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

“Actually, I have one more question for you.”


“Will it be possible for the two of us to have dinner somewhere else tomorrow evening?”


Benjamin gaped, and he appeared to be really astonished. “Eric—”


“Not a date,” Eric interrupted in a hurry. “Just a normal dinner. I mean, friends can have dinner together. It doesn’t have to mean anything.”


Benjamin didn’t answer for a few moments, and Eric braced himself for the rejection. His heart ached, but he wasn’t surprised. It was a long shot anyway. Eric nearly jumped in shock when Benjamin was abruptly standing right in front of him. Then he was confused when Benjamin plucked out a few strands of the hair from the top of his head.


“I’m giving you ten strands of my hair.”


Benjamin was totally bewildered by that. “What for?”


“Burn one strand of my hair whenever you need to locate my diner,” Benjamin explained. “The magic will lead you to it.”


Chapter 25