Chapter 176
Chapter 176:
“Where exactly are we going? Is there even a decent restaurant around here?” Austin asked, his brows knitting as he glanced at the unfamiliar surroundings.
“I’ve got something special in mind for you tonight.” John grinned, his tone full of mystery.
Austin sighed, already regretting this detour. “And what exactly is this ‘special something p>
“You’ll see soon enough,” John replied, his grin widening as their car pulled up near a lively, bustling street food market.
“Here we are,” John announced with enthusiasm.
Austin stepped out of the car, his frown deepening as he surveyed the scene. “Here? Are you kidding me? This place looks—unsanitary p>
Accustomed to the refined ambiance of upscale restaurants, Austin couldn’t imagine dining in a place as chaotic and casual as this.
Seeing the scene before him, Austin couldn’t quite wrap his mind around it. He felt a wave of disbelief.
“Relax,” John reassured him. “I promise, one bite and you’ll change your mind p>
John’s love for street food had been a revelation—something he’d stumbled upon while dating a college student who introduced him to the unbeatable flavors of these unassuming spots.
The flavors here were unlike anything you’d find in a hotel, far more vibrant and satisfying than any fine dining experience John had ever known. It was raw, authentic, and undeniably irresistible.
Reluctantly, Austin followed, his sharp, tailored suit and sleek black shirt making him look like a fish out of water amidst the lively crowd. His polished appearance seemed almost comical against the backdrop of sizzling grills and laughter-filled chatter.
Just then, a commotion from a nearby stall rippled through the market, drawing a crowd.
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The noise piqued Austin’s curiosity, and he turned his head toward the source. His eyes then narrowed, and he froze mid-step.
Was that—Yelena?
Austin blinked, certain he was seeing things, but when he squinted, it was unmistakable—Yelena.
What was she doing here?
And why did it look like she was in some kind of trouble? Two men were barking at her, their voices harsh and demanding.
Austin’s chest tightened, and he immediately started toward the commotion.
“Hey, Austin, hold up!” John called after him, rushing to catch up.
The two men were pressing Yelena hard for money, their voices full of threats.
But Yelena, unfazed, just sat there, her voice soft yet deadly calm. “If you care about your lives, you’d best walk away. If not, don’t say I didn’t warn you p>
The men burst out laughing, scoffing at her words. “Is that so? Well, we’d love to see you try something p>
Without missing a beat, Yelena snatched a fork from the table and hurled it at one of the men’s knee.
The man froze for a moment, his legs going numb, and then he crumpled to the floor, confused and in shock at what had just happened.
Looking down at him, Yelena smirked. “No need to get on your knees, buddy. A simple apology will do, actually.” The crowd, having been on edge just moments before, erupted into laughter.
The man, humiliated and seething, tried to stand but found himself powerless.