Mo Ran followed at a leisurely pace, his voice carrying an amused lilt. "Eat dinner first."
Lixue smirked. "So there is a reward huh."
He didn't answer, but the small glance he gave her as he walked past, he had said enough.
She found herself smiling again.
The dining room was already set, the soft glow of the chandelier casting a warm light over the elegantly arranged dishes. The faint aroma of braised short ribs, stir-fried greens, and jasmine rice lingered in the air, a quiet reminder that this wasn't some perfunctory meal.
It was made with care.
Lixue slid into her usual seat, watching as Mo Ran took the one across from her. He moved with the same composed efficiency he always did—pouring her a cup of tea before serving himself, his expression unreadable yet oddly familiar.
She lifted the cup to her lips, taking a slow sip before saying, "You didn't have to wait for me to eat."
Mo Ran glanced up, his tone even. "It's just dinner, Lixue. Not some grand sacrifice."
