Tanya Hill watched Ethan Roscente effortlessly greet customers, his slender fingers dancing across the calculator keys. Sunlight illuminated his chiseled profile, and even the slight furrow of his brow as he tallied numbers exuded an air of elite sophistication.

She sighed. Her own son could never measure up to a man like this.

......

Aromatic scents wafted from the kitchen. Jenna Roland swiftly packed braised pork ribs into an insulated container and ladled steaming clam soup with winter melon. The wall clock showed 1:20 PM.

Grabbing the lunchbox, she dashed outside.

Her e-bike screeched to a halt outside Mall of America. Jenna weaved through the crowd, the thermos swaying in her grip. "Ethan!" She skidded to a breathless stop at his stall. "Eat first."

His fingers brushed hers as he took the container. "You haven't eaten either?"

"Waiting for you." Jenna turned toward the neighboring stall. "Aunt Tanya, mind if we borrow your table?"

The moment the folding table clicked open, the sweet-sour aroma of sweet and sour pork filled the air. Nearby vendors instinctively sniffed.

Tanya approached as the sizzling beef with peppers glistened with oil. "You've got real talent, Jenna," she marveled, eyeing the glistening steamed egg with shrimp.

"I'll make extra tomorrow. Want to join us?" Jenna offered chopsticks.

Tanya stole a glance at Ethan's expression. The man was intently ladling soup for Jenna without even looking up.

"He doesn't mind these things." Jenna placed a rib in Ethan's bowl.

After the crowd dispersed, Jenna suddenly gasped. "Tomorrow's Monday?" She noticed Ethan's hands pause while packing the containers. "Then... I'll wake up early to cook."

Two girls in JK uniforms stopped at the stall. Blushing, they stole glances at Ethan before purchasing three pairs of earrings.

Jenna chuckled while counting the bills. With this man around, their stall might as well have a human lucky cat statue.