Kiana felt as if she had been granted a reprieve and slumped back down.
"Finally… time to clock out… My hands don't even feel like my own anymore…"
Mei let out a soft sigh of relief, stood up, and stretched her stiff neck and wrists.
Bronya saved all the files and shut down her computer.
Dan Heng began to methodically tidy up his things.
The slumped-over Star seemed to perk up at the words "clock out," jerking her head up.
Red marks still lingered on her face from resting, and her eyes looked dazed.
"Huh? Is it time to clock out?"
March 7th also sat up with a start.
"We can go? Great!"
Kiana caught her breath, glanced at Mei, then at the others, and her eyes darted around excitedly.
She suggested, "Hey, everyone's exhausted today… No, dogs aren't even this tired! How about we go out for a good meal? My treat! Let's call it… a celebration because Under the Starry Sky finally has something decent to show for it!"
Mei smiled and nodded.
"I agree. We really should relax. I know a nice restaurant that just opened nearby; the atmosphere is quiet, and the food is exquisite."
Her gaze turned toward Shinji, silently seeking his opinion.
Bronya said nothing, but her movements slowed as she tidied up, as if waiting for a decision.
Dan Heng pushed up his glasses.
"I have no objections."
Star and March 7th immediately raised their hands.
"Let's go, let's go! We're starving!"
All eyes eventually fell on Shinji.
Seeing their tired but relieved faces, radiating the joy of completing a task and anticipation of relaxing, Shinji felt a warmth in his chest.
Kiana waved her hand dismissively.
"I said it's my treat! Don't fight me on this, Mei! I'm happy today! Let's call it… a pre-celebration for our manga becoming a huge hit!"
Mei shook her head gently.
"How can we let you pay for everything? Let's split the bill."
"Oh, Mei, why are you being so polite to me!"
Watching their habitual "argument," Shinji felt a little more relaxed.
"Alright, let's go then," he said with a slight smile. "But it's settled—this is a one-time thing. Once our project gains some traction, we'll celebrate properly."
"Yay!" Kiana cheered and jumped up.
"It's settled then! Hurry, pack up and let's go! I know a place with su—per amazing barbecue!" She instantly regained her energy and started urging everyone forward.
Mei looked at her with a mix of helplessness and amusement, then began packing her things elegantly and efficiently.
Bronya silently shut down her computer and picked up her small bag.
Dan Heng had already slung on his laptop bag and was waiting.
Star and March 7th darted to the door impatiently.
Shinji saved all his documents and shut down his computer.
As he stood up, he glanced around the office—cluttered, yet filled with traces of a day's hard work.
The first step of the manga manuscript was complete.
The website had a prototype.
The direction felt a bit clearer.
He followed the jubilant group, walked out of the office, and closed the door behind him.
The lock clicked softly, sealing away the day's fatigue—for the time being.
In the hallway, Kiana's energetic (though slightly hoarse) voice echoed.
March 7th and Star bickered, Mei gently intervened, and Dan Heng occasionally spoke up calmly.
They walked through a few streets that were coming alive with evening activity and finally stopped at a relatively quiet corner.
Before them stood a small building with a stylish exterior, warm yellow light spilling from floor-to-ceiling windows.
It illuminated the elegant sign hanging above the entrance: Golden Grand Hotel.
The sign was new, suggesting the restaurant had indeed just opened.
"This is the place!" Star puffed out her chest proudly.
"It's newly opened, but the taste is guaranteed! And…"
She lowered her voice mysteriously.
"The owner and many of the staff here are 'old friends' from college! Captain, you know them all too!"
"Friends from college?" Kiana poked her head around curiously.
"Really? Why don't I remember?"
Mei and Bronya also looked a bit puzzled.
They were childhood friends with Shinji, true, but those bonds predated college.
After graduation, everyone had gone their separate ways, busy with life or family affairs.
Their contact gradually faded, and they didn't really know exactly who Shinji had met in college.
Dan Heng pushed up his glasses, showing no interest; he had never been social.
March 7th looked around excitedly.
"Wow, it looks so high-class! Star, you actually know such an impressive restaurant owner?"
"Hehe, you'll see once we go in!" Star pushed open the heavy glass door first.
A warm aroma of food, mingled with a faint, relaxing scent of aromatherapy, greeted them.
The interior was modern and minimalist, with touches of exquisite retro flair.
The lighting was soft, the music soothing, and the environment calm—not noisy like ordinary restaurants.
It wasn't peak dining time yet, so there were few customers.
"Welcome to the Golden Grand Hotel!" A crisp, pleasant, and enthusiastic voice rang out.
A young girl in a well-fitted uniform, with a bright smile and lively eyes, came forward to greet them.
When she saw Star, her eyes brightened.
"Gray Treasure! You brought friends to support us!"
"Hyacine!" Star smiled.
"How's business today? I brought all the Studio members to treat them to a good meal!"
"Welcome, welcome! Ms. Aglaea will be thrilled to hear this!"
Hyacine's gaze swept over Shinji and his group, lingering on Shinji for a moment.
Her smile deepened.
"We've saved a spot for you; it's quiet by the window. By the way,"
She seemed to recall something and winked at Star.
"Ms. Aglaea mentioned two days ago that we're missing someone creative who understands planning. If you, 'Gray Treasure,' ever get tired of the Studio grind, you're welcome to jump ship anytime! Great benefits!"
Star waved her hand and laughed.
"Forget it, I can still handle the grind. Besides, I haven't even tasted the pie our Captain drew for us yet, so I can't just leave."
She glanced at Shinji as she spoke.
Hyacine didn't press the matter and led them to a spacious booth by the window with a smile.
Just as they sat down, before looking at the menu, the kitchen curtain lifted.
A tall, upright figure emerged, wearing a pristine white chef's uniform.
He walked straight with a steady gait.
His handsome face and deep-set eyes were striking.
Most remarkable were his eyes—pure, sunny, and enthusiastic—a curious contrast to his slightly serious chef's uniform.
He walked directly to Shinji's table, his gaze landing on Shinji first.
A neat, white smile appeared.
"Shinji! Long time no see!"
He patted Shinji's shoulder firmly, the strength conveying familiarity.
"You guys! I asked Star to call you several times, but you were always busy with the project. Finally, I managed to get you out today!"
"If you want to read advance Chapter.
Please Visit: https://www.patreon.com/c/Dinos2_0"