Fang Yi spotted Ji You at once. He had no idea whether she had dry heaved during the broadcast, but seeing her relaxed expression and the slight upward curve of her lips, he knew the broadcast had gone smoothly. His tightly wound nerves finally loosened.
Ji You noticed the bulge of the breakfast boxes in his arms and asked as they walked under the tree, “Carrying the boxes in your chest, won’t it get your clothes dirty?”
Fang Yi knew his wife was particular. Keeping the food warm mattered more than worrying about his clothes. He loosened a button and took out the boxes, saying, “Clothes can be washed, your breakfast should stay warm.”
“What’s for breakfast?” Ji You asked.
“Boiled eggs, steamed rice cakes, cold dishes with peanuts and wood ear fungus, and some milk powder,” Fang Yi said.
He had brought two boxes because Ji You was picky. She did not want flavors mixing; the cold dishes needed a separate container.
“I don’t want to eat in the cafeteria. Different smells mixed together make me uncomfortable,” Ji You said.
Fang Yi held the two boxes and the thermos, thinking Ji You had become even more particular. He looked around and suggested, “Shall we eat in the reception room?”
The reception room was near the entrance of the station for visitors.
Ji You said, “The door is locked. I don’t want to ask the guard for the key. I’m not well-liked in our unit.”
Fang Yi paused.
She seemed fully aware of her social standing and did not let it bother her.
Fang Yi glanced at the guard post and said, “I’ll get the key.”
The station had strict access control. Only staff could enter, and today a young woman who had served in the military was on duty.
Fang Yi walked over, exchanged a few words with her, and she handed him the key with a bright smile.
However, when she saw Fang Yi walking toward the reception room with Ji You, her smile faded and her brows knitted.
Ji You noticed but did not care about the guard’s reaction. She only glanced at Fang Yi in surprise. Was he really that handsome that the guard smiled so readily?
His features were sharp and defined, and to some people that might be considered attractive.
If he dressed properly, he would look impeccable.
They entered the reception room and sat by the window. Fang Yi first returned the key, then opened the lids of the two boxes and placed them in front of Ji You. He opened the thermos and handed her a boiled egg.
Watching Ji You peel the egg, he asked, “Did your broadcast go smoothly today?”
Ji You sipped the warm sweetened milk and nodded. “Of course, it went well.”
Fang Yi placed the egg on the lid of the box, his mood relaxed. “Good, I’m glad.”
Ji You ate slowly, while someone else was feeling resentful.
She had taken five days off, and Xue Xiaocheng had hosted the morning news for five days without experiencing the sense of achievement and respect that came with it. Now the position had to be returned.
During Ji You’s broadcast, Xue Xiaocheng could only act as a completely unhelpful substitute.
She coveted the morning news for three reasons.
First, it was a key program at the station. Second, Ji You had been at the station for just over a year, without seniority or foundation. Third, her pregnancy would inevitably affect work.
Hosting the morning news required early rising. It was easier for her to host noon or evening news, but nothing compared to the morning news.
Originally, she assumed Ji You would terminate the pregnancy, divorce, and return to Binjiang City. She was ready to take over the morning news position as soon as it became available.
But Ji You had suddenly decided not to terminate the pregnancy.
So she had to wait patiently for Ji You to go on maternity leave.
She hoped Ji You would make mistakes, stumble over words, or have even bigger errors, but Ji You’s broadcast was smooth and flawless.
She was very disappointed, especially after stumbling herself the previous day.
Both were young, with little experience, yet Ji You’s broadcasting skills were so strong.
She tried to find reasons. Ji You had trained at the morning news desk. If she had the chance to train there for a few months, she would surpass Ji You.
She would outperform all the other broadcasters, young and old alike.
After Ji You finished breakfast, Fang Yi busied himself cleaning the boxes and wiping the table with tissue. He had to go to work.
“Don’t you mind bringing breakfast to me every day?” Ji You asked.
Fang Yi handed her the thermos and said quietly, “Just treat me a little better and that’s enough.”
Ji You looked at his dark, deep brows.
This man was not simple and taciturn. If she gave him a bit of kindness, he would expect more.
Yet she had never realized Fang Yi liked her.