Li Longwei narrowed his obsidian eyes, the dim light casting sharp shadows across his chiseled features. For a long moment, silence wrapped around the room heavy, unspoken, almost suffocating.
Seated nearby, Su Fengxi risked a brief glance at him. His expression was still as water, a mask of frigid indifference. She wondered, not for the first time, whether this man was even capable of warmth… a smile… perhaps even a laugh.
Her lips pursed involuntarily.
That small movement did not escape him.
Li Longwei's gaze shifted slow, precise—landing on her. "Alright" he said, his tone flat yet commanding.
"Eh?" Su Fengxi blinked, startled.
As if reading her bewildered thoughts, his voice, deep and low, cut through the quiet again.
"Bring me something to eat."
His eyes, dark and penetrating, held a trace of doubt. "Can you?"
Her back straightened. "Alright" she whispered, resolve blooming in her heart.
Without hesitation, Su Fengxi hurried into the kitchen. She intended to make porridge the only dish she had confidently learned. Relying on the household cooks had always left a knot of guilt in her chest, so she had started quietly observing them, asking small questions, absorbing whatever knowledge she could.
For two days, she had practiced relentlessly learning how to hold a knife properly, how to chop vegetables without trembling fingers. Butler Dan had tried to stop her at first, insisting someone of her identity shouldn't be troubling herself over kitchen work. But her stubborn determination softened even his stern heart, and eventually, he allowed her to learn.
Ten minutes later, she emerged with a tray carrying a single cup of steaming porridge.
Li Longwei lounged on the couch, long legs crossed, his focus fixed on the stock reports glowing on his tablet. But as her light footsteps approached, he lifted his gaze. His eyes flickered briefly to the tray one cup, the aroma warm and fragrant enough to stir his hunger.
Su Fengxi set the tray before him with both hands, her voice soft but tinged with nerves.
"Mr. Li, this is your porridge."
He examined the bowl, his almond-shaped eyes narrowing slightly. Su Fengxi's heart tightened.
"Mr. Li… I… I'm sorry" she stuttered, her voice trembling. "I only know how to make porridge for now…"
Her eyes shimmered, guilt clouding her delicate features.
Li Longwei didn't respond. Instead, he simply picked up the chopsticks and began to eat. His movements were elegant, restrained, and utterly unreadable. No sigh of satisfaction, no visible enjoyment nothing.
Su Fengxi stood beside him, fingers clenched together, her gaze lowered. She barely dared to breathe.
Minutes passed.
At last, Li Longwei set the chopsticks down, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and raised his eyes to her.
She still stood with her head bowed, like a frightened deer.
A faint cough escaped him more habit than intention yet it made her flinch. He paused, studying her small, anxious frame.
"…Not bad" he finally said, his voice even.
He rose and walked toward his room without another word.
Su Fengxi's eyes widened, disbelief bursting into quiet joy.
She whispered, almost breathlessly, "T-Thank you…"
But he was already gone.
After washing the bowl and tray, she trudged back to her room. Only then did she notice the time 2 a.m. She rarely ever stayed up so late. But she couldn't blame him. He had given her a roof, safety, and support. Making porridge was nothing compared to what he had done for her.
With Li Longwei's cold face lingering in her thoughts, sleep finally took her.
The next morning, Li Longwei stood by the door, immaculate in a tailored suit. His posture was straight, his presence commanding without effort.
From the staircase, Su Fengxi still rubbing sleep from her eyes paused. She wore a navy-blue floral skirt, the hem fluttering with each hesitant step.
"What is it?" he asked, noticing her approach.
"Good morning… and thank you, Mr. Li," she said softly, a shy smile curving her lips.
"For what?" His brow lifted slightly.
"You… saved me when I was injured" she replied earnestly.
The morning sunlight brushed her cheeks, turning her blush into a delicate glow. For a fleeting second, something warm flickered in his gaze then vanished as quickly as it came.
"Mm." His reply was brief, emotionless.
Footsteps echoed as the driver appeared.
"Good morning, Mr. Li. The new car has arrived."
Li Longwei nodded but glanced once more at the little figure on the stairs.
"Take care, Mr. Li" Su Fengxi said quietly.
She wasn't sure if he heard her.
At his office, Li Longwei's long, slender fingers turned through crisp documents with mechanical precision. A sudden knock pulled him from his focus.
"Come in" he commanded.
The door opened.
Shen Chi stepped inside, ready to report the day's affairs.