Chapter 12 – Breakfast Turmoil

On the third night, no heart-fluttering messages were sent. Cheng Yichi breathed a sigh of relief. If he had to send one every day, he might really have to play the field and send messages to every guest.

The next morning, Cheng Yichi woke up at six for the first time. It was also the first time he saw his roommate still in bed, sleeping peacefully. Only in sleep did Li Yi show a hint of childishness. Though his features were mature, there was still something boyish about him.

Cheng Yichi stared at his sleeping face for a while, thinking how nice it was to wake up to a handsome guy first thing in the morning. It also helped him wake up properly—he always gave himself five minutes to clear his head after waking, afraid that if he stayed groggy, he’d mess up his whole day.

Finally fully awake, Cheng Yichi rubbed his face, patted himself, shook his head, and after completing this little routine, stood up on wobbly legs. He kicked his legs left and right a few times before staggering toward the bathroom.

What he didn’t know was that the moment he turned away, the man on the other bed opened his eyes and watched his retreating figure—

Was he just staring at me?

—

After freshening up, Cheng Yichi put on a bright yellow hoodie, wore a mask, and headed out. His fair skin and delicate features gave him a unique charm—mature in a suit, but boyish in a hoodie. To Gu Zichen, that boyishness was downright adorable.

Though it sounded a little strange, Gu Zichen couldn’t help but think Cheng Yichi dressed like this resembled an egg—specifically, a perfectly fried sunny-side-up egg with a runny yolk.

“Let’s go, Dr. Gu! What do you feel like eating this morning? My treat!”

Gu Zichen found Cheng Yichi’s enthusiasm amusing. Playing along, he nodded and said, “Then I’ll have to trouble Boss Cheng today.”

As they walked, they ended up in front of a wonton stall. Cheng Yichi stopped in his tracks, eyes fixed on the wontons. “Smells amazing.”

“Want some?”

“Yeah!” Cheng Yichi happily paid. They didn’t buy too much—just two bowls to share with everyone back home.

“I also want some rice cakes.”

Gu Zichen hesitated. “Can actors eat such high-calorie food?”

Cheng Yichi sniffled pitifully. “Haven’t had them in so long.”

He didn’t usually mind eating light, but after indulging the past couple of days, he couldn’t stand the sight of salads and avocados now. Since he was supposed to be resting anyway, his manager couldn’t really stop him.

Gu Zichen followed behind him, taking whatever he bought. Cheng Yichi, of course, felt bad letting him carry everything, so they split the load. Soon, their hands were full.

Gu Zichen was wearing a black high-neck sweater that revealed just a sliver of his pale neck, paired with a camel-colored wool coat. His rectangular silver-framed glasses and serious demeanor made him the epitome of a stoic, untouchable beauty straight out of a manga.

So seeing him holding greasy fried dough sticks and soy milk was hilariously out of place. Cheng Yichi burst out laughing.

Gu Zichen’s eyes glinted with amusement. “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing. Just thinking how weird it is to see your surgeon’s hands holding something as greasy as fried dough sticks.”

Gu Zichen’s hands were indeed beautiful—pale, slender, with well-defined joints, strong yet elegant. They were the kind of hands that could even work as hand doubles.

But despite saying that, after buying the rice cakes, Cheng Yichi still dumped everything into Gu Zichen’s arms. “Thanks!”

The two of them carried breakfast for eight people, walking back slowly together.

Cheng Yichi asked, “Why did you suddenly decide to wear glasses today?”

Gu Zichen usually didn’t wear glasses. Cheng Yichi had observed earlier that they were non-prescription lenses. Most people wore them to enhance their eye shape, but Gu Zichen didn’t need that.

“They’re for blocking UV and infrared rays. My eyes have been a bit tired lately.”

He looked quite handsome with glasses on, exuding an air of refined nobility. After admiring him for a while, Cheng Yichi said sincerely, “You look really good with glasses.”

Cheng Yichi said this in a completely earnest tone, genuinely complimenting Gu Zichen’s appearance. Gu Zichen smiled slightly, “Really?”

“Yeah,” Cheng Yichi nodded. “Seriously handsome.”

He didn’t realize that such straightforward praise from a straight guy could lead to misunderstandings. At this moment, Gu Zichen thought: Does Cheng Yichi want me to wear glasses more often?

But due to work reasons, he only wore them when going out alone in the mornings. Gu Zichen sighed, “If it looks good, I’ll try to wear them more.”

“Oh,” Cheng Yichi said, “No need. It’s you who’s handsome, not the glasses. Wear them if you want to. I was just saying—you look great without them too.”

Gu Zichen didn’t know if Cheng Yichi acted this way with others, but…

He took a deep breath silently, and the skin visible above his black sweater began to flush pink again.

He truly, genuinely couldn’t handle this person.

—

When they returned, Bai Ruyu and Tang Yinuo were already up, chatting in the living room.

Cheng Yichi checked the time—not even 7 AM yet.

“You’re all early risers,” Cheng Yichi said as he carried the breakfast to the dining area, handing each of them a steaming cup of soy milk. “Drink it while it’s hot—it’ll warm your hands too.”

“Wow! Thanks, Yichi-ge! This is amazing!” Tang Yinuo happily stabbed her straw through the lid. Bai Ruyu smiled at Cheng Yichi, setting aside the cup of hot water he’d been holding to cradle the soy milk instead.

It was indeed warmer than the water.

“Take whatever you like from the dining area. We just bought some random stuff.”

Bai Ruyu watched as Gu Zichen put the things down and went into his room. After a brief silence, he asked Cheng Yichi jokingly, “Why are you up so early today?”

“I lost a bet yesterday, so I had to buy breakfast for everyone,” Cheng Yichi admitted without embarrassment. “We did push-ups—they were all really good. I only managed about forty or fifty before giving up.” He rubbed his waist and smiled wryly.

“What about Gu Zichen?” Bai Ruyu seemed particularly interested in this.

Of course, Cheng Yichi couldn’t tell him that Gu Zichen had lost too. They were trying to get along, and he didn’t want Bai Ruyu to think Gu Zichen lacked stamina. “I ran into him this morning, and he helped me carry everything. I couldn’t have managed alone. Don’t let Dr. Gu’s reserved demeanor fool you—he did about a hundred push-ups!” He threw in some praise for Gu Zichen too.

Gu Zichen happened to hear this as he came out of his room, pausing mid-step.

“Oh,” Bai Ruyu said nothing more.

Tang Yinuo held a soy milk carton, chewing on the straw as he mumbled, “Bro Chi, doing over fifty is already amazing! Yunshi told us yesterday—he said your form was perfect, graceful as a butterfly! That Wei Buyan even said he regretted not joining, but it wouldn’t have mattered. He never works out—probably all flash, no substance.”

“And how would you know I don’t work out?” A playful male voice came from behind Tang Yinuo, who stiffened before turning to see none other than Wei Buyan, dressed as flamboyantly as a butterfly.

Cheng Yichi chuckled: What a pair of bickering lovebirds.

While other male guests dressed for maturity, Wei Buyan insisted on wearing vibrant colors daily. Yet his striking looks carried the bold outfits effortlessly—each piece radiating confidence and energy that drew eyes. Today, he wore a white-and-pink uniform, the top two buttons undone, his tie slung carelessly askew. Cheng Yichi said earnestly, “Could you straighten your tie?”

“Sure.” Wei Buyan tugged at it lazily, flashing him a smirk.

Still slightly crooked, but better.

Wei Buyan had overheard Tang Yinuo’s jab. Normally, he wouldn’t care, but Cheng Yichi was here. Last night, hearing Fang Yunshi describe how the four had competed in push-ups, Wei Buyan had regretted missing the chance to flex his “boyfriend energy” in front of Cheng Yichi.

As for texting Bai Ruyu earlier? Wei Buyan reasoned: Isn’t that what a playboy’s supposed to do?

You can’t expect him to chase just one person, right?

“Don’t spout nonsense.” Wei Buyan flicked Tang Yinuo’s forehead. “I do work out—got abs and everything. Teacher Cheng, don’t listen to him. We should compete sometime.”

Cheng Yichi nodded politely, “Sure, let’s do it sometime,” while internally squealing: Their dynamic is so cute! Is this the charm of bickering lovebirds? So sweet!

Tang Yinuo knew Wei Buyan had lost interest in him and didn’t mind staying friends—especially since he had to behave around Cheng Yichi. But Wei Buyan’s constant flirting with Yichi-ge was downright irritating.

“Let’s get breakfast, Yichi-ge!” Tang Yinuo thought: Away from that peacock!

Wei Buyan just smiled, watching them leave with lazy amusement.

Bai Ruyu followed his gaze to—

Cheng Yichi.

He lowered his eyes, thoughts unreadable.

—

After breakfast, those with work left.

Tang Yinuo asked Cheng Yichi, “Yichi-ge, are you taking orders today?”

Instantly, Cheng Yichi felt everyone’s eyes on him.

“Probably, but I need to pick a gift first. I’ll take a couple of orders after.”

“Then—”

Before Jiang Heng could speak, Li Yi, seated beside him, set down his napkin and interjected casually, “Let’s go.”

Others: ? Go where?

Cheng Yichi brightened. “Right, I promised Li Yi yesterday we’d shop for gifts together. We’re heading out now.”

??? When did this happen under their noses?

Wei Buyan glanced between Cheng Yichi and Li Yi, chuckling. “Isn’t that unfair? Shopping together means you’ll know each other’s picks—no surprises left.”

“Moreover,” he said quietly, yet loud enough for everyone present to hear, “what if someone tries to cheat and use this method to pair up with the person they like?”

He didn’t specify who, but everyone understood implicitly.

Cheng Yichi said, “That won’t happen. Li Yi and I bought tickets separately, and the production team has been monitoring us. They confirmed this arrangement is acceptable.”

“Besides,” he frowned slightly, “neither Li Yi nor I would ever cheat. You can rest assured about that.”

For the first time, Wei Buyan’s face showed a troubled expression. After a long pause, he snorted with a laugh:

“Fine, Teacher Cheng. I believe fate will bring us together.”