Night Monarch's Cannon Fodder Bride-Chapter 24: Diner and Nerds

"Fresh dumplings! Hot and juicy!"

"Grilled skewers, just five coins each!"

"Sweet rice cakes! Soft and warm!"

"Spicy noodles!!"

The calls collided and overlapped, creating a messy symphony in the air. Severine stared left and right, taking in the new sight before her.

"Come on," Alina grabbed her hand and dragged her deeper into the crowded lanes.

After nearly walking for ten minutes, they reached a small diner near the end of the street.

"It might be small, but trust me, their cooking is delicious. And I can promise you that they are clean."

By clean, Alian meant the diner’s condition.

She wasn’t unaware of Severine’s habits of keeping everything neat and tidy. And that also included their kitchen. Even an eggshell could settle a frown on that pretty face.

So, she had carefully chosen this place.

It could be considered her way of giving back a little to the friend who had been taking care of her in the academy full of lunatics.

"Hmm," Severine observed the surroundings. Indeed, as Alina had said, the place was small but clean.

The cluster of tables and chairs was placed a few centimeters apart, housing nearly twenty people. at the moment.

A random show was streaming on the big screen placed near the back.

Only one part of the people would be able to see it. They should put one more near the front and synchronize it.

Such thoughts flashed in her mind as she followed Alina.

They bypassed a group of rowdy kids sitting near the window, creating a ruckus as they teased each other.

A table with two chairs on each side welcomed them.

"Boss! We need a menu here." Alina waved at the diner owner, a middle-aged man with a shiny bald head, with familiarity. Clearly, she had been to the place many times.

Severine quietly sat on wooden chair, absentmindedly noting the clatter of plates, the steam rising from woks, and the aroma of sizzling food.

As someone who had her own business to run, it had become her habit to observe so she could learn from the practical experience.

Alina handed the menu to Severine first, letting her glance at the options.

"I am not familiar with the taste, so you order."

It was Alina’s treat, and Severine had no intention of making her spend too much. She also couldn’t order something too cheap, as it might hurt Alina’s pride.

Letting her order was the best course of action.

"I know what you like," Alina said with a smirk. "Don’t worry—I’ll order the perfect dish for you."

Severine wasn’t used to having someone cater to her tastes without some hidden agenda, making Alina’s genuine consideration strange to her.

"I’ll have the steamed shrimp dumplings, a seafood hotpot, and—oh, the garlic butter crab. And a side of clams," Alina said briskly, nodding to the owner. "And don’t skimp on the ingredients; my friend here prefers quality."

The heroine was bold, assertive, and oddly considerate all at once, completely not the heartbroken girl she was supposed to be during this time period, according to the novel.

Severine allowed herself a tiny smile. She liked this version better.

The order was taken, and as they waited, the diner’s usual chatter filled the air. Laughter, clinking chopsticks, and the occasional sigh of frustration mingled with the aroma of the food.

From the table behind them, a voice rose in a heavy lament, "...And now I might have to sleep on the roadside ... rejected again. My research... my life’s work..."

"Hey, buddy, cheer up. It’s not the end of the world." His friend consoled him.

"It is for me... I don’t even know how I’ll survive...," the young man continued, running a hand through his messy black hair.

Alina raised a brow at the group before shaking her head. "Liam is getting in trouble again."

Liam... That name sounded oddly familiar to Severine’s ears.

"You know him?"

"Hmm, neighbor. Honestly, he is more of a bookworm than a human. No wonder he is whining so much. If they rejected him, he won’t be able to get his hands on those precious books of his."

The books needed for the research were too valuable, so not everyone had the right to take them. Only special personnel were permitted to do so.

"I am so close! Just a bit more, and I can create the neuro-enhancing compound."

"And he is dreaming again," Liam’s friend shook his head, clearly not believing what he might have heard thousands of times already.

Neuro-enhancing compound... Liam... Those words echoed inside Severine’s mind like a loop.

Finally, she turned slightly, unable to hold back her curiosity. She tried to be discreet, but the sudden shift of her gray eyes toward the speaker caused an immediate hush on their table.

The chatter and laughter seemed to freeze mid-sentence.

Her delicate features and the subtle luxury of her attire—soft silk scarf, tailored coat, and jeans of a well-known luxury brand—left the group of university students momentarily stunned.

Feeling the heat rise in her ears at the attention, Severine lightly cleared her throat. "I apologize for the intrusion," she said politely, offering a small smile to the group before settling on the thin young man with huge black glasses. "May I ask your full name?"

The brown eyes behind the thick glasses widened at the soft voice and the commanding presence of the young lady.

"I... I’m... uh... Liam Tollkien..."

A trace of recognition flickered in her eyes.

Liam Tollkien... the same person Damien had taken under his wing and put in charge of the chemical factory.

Before Liam could react further, the group of rowdy youths beside him nudged him with teasing eyes.

When had a beauty ever talked to Nerds like them?

"Could you tell me more about the research you are doing?" Severine looked around at the group, who were in the middle of eating. "Ah, perhaps we should talk another time?"

"No need!" Liam’s friend shouted before shoving him toward Severine. "We have enough of his whining already."

There was good-natured laughter, making Liam’s delicate face flush red.

The young man stood there like a student about to face an examiner in a viva. His legs felt unsteady, but he maintained a semblance of composure.

Severine gestured toward the empty seat across from her.

"Please, have a seat."

Looking at the person who didn’t know where to put his feet, Alina let out a soft sigh. "Sit here, Liam," she tugged at Liam, forcing him to sit beside her.

"Ah... Um.. You want to know about the Neuro-enhancing compound?"

"Yes, I’m very interested, and I would be happy to invest in your research if things are as I am expecting them to be."

Investing in research was no joke. One needed constant resources and time. All of the hard work remained hanging on the thin thread of success, which might or might not come.

Liam’s jaw dropped. "It will need millions."

Alina smacked him on the back of the head, a mischievous grin on her face. "Liam, meet Severine Vale, heiress of Vale Corporation."

The words hit like a thunderclap. Gasps rippled through Liam’s friends.

Vale Corporation—airports, hospitals, housing developments, and a network of businesses spanning far beyond what most could imagine.

To these people, Severine was no mere heiress; she was an icon akin to a living legend.

Liam’s innocent eyes widened further, realizing that this young lady could indeed wield the power she spoke of.

His earlier despair melted into awe and confusion at the sudden treasure landing on his lap. Just then, the waiter arrived with their food. He also thoughtfully added another plate for Liam.

Finally, with a deep breath, the researcher began explaining his research.

A neuro-enhancing compound was a cognitive therapy compound that can repair neural damage, enhance memory recall, and improve cognitive functions, potentially helping patients with neurodegenerative diseases or severe brain injuries.

It would have a huge impact on the medical field.

Something that gave Damine another chip in the business field.

And there was no god stopping her from taking it herself. Severine’s lips faintly curled up as she decided to buy the chemical factory named The Xing.