Chapter 85: Proposals
As Richard shared a smile with the students across the room, a brave group of young diners, roughly in his earlier age bracket, approached their table hesitantly. One girl clutched her phone, her knuckles white.
"Um, Mr. Santamo? Sir? Sorry to bother you... but... could we... maybe get a selfie? We’re huge fans!"
Richard offered a reassuring smile that made his cyan eyes seem to sparkle. "Of course. No bother at all."
The group giggled, relaxing slightly. They quickly took a few selfies, beaming. Richard patiently leaned in for each. Just then, Mr. Reyes returned, expertly balancing two trays laden with PM1 (Paa Large) chicken inasal sets, bowls of extra chicken oil, and tall glasses of iced calamansi soda. The driver assisted him.
"Food is served! Hope you’re hungry, Mr. Santamo. Can’t go wrong with the classic."
They began to eat. Richard savored the familiar taste of grilled chicken marinated in annatto, garlic, and lemongrass, liberally dousing his rice with chicken oil.
He tried to ignore the subtle flashes of phone cameras still going off from other tables, where diners attempted to surreptitiously capture a photo of him eating. He caught a few gazes and simply offered another polite smile and a slight nod before returning to his meal.
Ciano noticed Richard’s slight tension. "They’re just admiring the national treasure at his most relatable, sir. Enjoying a national dish."
Richard shot Ciano a playful glare. "Just eat your chicken, Ciano."
They finished their meal, the conversation light and focused on general topics, carefully steered by Mr. Reyes away from heavy politics for the moment. Richard felt genuinely satisfied, the simple meal a welcome change.
"That hit the spot, Mr. Reyes. Thank you. My compliments to Mang Inasal’s enduring quality control."