Chapter 40 The Great Moment So this was Oriana's compliment to him ? Micah's Adam's apple bobbed . " So do you like this version of me ?" Finished Night had fallen . The streetlights along the path to the community were dim , casting shadowy shapes . Oriana couldn't see the cautious subtlety in Micah's expression . She , however , had her own thoughts . " I do . And you ? Do you like how it feels right now ? " She was still a little concerned , worried that bringing him into this unfamiliar environment might make him uncomfortable or resistant . Oriana's nerves tingled , but the next second , Micah answered firmly , without hesitation . " I do , " he said . " From now on , I want to come out more often , with you ." Oriana's eyes lit up in surprise , her corners curling into a smile . " Sure ." She reached out , hooking his pinky finger with hers and gently wiggling it . " It's a promise . You have to keep your word ." Micah's palm was warm as he entwined his fingers tightly with hers . " Okay ." ***** Oriana was in an excellent mood tonight . Even the daunting task of cooking for the first time filled her with confidence . She suggested Micah rest , but he insisted on staying in the kitchen to accompany her - perhaps he could be of some help . Oriana shook her head . She didn't want to trouble him . Her ambitions were high , but reality rarely aligned perfectly . Following the recipe she had memorized , Oriana prepared a beef stew with all her energy . From marinating to plating , she tried to replicate it step by step . When the hot dish was finally ready , she poured sizzling oil over it and inhaled the fragrant aroma of scallions . " All done , " she announced with confidence ! " Do you want to try ? " " It would be my honor , " Micah said . 1/3 8:31 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 40 The Great Moment Finished . The task was almost like a taste test for poison , yet he seemed delighted . Oriana almost laughed . Fearing he might burn himself , she personally picked up a piece of beef , fanned it to cool it , and carefully brought it to his mouth . " Careful , it's hot . " He took a bite , and his expression lit up instantly . " Delicious . " " See ? I told you , I have potential ! " Eager , Oriana took a bite herself . It was indeed tasty - but the beef was too tough to chew easily . She struggled , chewing for several long seconds before managing to swallow it . Her jaw ached just from opening her mouth . Staring at the plate , her expression was indescribable . " How ? I followed the video exactly ." Micah , calm and composed , pressed his own cheeks lightly . " I think it's fine ." Oriana rolled her eyes . Clearly , even he found it tough to chew . " Maybe we should- " " Let me try , " they said simultaneously . Oriana froze . " You ? No , what if it's hot ? " " You guide me . I won't get hurt , " Micah said . " Play the video for me and help me along ." Oriana hesitated , worried he might injure himself . His hands were so beautiful , and he still had work to do - she couldn't risk them getting hurt . " You said it yourself , " Micah added , gazing at her . " In two years , you'll live on your own . I will , too . Let me try , okay ? " Although Oriana had said this before , hearing it come from him now made her heart ache a little . Perhaps she couldn't bear to see him shift from vibrant to lonely again . She took a deep breath . " Okay . I'll let you try once - but stop immediately if it's unsafe ." Micah nodded . 8:31 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 40 The Great Moinent Oriana played the video for him while she prepared a fresh batch of beef . $ 999 Finished Then Micah took over at the pan , with Oriana assisting . Together , they recreated the beef stew . At first , Oriana was cautious , fearing he might burn himself . Even as a sighted person , she often flinched from the oil splattering . But Micah moved with calm precision , cach step timed perfectly as if he had done this countless times before . Even flipping the beef in the pan , he remembered the exact placement of each piece . From his hands , cooking became a performance of art . Oriana watched in awe . " All done . Should be fine now , " Micah said , turning to her . " Want to taste ? " Oriana blinked , as if awakening from a dream . " Okay , I'll try . " She picked up a piece of beef and bit into it . Her expression grew more and more astonished. " Delicious ! " Oriana was stunned . " The flavors are perfectly balanced , and the beef is so tender . " She could hardly believe it . Micah seemed like a genius . " Are you really cooking for the first time ? " Micah smiled faintly . Hearing her amazed praise , joy radiated across his handsome face . " Really . It's my first time , " he confirmed . " Is it really good ? " Send Gifts L 20 3/3