The first clause of the "Assistant's Duties Addendum" stated: "Provide breakfast daily, ensuring nutritional balance and punctual delivery."
Xiaochen Yan held the steaming breakfast bag, a faint, barely noticeable smirk curling at the corners of her lips. Since he insisted on making things difficult for her, she might as well play along.
She deliberately bypassed the high-end Western breakfast deli near the company and instead lined up at a popular street stall at the subway entrance, buying an extra-spicy jianbing guozi—a savory Chinese crease loaded with chili sauce and spices, known to bring tears to the eyes of those unaccustomed to heat.
Pushing open the door to the CEO's office, Qiyu was already seated behind his desk, reviewing documents. The morning sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, outlining his sharp profile with a golden glow. He didn't look up, his voice cold and routine: "Put it on the table."
Xiaochen placed the greasy paper bag on his spotless desk, a stark contrast to the pristine environment.
Qiyu finally glanced at it, his brow furrowing slightly. He was clearly unfamiliar with this type of packaging.
"What is this?"
"Breakfast," Xiaochen replied innocently. "A local specialty, very popular. I thought you might want to try it, Mr. Qi."
Her tone was respectful, but a hint of defiance flickered in her eyes.
Qiyu looked at her deeply for a moment, then unexpectedly reached out, unwrapped the paper bag, and took out the generously sauced, bright red jianbing guozi. Without hesitation, he took a large bite.
Xiaochen watched intently, anticipating his reaction—coughing, flushed face, maybe even anger.
But nothing happened.
Qiyu's expression remained unchanged, his chewing movements steady and natural, as if he were eating something utterly ordinary. If it weren't for the slight redness at the corners of his eyes and the barely perceptible tightening of his throat, she might have thought he had no sense of taste.
He finished the entire jianbing guozi in a few bites, then neatly wiped his hands with a tissue.
Xiaochen was momentarily stunned, feeling both surprised and oddly disappointed.
Just as she was about to turn and leave, Qiyu suddenly stood up.
In two steps, he was right in front of her. Before she could react, his large hand swiftly clasped the back of her head, his grip firm but not rough.
"Since Assistant Yan is so thoughtful," his voice was low, carrying a hint of danger, "then be thorough until the end."
With that, his other hand picked up the glass of ice-cold milk that had been meant for his coffee and brought it directly to her lips.
Xiaochen's eyes widened in shock, instinctively struggling. "What are you doing... Mmm!"
The cool liquid poured into her mouth without warning. The rich milk flavor instantly spread, but the forceful action made her choke, and some milk spilled from the corners of her lips, tracing wet lines down her neck.
He was helping her "quench the spice," but it felt more like a punishment or a warning.
The entire process was swift and domineering. By the time Xiaochen broke free, coughing, her lips were glistening, her face flushed from lack of air, and she looked both embarrassed and furious.
Qiyu looked down at her, his gaze dark and intense, his thumb gently wiping away the milk stain at the corner of her lips. His voice was deep and ambiguous:
"Next time, if Assistant Yan wants to play games with me..."
"Make sure you can handle the consequences."
(End of Chapter 12)