There were two sets of chopsticks and bowls, one already empty and the other half full.

She forced a smile and said, “You’ve already eaten?”

Fang Zhou followed her gaze, his heart skipping a beat. Oh no, I forgot to clean up Han Xi’s dishes.

He could only smile dryly and reassure her, “I haven’t finished. I was just halfway through. Don’t worry, with my appetite, I can still easily handle a portion of rice rolls.”

“Then who was the other bowl for?”

Chu Xinran stared intently at the remaining chopsticks and bowl, almost as if she wanted to see flowers bloom on them.

Didn’t Fang Wenjing say he was alone here?

He usually stayed here during live streams and went to the other place only to take his sister to the hospital or rest.

So, what was the story with the two sets of chopsticks and bowls now?

And why were they here so early?

Fang Zhou’s eyes darted around as he blinked lightly, lying calmly.

“That was Li Siming’s. He just left.”

“We drank last night, and he brought me back late, so he just crashed here.”

It sounded like a flawless excuse.

And it did indeed dispel Chu Xinran’s doubts.

She smiled, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Fang Zhou, “Your friend is also in this city?”

Long ago, Fang Zhou had introduced Chu Xinran to Li Siming a few times, and she occasionally heard about him in conversations, so she had some impression of him.

“Yeah, he’s here too. But let’s not talk about him. Have you had breakfast?”

Fang Zhou wanted to quickly move on from this topic and divert her attention.

Chu Xinran misunderstood, thinking Fang Zhou didn’t like her discussing other men and was jealous.

Feeling secretly delighted, she followed his lead, “I haven’t eaten yet. I finished my injections early today but haven’t eaten.”

Fang Zhou led her to the table and set out all the breakfast items she had brought.

“Eat something. You’re already weak.”

His concern warmed Chu Xinran, making her feel like a well-petted kitten, smiling sweetly.

“Okay.”

She picked up a bun and started eating breakfast with soy milk.

Fang Zhou also sat down, opening the rice rolls she had brought, ready to eat.

His eyes caught sight of her other hand, wrapped in bandages, making him feel a bit choked up.

Fang Zhou, you’re despicable!

Lying to such a devoted girl!

But another voice in his head argued.

If you don’t lie to her, do you want her to see Han Xi wearing your clothes?

Or do you want to see Chu Xinran jump off the roof before you’re satisfied?

Fang Zhou felt conflicted, and the delicious rice rolls suddenly tasted bland and flavorless.

His movements became sluggish, not seeming to enjoy the food.

Sitting across from him, Chu Xinran, always observant of his state, asked worriedly, “What’s wrong? Is it not good?”

Her timid expression showed her fear that he might not like the food she brought and thus lose favor.

Fang Zhou shook his head, taking a few more bites before replying, “No, it’s just been a while since I had rice rolls. It reminds me of the ones from the shop near our university.”

That shop’s Cantonese rice rolls were indeed excellent, always having long queues due to their deliciousness.

Talking about familiar things, Chu Xinran visibly relaxed.

Her eyes curved into a pure smile.

“If you miss it, we can go together next time.”

The university was in the same city, so it was convenient to visit.

Plus, she was in her senior year, about to graduate. It would be great if Fang Zhou could attend her graduation ceremony.

Then she could perform the most beautiful dance for him.

Thinking of this, Chu Xinran’s face flushed with the anticipation and excitement of the beautiful moment.

Fang Zhou noticed her meaning and was momentarily stunned.

“Yeah, maybe next time.”

When that next time would be, who knew?

Humans are indeed best at making empty promises; it’s like an innate skill, needing no practice.

“Great!”

Chu Xinran’s smile brightened, her overall state looking much better.

However, for another person in the house, their conversation was far less pleasant.

Han Xi, sitting on Fang Zhou’s bed, could clearly hear their conversation.

She casually picked up a book, leafing through it aimlessly.

Until she heard them planning to revisit their university.

A trace of displeasure crossed Han Xi’s face, souring her previously good mood.

Her hand holding the book loosened slightly.

The book fell to the floor with a dull thud.

Outside, Chu Xinran’s ears twitched, looking around in confusion.

“Huh? I think I heard something fall?”

Fang Zhou’s heart skipped a beat, resisting the urge to glance at his bedroom.

Stay calm, don’t panic.

He kept his face composed, saying lightly, “Oh, it’s nothing. My friend’s cat is staying with me for a few days. It probably knocked something over.”

“A cat?”

Chu Xinran’s eyes lit up, looking eagerly at Fang Zhou, “What kind of cat?”

Fang Zhou kept a straight face, “A black cat.”

A black cat, mysterious and noble, perfectly matching Han Xi’s personality.

Not a lie, right?

“Wow! Purebred black cats are rare nowadays. Can I see it?”

“I really want to pet it.”

She looked at Fang Zhou with pure eyes, hands clasped in a pleading gesture.

“Please, can I see the cat?”