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

“I will,” Benjamin promised. “Stay behind me, please. I don’t know what we will be facing.”


Eric sounded really astonished, and Benjamin stopped in his tracks before facing his boyfriend. “No. I’m a soul. A spirit. I’m not a deity, and for your information, not even deities know everything. They know many things that are under their jurisdictions, but they still rely on reports from their subordinates and the gossips they like to pretend are beneath their dignities.”


Benjamin shrugged. “Deities are over-glorified. Over-exalted. They’re powerful because they’re old. Ancient even. That’s how magic develops. The longer one exists, the stronger the magic becomes.”


“You once mentioned that Persephone knows everything—”


“That’s because that decrepit hag is one of the worst gossipmongers ever!”


Chapter 53