The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 377

Chapter 377: Chapter 377 You Choose
When Dave mentioned having already shared a meal with Hera at the Dragon Palace Hotel, Zhane lightly pursed his lips. The remark reminded him that he hadn’t spent as much time with Hera as he would have liked, and even Dave seemed to have had more moments with her than he had.

Even though Zhane felt the urge to act childishly, following Dave’s example to gain more of Hera’s attention, he resisted. Despite his thoughts, he focused on ensuring that Dave wouldn’t push things too far and make Hera uncomfortable, especially after the rough start to her morning caused by the uninvited guests barging in and spoiling their earlier conversation.

Zhane turned to Hera, offering her a reassuring smile, silently conveying that she didn’t need to bend to Dave’s wishes if she didn’t want to and that her choice truly mattered. Noticing his thoughtful gesture, Hera tilted her head slightly, a sweet smile still playing on her lips, this time directed warmly at Zhane.

“Since we haven’t had the chance to dine out together, how about I ask where you would like to go?” Hera asked Zhane with a gentle smile. “I’m sure Bry and the others would be happy with whatever you decide.” She valued Zhane’s opinion, knowing he was reserved and sensible, often stepping into the role of the older brother in the group. It wasn’t unusual to see him keeping Dave in check, and she trusted his judgment.

Because of this, Zhane often just went along with what everyone else preferred, rarely expressing a strong opinion on anything outside his work. Giving him the reins to decide now would surely make him feel appreciated, as if, for once, someone was looking out for him instead of him always looking after others.

When you’re constantly looking after others, there’s often a subconscious part of you that craves to be cared for as well. Hera aimed to make Zhane feel exactly that. She wasn’t wrong—at the moment she asked for his opinion, a brief flicker passed through his eyes, appearing and vanishing in an instant.

There was a glimmer of surprise and amusement in his eyes that Hera caught instantly. Fortunately, she had been paying close attention, so she noticed the subtle shift in his expression—something that everyone else missed entirely.

After a brief pause, Zhane offered Hera a soft, almost hesitant smile, as if the notion of him making the decision was unfamiliar territory. “Are you sure it’s alright for me to decide?” he asked, his voice gentle but laced with uncertainty.

Hera’s smile widened, nodding in affirmation. “Of course,” she reassured him warmly, before shifting her gaze toward Dave, as if signaling him to take note of the moment. It was clear that her trust in Zhane’s judgment was genuine, and she hoped to convey that to the rest of the group.

Dave noticed Hera’s gaze shift toward him and met her eyes, flashing a quick grin. “As long as I’m with you, sweetheart, I won’t mind the place,” he replied smoothly, letting the sweet words slip out without hesitation. Despite his casual tone, there was a lingering hint of sincerity in his voice, even if he still secretly wanted to head to the Golden Dragon Pavilion like he’d mentioned earlier. But if Hera was really handing the reins over to Zhane, Dave decided he would just be content with whatever was decided.

He wasn’t about to complain, not when Hera seemed so at ease and Zhane was given the spotlight. Even if he didn’t get his way, being with her mattered more. For now, at least.

After all, unlike the others, Dave had already crashed one of Hera’s meals with his other friends and even managed to dine in a restricted area, creating a memory he’d carry for a long time. It wasn’t just the exclusivity of the place that made it special, but the fact that he had spent so much time with Hera. No one else in their circle had come close to matching that level of attention from her, and he knew it.

So far, he could boast that he was the one who’d shared the most moments with her, and that alone gave him a sense of pride.

Besides, Dave knew that if he continued to push for his preferred choice, he might end up annoying Hera rather than winning her favor. The last thing he wanted was for her to be irritated and for his efforts to backfire. Fortunately, Zhane had called him out on his childish behavior, which made Dave realize the potential consequences of his actions before it was too late.

Zhane’s intervention had been a timely reminder to consider Hera’s feelings and preferences, rather than solely focusing on his own desires. It gave Dave a moment of clarity, and he understood that being considerate of Hera’s choices was far more important than insisting on his own.

When Zhane realized that Hera was genuinely entrusting him with the decision, he felt a warm, fluttering sensation in his chest. It was as delicate and invigorating as a feather’s touch, and he found it strangely addictive. For the first time, Zhane was struck by the rare opportunity to prioritize his own desires without the usual weight of responsibility or concern for others.

This newfound feeling of being valued and trusted was intoxicating. It made him want to hold on to this moment of selfish indulgence, where he could simply follow his own preferences without hesitation.

Zhane’s gaze softened further, as if a warm, golden honey were flowing from his eyes, each glance infused with tenderness and admiration. Despite the intensity of his look, Hera felt no discomfort; instead, it reassured her that she had made the right choice. This deepening connection with Zhane was precisely what she had hoped for, a bond fortified by genuine emotion and mutual respect.

Hera was confident that this moment of closeness would fortify their relationship, ensuring that even with Alice’s ‘female lead’s halo’—her inherent allure and charm—Zhane would remain steadfast in his feelings.

Now that Hera had given him the green light, Zhane paused to reconsider the two dining options. As he reflected, he remembered that Hera had a class later in the day. Given that she was granting him full freedom to make the choice and allowing him to be a bit selfish, Zhane decided he would opt for a place he truly loved, even if it wasn’t one of the current suggestions. He envisioned a special dining experience that would be unique to just the two of them, enhancing their time together.

In his focus on creating this memorable experience with Hera, Zhane didn’t even notice that his thoughts had naturally sidelined Dave. He was entirely absorbed in imagining a special moment for himself and Hera, relishing the opportunity to be somewhat indulgent and personal in his choice.

Unfortunately, the restaurant Zhane had in mind was quite far away, requiring a two-hour drive. He didn’t want Hera to miss her class due to his choice. Noticing Zhane’s conflicted expression, Hera offered a solution: “If you’re having trouble choosing between the two places, why not pick somewhere nearby for today? We can always visit your preferred spot tomorrow when you have more time.”