The waiter led them to the staircase. So, they would be seated on the upper level, Shoji thought. While the ground-level floor had a casual, friendly vibe and was used mostly by small groups, the second floor was more for romantic dates. It was filled with square tables occupied by well-dressed couples.

While making the reservation, Shoji had mentioned that it was for a birthday celebration, so perhaps they would get one of the tables near the windows, facing the main street. But the waiter escorted them up even further. Shoji had had no idea there was another floor.

The narrow staircase led to a glass door. The waiter opened it and let Shoji and Liyun step out to the rooftop. What greeted them was a charming outdoor garden with fairy lights entwined around wooden pillars. A candlelit table for two was set in the middle. From where they stood, the nightscape was glittering.

Liyun shifted her eyes to Shoji and mouthed, ‘Wow.’

He responded with a sheepish smile. The restaurant had promised him a nice table, but he hadn’t expected this. Liyun and Shoji took their seats. The waiter placed the menus on the table and a waitress came to fill the glasses with water.

‘It’s beautiful,’ Liyun said, easing her way into her seat. The candle gave a warm, flattering light which softened her features and made her look gorgeous. Flipping through the menu, she asked, ‘What would you recommend?’

Shoji glanced at the list. ‘You should try the smoked beef brisket. The meat is tender and flavourful, and it comes with a bowl of potato chips.’

‘Hmm …’ she mumbled, reading the menu. ‘“Our beef brisket is smoked for at least twenty-four hours with rambutan wood in a custom-built smoker.”’ She looked up. ‘Sounds promising.’

‘Ah, yes,’ Shoji recalled. ‘The smoker is located on the ground floor at the back of the building. You can see it later.’

‘I’ll have the brisket,’ she told the waiter, before turning to Shoji. ‘What about you?’

He thought of ordering the same thing, but it was on the pricier side. He decided on something more affordable. ‘I’ll have the roast beef and fries.’

‘What about a drink?’ the waiter asked.

Shoji turned to Liyun. ‘What would you like?’

‘Shall we get a glass of house wine?’ she suggested.

‘Sure,’ he said. ‘Two glasses of red, please.’

The waiter left them on their own. Shoji gazed at the scenery. The place was perfect for a date. Too perfect. It made him uneasy. He hoped Liyun wouldn’t feel uncomfortable.

‘What are you thinking about?’ she asked.

‘Nothing,’ he said. ‘Are you okay with this place?’