Divorced for Poor

Chapter 23. Meet Nathan

Lilis filed for divorce at a religious court in her area. To facilitate her divorce, Lilis had already hired a lawyer, who would take care of her because Lilis had to return to continue her business in the city.

All of his debts to Wendi, ranging from childbirth fees to subsequent debts, have been paid off. Lilis was relieved, she was already released from the debt that made it difficult for her to sleep. All the debts in the stall were already Lilis cicil along with the money she sent to her mother every month.

Returning to the city with her son and mother, is the greatest spirit, which makes Lilis even more convinced to fight. Even though they live in a small house. A simple but clean and tidy housing.

Lilis reopened the stall, and the customers who had been waiting for a long time, now came to queue for food. After all was done, Lilis rested for a while to let go of the fatigue. Because it will come again, another customer.

"Mbak Lilis, someone is looking for Mbak Lilis" said Drunk Surti.

"Who? If it's Galah, just say I'm tired," Lilis said with a sigh.

"No, Ma'am. She's not. I asked him he said he wanted to talk business."

"Business? Is it true that there are people who want to do business with people like me?"

Lilis chuckled, feeling insecure. But who knows, I deserve it.

"Mbak, passion. The guy's in the corner."

Surti's brother gave Lilis some encouragement. Lilis got excited, especially maybe this business was the beginning for him to advance even more.

Lilis walked over to the person she was referring to Surti. A moment Lilis was stunned. Indeed, he still looks young and what business will be offered. Curious too.

"Bak Lilis? my name is Seno."

Lilis welcomed Seno's hand.

"Lilis. Surti said, Mas Seno wants to talk business with me, is that right?" ask Lilis to the point.

"That's right, Ma'am. Look, we've got an offer for Miss Lilis."

"A bargain, what offer?"

"We are in need of a chef of Javanese regional cuisine for our new restaurant. And we're very interested in Miss Lilis' cooking."

"I mean Mas Seno, I work at your restaurant?"

"really. We sincerely hope Mbak Lilis accepts our offer. Salary matters, can be discussed after Mbak Lilis agrees."

"Sorry, Mas Seno. I have no interest in working as a chef. I'm more pleased with my efforts as I am now. Even if it's just a simple food stall, it's my own."

"Please think carefully, before Ms. Lilis makes a decision."

"Go before I expel you, Mr. Seno," said Lilis.

Lilis was upset that it was not the cooperation she had imagined, but wanted her to become a chef. Lilis stared intently at Seno who then left in a hurry. She thinks Lilis is pretty scary. Lilis did not care about Seno's views.

Seno walked to his car. He rushed to report to his superiors. A handsome and athletic looking man was waiting for him. His face was cold and there was no smile on his face. Maybe if he smiled, it would look even more handsome. He was playing the pen in his hand.

His name is Nathan Sugara. The owner of the Malai restaurant, which already has branches in various cities. A fine restaurant for high-class people. This time he has a new program, to create a restaurant with authentic Indonesian cuisine. In another city, Nathan had already started running his program and had great success. In this B city, he has also set up a special restaurant of Padang cuisine and gudeg from Jogja.

Nathan is drawn to Lilis' cooking, when Nathan hears the story of one of the waiters at his restaurant. That there is one typical Javanese cuisine sold in this city that tastes very good. His name is Nasi Gandul. Those from Java, especially Central Java, must know where this cuisine comes from.

Nathan tried once, and it made him crave to want to eat it again. Not only that, other dishes, it also tastes right on his tongue. Maybe someday if Nathan wants to get married, he'll find a woman who can cook like Miss Lilis. Or, Bu Lilis' son, may be able to inherit her mother's cooking recipe. Should she marry her son Miss Lilis?

Nathan smiles at the thought of marrying a woman who is good at cooking. This confused Seno. For a long time, his boss never seemed to smile. Every day, his face was cold as the north pole.

"Boss, he rejected our offer Boss," Seno reported with a sigh.

Nathan's smile disappeared from his face. What looks now is a disappointed and upset face.

"Refuse me, have you told me that he'll be on a high salary if he's willing to be a chef."

"Tomorrow, let me negotiate with him myself."

"But boss. He kicked me out."

"Just calm down, I have other plans."

Nathan is looking for a plan to get close to Lilis in order to make her willing to work for him. That way at all times, he could taste Bu Lilis' cooking.

***

The next day, when it was time for lunch, Nathan headed for the Lilis stall. There, he joined another customer. He was wearing casual clothes so it did not look him as a Boss. Incidentally, Lilis is serving Nathan.

The dining system at the Lilis stall is something that has been taken into account so that with a little waitress, it can still walk.

At each customer's desk, there is already a notebook where customers record the food ordered. There is also a variety of dishes to choose from.

Each customer must submit an order record and will queue as per the record collection. Nathan's order is in Lilis's hands. Lilis immediately ushered in Nathan's order. Nathan mistook Lilis for one of the waiters at the Lilis stall.

"Sir, can you interrupt me for a second?"

"What's wrong?"

"Please sit for a while. I just wanted to ask, does the owner of this stall have a daughter?"

Nathan looked softly at Lilis. The face that looked familiar and made Nathan's heart suddenly flutter. Is this love at first sight?

"So, my daughter is so beautiful."

"Does his daughter have a boyfriend?"

Lilis was surprised to hear the man's question. It turned out that he did not know himself as the owner of the stall, let alone know if his daughter was only 2 years old. But Lilis seemed to have seen this man, but when and where, Lilis had forgotten. After quite a long time of remembering, Lilis finally remembered that, the young man was the man who had helped her two years ago when Lilis met Madam Susi.

"Sir, it's silent. Having a boyfriend is okay, too."

"Mas still remember me?"

"Who?"

"In the modern market two years ago. You once saved me, when Madam Susi's men would take me away."

Lilis smiled sweetly at Nathan which made Nathan's heart shake. His heart is racing. Nathan's upset, he's here to seduce the shop owner's daughter. Why get stuck with the waiter? He seemed to remember this woman in front of him, the woman he had helped two years ago.

"Oh, I remember. The old man did not say thank you. It even went straight away after hearing the announcement from the market office, right."

"Okay, sorry. At that time I had not been able to say thank you. My wallet was gone and I finally found it. Today, I will officially thank you."

"No, necessary. I was just kidding. I help with Ikhlas."

"Thank you, for your help, first," said Lilis, looking down as if to salute Nathan.

Nathan shook his head, feeling what Lilis was doing was a funny thing. Smiling anywhere.

"Please. You can ask for a request as my gratitude. Maybe eat for free a week?"

"One request? Then I want to be friends with you."

"Friends? Doesn't matter. I'm Lilis."

"Nathan. Now we're friends."

Seriate