Chapter 383
“So now you know, right? But how do you have Sophia’s posts? When did you two even add each other p>
Claire looked genuinely puzzled.
Shirley wouldn’t answer, just told her to get ready because she was coming over immediately.
With no other option, Claire sent her the address.
Half an hour later, Shirley showed up out of nowhere, sweeping in with the energy of
a storm. She carried a huge, gorgeous bouquet and a fancy gift box. Inside was a brand-new purse for Claire.
“Louis Vuitton’s newest,” Shirley announced proudly. “I got one for myself and one for you. See? That’s real friendship p>
As soon as she stepped inside, Shirley started showing off. Claire set the flowers in a vase and joined her in admiring the new bag.
Sophia came over too, eyes lighting up. “Oh, this is the latest LV. Is it the New Year’s edition? So pretty p>
Claire smiled, genuinely thankful. “Thanks, Shirley. You have amazing taste p>
Shirley was all grins. “Told you. I really know my stuff, don’t I? So, what should we eat tonight p>
She didn’t wait for an answer. “I heard there’s a new beef hotpot place by campus. The broth is supposed to be incredible. Since it’s freezing out, why not try it p>
Honestly, Shirley’s idea sounded way better than their half-baked plan to pan-fry steaks at home.
“I’m in,” Sophia said immediately, practically bouncing. She latched onto Claire’s arm. “Let’s go, Claire. Hotpot sounds perfect p>
She turned to Len, making sure he didn’t get left out. “Len, you don’t mind, do you?” Len shrugged, easygoing as ever. “Nope, anything works for me p>
Claire smiled, going along even though she’d have preferred to just stay home. She wasn’t really against hotpot, she just didn’t want to go out, but everyone was on board, so why not?
“Alright, let’s go p>
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Inside the apartment it was cozy, but outside they’d need to bundle up. Claire was fine since she’d just come back from running errands. Sophia and Len put their coats back on, having shrugged them off to chil in the living room. Shiney, buzzing with excitement, led the way.
The hotpot place wasn’t far. The four of them got there quickly. The moment they walked in, the smell of savory broth hit them. The waiter found them a window seat and handed out menus.
The place was packed but the service was great. As soon as they sat down, they were each given a complimentary dessert. Honestly, who could say no to free sweets? Even Len happily dug in with everyone else.
Between mouthfuls of dessert and
appetizers, they chatted and
laughed. Soon the hotpot started boiling. The beef just needed a few seconds to cook, then got swirled through dipping sauces and popped into waiting mouths, juicy and tender. Each bite was delicious.
They ate until they were stuffed, the kind of full that makes it impossible to even think about moving. The whole meal came out to a little over six hundred. Shirley tried to grab the bill.
Claire stopped her, grinning. “You’re all my guests. I’m paying p>
She teased, “Did you forget I’m loaded now p>
Shirley burst out laughing, suddenly remembering Claire’s claim to internet fame for selling a pillow for twenty million. “Fine, you win. I won’t fight. But I’m so full What now? Are you all heading home, or should we find some place to hang out p>
Claire looked to Sophia and Len. At the idea of going home, both shook their heads with zero hesitation.
“If my mom wasn’t ready to storm over here and drag me back, I’d totally spend the night at Claire’s,” Sophia declared.
Len hesitated, then admitted, “Yeah, I could use a late night too. Haven’t had a single real break all holiday p>
He sounded exhausted.
Shirley lit up, as if she’d been waiting for this. “Then come with me. I know just the spot for walking off a big meal p>