic microgreens, the buttery richness of the bread that carried everything—all layered in the mouth and blended perfectly.
If Jack were here, he would definitely say: Damn, awesome, this is just beautiful!
The richness of the beef fat was balanced by the freshness of the greens, and the savory depth of the sauce elevated all the flavors.
She chewed carefully, her cheeks bulging slightly, like a satisfied cat, and vaguely commented:
"...Well, temperature is accurate, sauce is properly balanced, presentation is excellent, Master Ethan has deeply mastered fine dining technique, barely... qualified."
"That's all?"
Ethan raised his eyebrows, prepared one for himself, and tasted it slowly.
The two bantered back and forth, one preparing, one critiquing, or feeding each other.
...
After eating!
He raised his hand to the waiter:
"Please help us pack two orders to go, wrapped carefully."
Walking out of the elegant doors of the restaurant.
The heat wave and hustle and bustle of the street instantly engulfed them.
The sounds of street vendors, the bells of tour buses, and the chatter and laughter of tourists interwove into a lively urban symphony under the scorching July sun.
Ethan naturally took Diana's hand, fingers intertwined and walked toward the mall.
There are 60 advance chapters ahead in my Patreon. If you are interested can check it out.
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