Chapter 10 Unprovoked Kindness

Mi Shen carried the bread and milk into the dining room, where Li Fengchang was reading the morning paper.

She carefully handed over the breakfast, the utensils all placed meticulously, and said with utmost respect, "Fengchang, your breakfast."

"Hmm," Li Fengchang responded without lifting his head, gave the newspaper a shake, and continued reading. Was he deliberately acting as if she didn't exist, or was he simply too engrossed in the paper, or perhaps he had already spotted something amiss from her undue attention?

Standing to the side, Mrs. Zhang said with a smile, "Sir, this is breakfast that the fifth miss made herself this morning. Why don't you give it a try?"

Finally, Li Fengchang lifted his gaze from the newspaper, his sharp eyes briefly scanning over Mi Shen's face, "Unwarranted diligence often betrays an ulterior motive—out with it, what do you want?"

Had she not needed something from him, wouldn't she still be wrapped in her blanket, deeply asleep at this hour?

Mi Shen glanced at him guiltily and cleared her throat before saying, "Fengchang, Beibei's family has hired a new English tutor, reportedly with a doctoral degree, and very proficient in English. Beibei has invited me over to her place to attend two classes…"

Li Fengchang ate his breakfast elegantly, listening quietly as she spoke, without making any comment.

Seeing that he remained silent, Mi Shen's hopes dimmed significantly, and she looked downcast, her tone listless, "If you don't agree, then never mind…"

Li Fengchang glanced at her, taking in her disappointment, and after sipping some milk said leisurely, "The breakfast you made today is quite good."

"Huh?" Mi Shen was taken aback.

"If it's something that helps your studies, I agree," Li Fengchang added expressionlessly.

"Really?" Mi Shen almost jumped for joy, the gloom on her face instantly swept away, "Fengchang, you agree? You are truly wonderful."

"Don't get too excited just yet, I will have the driver take you," he stated.

"But…" Mi Shen bit her lip, seeming somewhat conflicted, "Beibei wants me to stay over at her place for two nights… Fengchang, please let me stay for two nights. I promise I absolutely won't cause any trouble. With the two of us together, we have a lot of homework to discuss. Also, her English tutor will be there in the evenings to supervise her homework."

"…" Li Fengchang continued his meal in silence.

Looking at him with pleading eyes, Mi Shen implored, "Fengchang? Please…"

Li Fengchang saw her pitiful little face and the words of refusal that reached his lips were swallowed back down. In a few months, it would be her birthday, and he shouldn't be too strict—it was time to learn to let go, especially since she was just going to a friend's house for studies. It would be unreasonable to refuse.

"Fengchang…"

Li Fengchang drained the glass of milk and handed her the empty glass, "The milk was good."

Mi Shen paused, almost missing his train of thought. Catching up, she quickly took the glass, asking very subserviently, "Would you like another glass?"

Li Fengchang raised an eyebrow slightly, "Hmm."

"Then… Fengchang, if you don't object, I'll take it as your agreement?" Mi Shen ventured cautiously.

"…" Li Fengchang chewed his food, not responding, which was as good as a tacit agreement.

A weight lifted from Mi Shen's heart.

"Thank you, Fengchang," she said and turned to cheerfully prepare another hot glass of milk for him.

Li Fengchang had nearly finished the food on his plate. He set down his cutlery and wiped his mouth with a napkin before turning to face the girl opposite him, ready to state his conditions.