The sky was just beginning to lighten, the sun not yet risen, when Shu Qianzhi forced her weary body out of bed and scurried to the dining room.
She had barely slept all night. If the first half was due to physical discomfort, the latter half was entirely because hunger kept her awake.
Finally enduring until past six, she got up intending to mooch some food from Aunt Li.
But arriving at the dining room, she found it completely empty, with no sign of Aunt Li—not even the bodyguards had started their shifts yet.
Her mooching plan foiled, Shu Qianzhi patted her sunken stomach and resigned herself to self-reliance.
After circling the dining area, she found plenty of items but almost no breakfast foods. Eventually, she dug out a neglected bag of toast from a corner.
Without overthinking it, she immediately stuffed a slice into her mouth. Only while eating did she remember to check the production date. Holding the toast in her left hand, she located the expiration date with her right and gave it a quick glance.
Counting the dates on her fingers.
Well, damn—expired for a day.
The bread in her mouth instantly lost its appeal. But feeling her stomach, which had been growling all night, she couldn’t bring herself to discard it.
Whatever. She was currently in the peak immunity phase after a fever anyway. Eating a few slices of expired bread probably wouldn’t hurt. Filling her stomach was the priority now.
Without further hesitation, she continued chewing the toast, completely putting the expiration date out of her mind.
Just as she finished one slice and reached for another, someone emerged from around the corner.
Tall, dressed in a suit, exuding noble elegance with an aloof demeanor—though his tie wasn’t properly fastened, hanging loosely on either side. His hands were busy buttoning his shirt.
The faintly visible muscle lines became more pronounced with his movements. Witnessing such a scene first thing in the morning was an absolute treat for Shu Qianzhi.
Ji Zechen paused upon seeing her and asked, “What are you doing here?”
Shu Qianzhi quickly adjusted her expression, transforming her infatuated gaze into one of sisterly admiration. She waved the toast bag. “I’m hungry, looking for something to eat.”
Ji Zechen didn’t respond, his eyes remaining fixed on her as if scrutinizing something, sharp and suspicious.
Shu Qianzhi met his gaze fearlessly, adopting a soft, innocent tone. “Do you want some too, Brother? Though it’s expired.”
“Uh…” Ji Zechen was speechless. “You’re eating expired food?”
“No choice, I’m starving.” Shu Qianzhi bit her lip, feigning helplessness. “There’s nothing good to eat at home anyway.”
Ignoring her remark, Ji Zechen walked past her to pour a glass of water, treating her as if she were invisible.
Shu Qianzhi felt displeased but kept it to herself. Just as Ji Zechen finished drinking and was about to leave, she stopped him. “Brother, your tie isn’t properly tied.”
“Hmm.” Ji Zechen responded lazily with a nasal sound, then casually adjusted his tie while continuing forward.
Shu Qianzhi hurried after him, positioning herself in front of Ji Zechen and stepping closer. “Let me help you with your tie.”
“No need.” Ji Zechen refused coldly, but Shu Qianzhi’s hand had already darted forward to touch his shirt. In that instant, as if bewitched, he completely lost any thought of refusal.
He simply let her handle him, standing perfectly straight while looking down at her movements.
“Quite skilled,” he scoffed lightly, his gaze unconsciously shifting from Shu Qianzhi’s hands to her face, watching her focused expression. “Have you tied ties for many others?”
“Not at all,” Shu Qianzhi blinked her clear eyes, revealing an indescribable emotion. “I’ve only ever helped my brother with his tie!”