“Help… before?”
Ji Zechen furrowed his brow slightly, his dark pupils following Shu Qianzhi’s movements as he pondered the meaning of those two words. Suddenly, an indescribable emotion surged within him, making him deeply uncomfortable.
The next moment, he took half a step back to maintain distance from Shu Qianzhi, stopping her from continuing her actions. He loosened the half-tied necktie slightly, even finding the sight of it somewhat irritating.
Leaning against the dining table, he propped himself up with his hands on the surface and questioned her amidst her confused expression, “Do you often help your brother tie his tie?”
His expression turned fierce again, his already profound eyes carrying a hint of intimidation, as if nothing could escape his gaze, making one shudder.
Only then did Shu Qianzhi realize the flaw in her wording. Thinking he had discovered something, she couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty.
But how should she explain it?
Should she honestly say the last time she helped him with his tie was when she sent him off on his final journey after he died for her?!
…There was no other way. She could only play along with the act.
Despite the turmoil inside, Shu Qianzhi maintained her usual calm expression, her eyes even more sincere as she blinked slightly in confusion. “But doesn’t brother like it most when I help him with his tie?”
The air around them seemed to freeze for a moment, the already quiet morning atmosphere growing even more still.
“Uh…” Ji Zechen didn’t respond to her. Instead, he immediately averted his gaze, irritably pulling off the necktie from his neck and clutching it in his hand before turning to leave the kitchen without another word.
Behind him, Shu Qianzhi stared at Ji Zechen’s retreating figure, her face full of confusion.
But after replaying their conversation in her mind, she soon seemed to understand something.
Could it be that Ji Zechen’s reaction was out of jealousy?!
Was that it?! Was that it?!
Her eyes unconsciously widened in pleasant surprise as she quickly followed the direction Ji Zechen had left. Standing at the doorway, she waved and jumped slightly toward the figure in the yard who had just gotten into the car, preparing to drive off alone. “Bye bye, brother! Have a smooth workday!”
The response she received was the particularly loud roar of a car engine, followed by the vehicle speeding past her, leaving her with nothing but a mouthful of exhaust fumes.
Though she received no response, Shu Qianzhi was secretly delighted, thrilled by the small progress she had made.
Ji Zechen was actually jealous of her! The sense of accomplishment that came with this realization was overwhelming.
After watching Ji Zechen leave, Shu Qianzhi turned back into the dining room and retreated to a corner, continuing to munch on her expired toast slices with greatly improved spirits.
But her mind was filled with the image of Ji Zechen getting jealous, throwing off his tie, and storming off in anger. She couldn’t help but secretly rejoice, and even the bread in her hand seemed to taste better.
“Miss Ji.” A bodyguard’s voice suddenly came from behind, startling Shu Qianzhi who had been immersed in her memories.
She jumped, instantly switching her expression as she looked at the speaker. “What is it?”
“Master Ji asked me to deliver breakfast to you. Please eat it while it’s warm.” The bodyguard presented the items in his hands to Shu Qianzhi, his attitude remaining respectful throughout.
Shu Qianzhi: ?!
Didn’t he just leave? How did he manage to send breakfast over so quickly?
Her expression immediately brightened. “Did brother really prepare this?! I thought he was angry!”
Angry? Of course she couldn’t be angry. The word “angry” should be replaced with “jealous.”
The bodyguard nodded slightly and only said, “Eating expired bread isn’t good for your health.” After speaking, he stood up and left the dining room, giving the space back to Shu Qianzhi.
Shu Qianzhi was momentarily stunned, pondering the bodyguard’s last words.
So this was also a message Ji Zechen specifically asked someone to relay to her?
Could it be that even while feeling jealous, he still remembered to care about her?
Shu Qianzhi covered her mouth, secretly laughing until her shoulders trembled.
Oh my goodness, what a reserved and secretly passionate person he was! Who would have thought that beneath such a cold exterior, he could make such an adorable gesture?
How could she like this person even more now?!