Eric Fong’s relationship with his family hasn’t been great ever since he came out of the closet, but he owns a dim sum restaurant that’s quite successful, and he’s happy at least one aspect of his life is proceeding smoothly. Granted, his life would have been much better if he had a boyfriend because then he wouldn’t feel quite as lonely. However, overall, he’s satisfied with his life.<br><br>Benjamin Wen is the owner of The Crossroads Diner. Eric thinks Benjamin is cute, and something about the owner of the diner is intriguing. Most importantly, Benjamin prepares food that tastes identical to the ones Eric’s late maternal grandmother used to make for him. There are other aspects of the diner, such as the strange customers who gawk at Eric and only stare at their food and drinks instead of enjoying them, that he considers to be fascinating. He visits the diner night after night, hoping to solve the mysteries behind its existence. Along the way, he finds himself falling for Benjamin. But Benjamin is hiding quite a few secrets from him. Things Benjamin seems unwilling to reveal.<br><br>Can Eric and Benjamin’s relationship survive in spite of the secrets? Or are they destined to go their separate ways?

The Crossroads Diner

“Chrysanthemum tea,” Benjamin explained while pointing at the teapot. Then he gestured at the bowl. “That’s chicken porridge. Be careful. It’s steaming hot.”


Eric was taken aback. He had no clue how Benjamin appeared to know exactly what he required even though he hadn’t ordered anything, but he was thankful. He stirred at the bowl of porridge curiously when he noticed the thin slices of century egg on top of it. He was even more amazed when the liquid yolk of an egg seeped through the bottom of the porridge all the way to the top, staining a part of the porridge into a light yellow color.


Eric was shocked to hear that. “You know?”


Benjamin’s cheeks reddened for the second time that evening. “I mean, I guessed. You had mentioned her quite a bit last night.”


Eric couldn’t remember doing that exactly, but he played along anyway. “Oh, I see. Cool. Thank you for the porridge and tea.”


Chapter 11