Chapter 33: A Day's Date
"The tram is here. Let's get on."
Vilnia Randell pulled l's hand.
“It might be a little crowded in a mont. Don't let go of , okay?”
A faint sll of engine oil filled the steam tram, mixed with the passengers' perfu.
The carriage swayed slightly with the undulations of the tracks, and the sound of tal gears shing echoed in the carriage.
Vilnia Randell held l's hand and led her through the crowded carriage to a relatively empty corner.
l was protected behind Vilnia Randell, who used her body to shield her from the jostling of other passengers.
"Did you go to Saint Margaret's Church?"
Vilnia Randell suddenly spoke, her voice so soft it was almost drowned out by the noise in the carriage.
l's body stiffened slightly.
She then pretended to be calm and said: "How did you know?"
"You have the sll of sandalwood from the church on you."
Vilnia Randell leaned in close to l, gently sniffed, and then said.
"I slled it before when I went to church. That's the sll of holy incense.”
"I... I went to the church to listen to prayers."
l lightly bit her lower lip, then said.
"But I rember you said you didn't believe in any deities."
Vilnia Randell gave l a aningful glance.
"People can always change...."
l chuckled lightly, changing the subject.
"Oh right, that dessert shop you ntioned, what are they known for?"
"The most famous thing is the red velvet cake," Vilnia Randell glanced at l, then smiled and cooperated with her in changing the subject.
"But I recomnd their caral pudding. The raspberry cake you like is also worth a try—it's my treat today."
"That's not right. I have my own—"
Before she could finish, the tram suddenly shook violently on a turn.
Vilnia Randell imdiately reached out and held l's shoulder.
The distance between them instantly closed.
The faint scent of roses on Vilnia Randell lingered at the tip of l's nose.
"Be careful," Vilnia Randell said softly, her palm gently rubbing l's shoulder.
"This road was only recently repaired. The road conditions aren't very stable yet."
l nodded, using the posture to examine Vilnia Randell.
The girl's delicate collarbones were faintly visible at her neckline.
Her pair of coffee-colored eyes were looking at both sides, but it was unclear what she was thinking.
“Clack clack—”
The tram continued to move forward.
The sound of the wheels hitting the tracks was a steady rhythm.
Vilnia Randell consistently maintained the posture of protecting l, her fingers occasionally and gently rubbing l's shoulder, bringing a faint tingling sensation.
l suddenly felt her cheeks getting hot.
She didn't know if it was because of the stuffy heat in the carriage or for so other reason.
"Oh right, I have my own money."
l suddenly rembered, resuming the topic that had just been interrupted.
"You should save your money," Vilnia Randell said with a light chuckle.
"You and big sister Veronica live together, so you should spend your money on appropriate things. My parents are both in business, so we don't lack this bit of money—besides, it's just a treat for a friend. What's the big deal?”
"But...."
Just as l was about to speak, the carriage suddenly shook violently again.
Vilnia Randell imdiately tightened her arms, holding l securely in her embrace.
Their bodies were pressed tightly together.
l could even feel the soft touch of the other person's chest.
"The road conditions on this stretch aren't very good,” Vilnia Randell said softly, her warm breath brushing against l's ear.
"I should have known to take a carriage."
l's heart rate suddenly sped up.
She could clearly sll the faint scent of roses on Vilnia Randell.
The scent seed to be more intense than before, with a hint of an enchanting charm.
Gradually, the tram slowly decelerated and stopped in front of a platform.
The entire trip took about five or six minutes.
But to l, it felt as if fifty or sixty minutes had passed.
"We're here. Let's get off."
Vilnia Randell said.
The two of them walked side-by-side off the tram, facing a bustling street.
The bustling comrcial district was full of life.
Various shop signs attracted the eyes of passersby.
The air was filled with the aroma of bread and desserts, mixed with the fragrance of a street-side flower shop, forming the unique atmosphere of this street.
Vilnia Randell gently took l's hand.
"Let's go this way,” she said softly.
“The dessert shop is just around the corner up ahead.”
The two of them slowly walked along the sidewalk on the right side of the road.
l could feel the warmth of Vilnia Randell's palm transferring through her skin.
Her heart rate was still a little fast.
The intimate contact on the tram just now seed to be continuing.
"This is it," Vilnia Randell said, leading l to stop in front of a shop with exquisite decor.
"Marianne's Dessert Garden. The owner of this shop studied in the East, and she perfectly blended Eastern and Western desserts together.”
The shop's window displayed all kinds of exquisite cakes and pastries.
Each one was a feast for the eyes, like a work of art.
The sweet aroma of butter and frosting filled the air, mixed with the rich fragrance of coffee, whetting the appetite.
"My favorite is this one," Vilnia Randell pointed to a mousse cake decorated with gold leaf in the window.
"A perfect blend of almond and chocolate. It lts in your mouth but isn't too sweet.”
Her fingers were still intertwined with l's, as if this intimate gesture was the most natural thing in the world.
Occasionally, passersby would cast curious glances, but Vilnia Randell seed completely unfazed.
"Oh right," Vilnia Randell suddenly turned around and looked directly into l's eyes.
"Did you know? Desserts aren't just food; they can also convey emotions. For example...”
She extended her other hand and gently brushed l's cheek, her movents as soft as if she were stroking a fragile petal.
"When I want to express sothing that's difficult to say, a carefully chosen dessert is often more effective than a thousand words.”
l felt her cheeks getting hot again.
There was an indescribable emotion in Vilnia Randell's eyes.
Her pair of coffee-colored eyes seed to be able to see through people's hearts.
"Ah, your face is so red,” Vilnia Randell said, reaching out to gently touch l's cheek.
“Was it too crowded on the tram just now?”
"I... let's go inside first.”
l stamred.
Seeing this, Vilnia Randell smiled faintly.
"Mmm, I'll do whatever you say.”
“Ding-a-ling—”
The wind chi on the shop door was blown by the breeze, making a crisp sound.
As the shop door was pushed open, the rich aroma of desserts rushed out.
The interior was decorated mainly in white and light pink.
Retro oil paintings hung on the walls, and flowers were placed in the corners.
Several female waitresses were wearing lace-trimd uniforms, serving exquisite desserts to the custors.
"Let's sit over there,” Vilnia Randell said, pointing to an elegant booth by the window.
"The lighting there is the best, and... it's more private.”
When she said the last few words, her voice was deliberately lowered, carrying a hint of ambiguity.
l felt her heart rate start to speed up again, but she still obediently followed Vilnia Randell to that spot.
The entire way, Vilnia Randell never let go of l's hand.
Her thumb occasionally and gently rubbed the palm of l's hand.
That faint sensation made l feel a tingling numbness, as if tiny electric currents were running across the surface of her skin.
"What... what does private an?"
l couldn't help but ask.
"Ah, sorry. I used the wrong words.”
Vilnia Randell laughed.
"This is my favorite spot. The sunlight is just right, and you can see the scenery on the street.”
Vilnia Randell said, pulling out a chair for l.
"And, no one will co to disturb us.”
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