Echoes of Duty

The morning sun spilled its golden hues across the mansion, painting the world in a soft, ethereal light. Yi Chen's eyes fluttered open, his internal clock alerting him that dawn had broken. It was 4 AM, a time that held echoes of memories both new and old. A smile played on his lips as he recalled the midnight escapade he had shared with Ai Xinyi, a secret shared between them and the moonlit night.

With a quiet chuckle, he shook off the remnants of sleep and rose from his bed. He exchanged his nightwear for a semi-casual outfit that Ai Xinyi had laid out, a reminder that their lives were intermingling in unexpected ways. Determined to start the day on an active note, he laced up his shoes and ventured out for a jog, the rhythm of his footsteps a symphony against the quiet morning.

By the time he returned, the sun had fully risen, casting the mansion in its warm embrace. It was 6 AM, and he felt a sense of accomplishment in the act of pushing his body, an embodiment of the resilience he had honed through years of training and missions.

With his heart still pounding from his run, he headed to the kitchen. The enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a hearty breakfast danced in the air. Yi Chen's hands moved with a practiced grace as he prepared a breakfast that balanced flavor and nutrition, an extension of his meticulous nature.

The sizzle of eggs in a pan, the melody of bacon crisping, and the aroma of toasted bread created a symphony of breakfast delights. He glanced at the clock, his efforts in perfect synchrony with his internal clock. In a matter of minutes, a delicious spread was laid out, a testament to his culinary prowess.

As the savory scent wafted through the mansion, Ai Xinyi stirred from her slumber. She stretched, her limbs protesting the early hour, and yawned as she ruffled her disheveled hair. Clutching the script for her upcoming movie, she ambled out of her room, sleep still clinging to her features.

Guided by her senses, she followed the aroma that led her towards the tantalizing promise of breakfast. Her steps carried her down the staircase, and there, seated at the table, was Yi Chen, a steaming cup of coffee in his hand.

Their eyes met, and he greeted her with a playful tease. "Good morning. What-are-you-doing?"

A pout formed on her lips as she clicked her tongue, her amusement clear. "I'm doing this food. Good thing your cooking is THAT good."

Their laughter mingled with the sunlight, their shared moments marked by a familiarity that was both endearing and thrilling. They savored their breakfast, the conversation flowing with a rhythm that spoke of shared comfort.

When the last bite had been savored, Yi Chen collected the plates and deftly cleaned up. As he moved about the kitchen, his gaze lingered on Ai Xinyi, who was engrossed in the script for her movie. Curiosity piqued, he ventured closer, the words on the pages drawing him in.

The script, titled "Soldier of the Country," narrated the journey of a female trainee soldier navigating the intricacies of military life and missions. The weight of her role and the challenges she would face were palpable in the words on the page.

Contemplation tugged at Yi Chen as he stood beside her, absorbing the contents of the script. He spoke, his voice carrying a thoughtful edge, "Do you want me to help you?"

Startled, Ai Xinyi's gaze shot up from the script, her surprise mirrored in her wide eyes. She sighed in relief as she realized the source of the voice. "Damn, you scared me."

Amusement danced in his eyes as he joined her on the sofa, leaning against her shoulder. "Well, not to brag, but I've had the experience of a military life."

Her eyebrows lifted in a mixture of curiosity and disbelief, but she refrained from voicing her thoughts aloud. Instead, she asked, "Well, this is my first time playing the role of a soldier. How will you help me?"

With a playful grin, he stood up and turned to face her. He extended his arms towards her, his gesture an invitation that held the promise of adventure. "Well, first, let's go to a gun range."

Her intrigue was palpable, her expression a mixture of surprise and anticipation.