Exactly five minutes before one o'clock, Cixi walked through the heavy wooden doors of the Augustin restaurant.
It did not take long for her to find Bill. He was already seated at a small table for two near the large front window, raising a hand to flag her down.
Cixi gave a short wave back and walked straight to the table, pulling out the opposite chair.
"You are early," Cixi remarked as she slid into her seat.
"I had some work nearby," Bill replied casually.
A server approached immediately and placed a leather-bound menu in front of Cixi. She glanced down at the cover. A small German flag was embossed in the corner.
"German food." She opened the heavy menu and scanned the unfamiliar words. "I have never tried German food before."
"That is exactly why I thought we should have lunch here," Bill replied, keeping his eyes glued to his own options.
Cixi looked up and offered him a genuine smile, which Bill noticed at once. "That is very considerate of you."
