The scene rewinds to half an hour earlier.
Ji Family Mansion.
Master Bedroom.
This bedroom features a large bed spacious enough for four or five people, draped in snow-white bedding. Aside from this, the room appears rather austere.
Apart from the antique-style bed, desk, wardrobe, dressing mirror, walk-in closet, chairs, tea table, and bookshelf—all crafted from rare and expensive wood—there is virtually no other furniture. Even household appliances like a refrigerator or television are conspicuously absent.
The desk is cluttered with rare ancient texts and the "Four Treasures of the Study" (brush, ink, paper, and inkstone), suggesting the room's owner had been reading or practicing calligraphy before being interrupted by some unforeseen event, leaving no time to tidy up.
The decorations consist of traditional cultural artifacts—carvings, pottery, calligraphy, and paintings—creating an atmosphere of classical simplicity.
Yet, the most jarring contrast lies in the fact that this palatial-style room holds a colorful framed group photo on the bedside table and a meticulously cared-for white peony bonsai on the balcony table.
At this time of year, it is far from the ideal season for repotting peonies. During this period, peonies require immense energy to grow, and if their roots cannot supply sufficient water and nutrients, they gradually wither, with a survival rate of merely 1%.
But this peony seemed to defy nature—not only was it free from withering or wilting, but it also thrived luxuriantly, blooming with delicate vibrancy and even bearing a faint blush.
It was nothing short of extraordinary.
Just then, the solemn redwood door of the bedroom creaked open, and a maid cautiously entered, carrying two gifts in her hands. She gently placed the boxes on the central table in the room.
She then began tidying up the calligraphy tools and books on the desk. Her movements were practiced and precise, maintaining perfect posture even in the absence of her mistress. Not a single sound escaped as she worked at a measured pace.
Once finished, she gathered the books and calligraphy supplies and exited the room, closing the door behind her and restoring the space to its tranquil silence.
About ten minutes later, the bedroom door opened again, and a young woman in an elegant dress stepped inside. Her eyes were as still as stagnant water, her face devoid of expression, betraying no emotion. Yet, the tear mole at the corner of her eye added a touch of allure and charm.
As she entered, her gaze immediately fixed on the two gifts atop the table.
She approached and reached out with slender, jade-like fingers, picking up one of the items. Carefully peeling away the paper wrapping, she revealed a small plastic-shell camera encased in a cardboard box and transparent packaging.
The camera was, by all accounts, crude and cheap.
"A disposable film camera?"
She held it up, her eyes gradually softening as if admiring a priceless treasure. Her lips parted slightly as she murmured, "Thirty-nine exposures..."
In today's photography world, such a camera was considered a toy—outdated, amateurish, and hardly worthy of being called a proper camera.
Yet, Ji Qingyi could sense Su Cheng's thoughtfulness and intention behind the gift, and she adored it.
Earlier, in a group chat, she had mentioned her fondness for profound, meditative experiences, and this camera perfectly aligned with that sentiment.
The limited number of exposures and the slow process of developing the film meant every shutter press would be precious.
Most importantly, once the roll was finished and sent for development, the mere anticipation of waiting for the photos evoked an indescribable delight.
Ji Qingyi carefully extracted the camera and examined it, holding it up to her eye. She turned in place, and finally, the lens settled on the white peony bonsai atop the balcony table.
She intended to dedicate her first shot to this very peony—a gift from Su Cheng. But just then, her movements and expression froze abruptly.
She realized this camera could only capture decent images in daylight. At night, the shots would be severely underexposed and unsightly.
With this in mind, she walked to the bed and pressed the call bell. Almost instantly, a maid entered, standing respectfully by the door, awaiting instructions.
"I require lighting equipment," Ji Qingyi stated flatly, her voice devoid of inflection.
"At once, Young Mistress!" The maid nodded and promptly left.
Moments later, she returned, followed by several other maids carrying an array of professional lighting equipment—fill lights, spotlights, backdrop lights, and more.
Finally, Ji Qingyi achieved her goal: transforming the bedroom into a brightly lit studio. She took her first photograph of the peony.
Though she couldn’t yet see the result—that would only come after all thirty-nine shots were taken and developed—the very act of waiting filled her with immense anticipation.
For her, this was a novel experience, brimming with curiosity and excitement. Eager to know how the photo would turn out, she began contemplating what to capture next.
Finally, her gaze fell upon another gift from Su Cheng—a triangular package that unmistakably hinted at being a cake.
She extended her slender fingers once more, intending to unwrap it and see for herself.
But as she opened it, her fingers suddenly froze. She noticed writing and a drawing on the surface of the chocolate cake.
Due to the long storage time, only the faint outline of the character "Yi" was visible, alongside a crudely drawn little figure. Upon closer inspection, it seemed to depict her.
Combining the character and the drawing, she was certain the figure was meant to be her.
She stood in stunned silence for a long moment before a faint smile curved her lips. She immediately raised her camera, preparing to take a photo.
The maids nearby, noticing her action, swiftly brought equipment to the optimal position and adjusted the lighting.
Click—
A crisp shutter sound echoed through the room. Ji Qingyi lowered the camera and instructed, "Preserve this cake properly."
"Yes, my lady."
One of the maids bowed and carefully carried the cake away with both hands.
"Dismissed."
"Yes, Lady Ji."
The remaining maids quietly withdrew, gently closing the door behind them.
Once again, the vast bedroom was left with only Ji Qingyi and the camera in her hands.
"My lady, the evening banquet is ready. We have already informed Young Master Su Cheng. You may proceed at your convenience."
Just then, the respectful voice of a stewardess maid sounded from outside the door. After delivering the message, she retreated without further disturbance.
………………………………
Meanwhile.
"Young Master Su Cheng, the evening banquet is prepared. You may attend whenever you are ready."
Suddenly, a maid’s polite voice came from outside Su Cheng’s door. He hurriedly tidied up the chess pieces before opening it.
Standing at the entrance was a maid in an elegant long dress, her demeanor refined and her beauty striking. She bowed deeply the moment he appeared, her attitude humble and respectful.
Compared to the expressionless faces of the stewards, Su Cheng found the maids far more charming and lively.
Both their voices and appearances perfectly matched his ideal image of a maid—something every man had fantasized about at some point, and Su Cheng was no exception.
At such close proximity, he couldn’t resist giving her a once-over—the classic black-and-white maid outfit paired with pristine white stockings…
What would Ji Qingyi look like in this?
Come to think of it, he hadn’t seen Liu Qingyue wear one either.
A flicker of anticipation rose in his heart, but he kept his expression neutral and simply said, "Thank you for your trouble."
The maid shook her head. "It is our duty."
She stepped aside and gestured gracefully. "Young Master Su Cheng, please follow me."
"Just call me 'Sir.' Drop the 'Young Master' title."
Hearing the overly formal address again, Su Cheng couldn’t help but frown. He wasn’t used to such honorifics.
"As you wish, Sir."
The maid nodded in understanding and led him downstairs.
The staircase opened into a long corridor lined with many rooms, all with tightly shut doors and empty interiors.
After walking for over ten minutes, Su Cheng’s curiosity got the better of him. "Why haven’t we seen any of your colleagues along the way?"
The silence was almost eerie. Despite the mansion being full of people, not a single soul was in sight—unnervingly so.
This is exactly why he didn’t like mansions—too big, too unsettling.
"Sir, the staff are strictly forbidden from appearing before guests unless summoned," the maid paused to explain, her tone filled with deference.
"I see."
Su Cheng motioned for her to continue, but just as she was about to step forward, he asked another question. "Then… who prepared the banquet’s dishes?"
"The menu was personally selected by Lady Ji."
The maid answered smoothly.
"Did she cook them herself?"
Su Cheng’s eyes widened in surprise.
The maid smiled and shook her head. "No, the head chef handled the cooking."
Su Cheng felt a pang of disappointment.
He had hoped to taste a meal prepared by Ji Qingyi herself. So much for the fantasy of her playing the role of a doting cook.
"Normally, the head chef decides the menu, but this time, Lady Ji personally chose the dishes and ingredients before entrusting them to the chef."
The maid added, her tone still calm and measured.
Su Cheng nodded thoughtfully.
Even if she hadn’t cooked it herself, the fact that she had handpicked everything showed just how much importance she placed on this occasion.
After walking a while longer, they finally arrived at a grand hall, brilliantly lit and exquisitely decorated. Two attendants stood at the entrance, bowing respectfully as they opened the doors for him.
Su Cheng glanced inside—the hall was aglow with light, its furnishings arranged with refined elegance. At the center stood a round table adorned with a candelabra.
Just as he was about to enter, footsteps sounded behind him. He turned and saw Ji Qingyi walking gracefully toward him in a dress, the black stockings covering her calves exposed to the air beneath the long skirt. Wearing flat shoes, she stepped forward steadily, her elegant and dignified noble aura making one hold their breath unconsciously.
"Let’s go in first."
As Ji Qingyi approached, her red lips parted gently, her voice soft and laced with a hint of indulgence.
"Oh… okay!"
Su Cheng snapped out of his daze and nodded quickly.
Ji Qingyi gave a slight nod, guided him to his seat, and then took her place at the head of the table. She glanced at the attendant and ordered, "Serve the dishes."
"Yes!"
The attendant bowed and withdrew.
Su Cheng sat down after being respectfully seated by the attendant, feeling somewhat restrained, unsure where to place his hands and feet.
"It’ll just be the two of us for dinner."
Ji Qingyi, sitting perfectly upright, seemed to notice Su Cheng’s discomfort and curved her lips slightly as she spoke.
"I see."
Su Cheng nodded, sighing inwardly, resigned to another awkward Western-style meal.
Truthfully, he didn’t like it—expensive, unsatisfying, slow to serve, and not even tasty.
He wanted to suggest they eat as casually as usual, but considering the grand setup and the effort she had put into the arrangements, he swallowed his words.
That thought lasted only until a server placed a pair of chopsticks and a bowl in front of him. Only then did he realize this wasn’t a Western-style meal.
Surprised, he glanced at Ji Qingyi.
But what truly stunned him was when chefs began serving cold dishes in the manner of Western courses.
Cold dishes.
Cucumber salad, jellyfish salad, wood ear mushroom salad, spicy beef slices—all kinds of bold, appetizing starters.
Seeing these dishes, Su Cheng’s lips twitched, and he looked up at Ji Qingyi.
Clearly, the spicy snack incident from before had left an impression on her, hence these intensely flavored cold dishes.
Xiao Yi really put thought into this.
Once all the cold dishes were served, Ji Qingyi extended her delicate hand, gesturing for him to try them.
Su Cheng picked up his chopsticks and took a slice of the spicy beef.
The taste…
He didn’t know how to describe it, but if he had to, this dish alone could pair with ten bowls of rice!
Then he sampled the others.
After trying all five or six cold dishes, Ji Qingyi still hadn’t touched her chopsticks. He looked up at her.
Ji Qingyi met his gaze and said calmly, "What’s wrong? Not to your liking?"
"Aren’t you eating?"
"Of course I am."
Ji Qingyi nodded, elegantly picking up her chopsticks to take a piece of cucumber, chewing slowly and deliberately.
Soon, exquisitely prepared hot dishes—though all homely fare—were served one after another, each one redefining his expectations for the dish.
"Speak your mind. It’s fine."
Ji Qingyi’s voice was calm. She noticed Su Cheng eating but with an expression of hesitation, which piqued her curiosity.
Just then, soup was brought to the table. A server ladled it into their bowls and withdrew. Su Cheng finally spoke: "The gift you gave me is far too valuable. I’d like you to take it back."
"Valuable?"
Ji Qingyi raised a brow, puzzled. "How is a mere plaything valuable?"
Su Cheng’s lips twitched again at the comparison—comparing a cultural relic to a toy was absurd.
"Regardless, I can’t accept it!"
Su Cheng’s expression hardened, his tone resolute.
Ji Qingyi studied him, her gaze complicated.
After a long pause, she finally looked away and began sipping her soup.
Once finished, she dabbed her lips with a napkin and then turned back to Su Cheng, her lips curving slightly. "It can serve its greatest purpose in your hands."
"Huh?"
Su Cheng frowned, not understanding.
"Tomorrow, we’ll use this set for our Go practice." Ji Qingyi met his eyes, her voice softening. "That way, this item gains new meaning—no longer just a display piece, but something truly valuable."
"But it’s too precious! If I accidentally damage even one piece, I’d be rolling on the floor in agony!"
Su Cheng sighed helplessly. He’d sooner treasure it like a priceless artifact than use it for a game.
"Rolling…?"
Ji Qingyi blinked, murmuring the word quietly as if imagining the scene. Then, as if the idea of Su Cheng flailing on the ground intrigued her, she nodded. "In that case, I’ll replace it with something else. How does that sound?"
"Good. I’ll return it to you later."
Su Cheng relaxed, completely missing the mischief and playful cunning in her tone.
Soon, dessert arrived. By the time Su Cheng finished, his stomach felt ready to burst.
He rubbed his swollen belly, slightly distressed.
Ji Qingyi elegantly wiped the corners of her lips before standing up and saying, "Let me show you around this place again."
"Okay."
Su Cheng responded promptly and hurried to follow her.
As they strolled through the garden, chatting leisurely, they paused occasionally to admire the various plants and scenery. Eventually, the two settled in a pavilion within the courtyard, where Ji Qingyi had a maid bring over a pot of fragrant tea.
"Rest early tonight. We’ll begin practice first thing tomorrow morning," Ji Qingyi said to Su Cheng.
"Got it."
Su Cheng nodded and took a sip of the tea.
The tea was rich and mellow, its lingering aroma tempting him to take several more sips. But then he noticed Ji Qingyi watching him intently, her beauty almost ethereal under the moonlight, making him suddenly self-conscious.
"It’s getting late…"
He set down his cup and lowered his gaze slightly, hesitating before finally asking, "By the way… what exactly was that gift you mentioned earlier?"
The so-called "gift" had been gnawing at his curiosity all day. If he didn’t find out now, he’d surely lose sleep over it.
"Hmm, it’s about time."
Ji Qingyi gave a slight nod, then reached into the pocket of her dress with her slender, pale fingers and retrieved a flat wooden box, sliding it across the table toward Su Cheng.
"Open it and see."
"……"
Su Cheng froze for a moment before picking up the box and gently lifting the lid. But when he saw what was inside, his pupils contracted sharply, and he stiffened as if turned to stone, utterly stunned.
This was the kind of shock that could "wow his mom for a whole year"—an indescribable, mind-numbing revelation. For a split second, his brain short-circuited, and his expression twisted in disbelief.
Inside the box lay a pink-wrapped item…
Now, imagine this: a refined, noble, and aloof young mistress—someone who had always treated you with grace and dignity—suddenly handing you this right before bedtime.
What could it possibly mean?
Su Cheng’s mind went completely blank. His eyes widened to the size of copper bells, and his entire being shorted out. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
Fortunately, he snapped back to reality quickly, shaking his head to dismiss the bizarre and terrifying thought.
No way. Absolutely no way.
He must be mistaken!
It had to be something in the food earlier. No wonder it tasted so incredible—there must’ve been hallucinogenic additives in the meal, and now he was seeing things!
With that comforting delusion in mind, he lifted his head and flashed Ji Qingyi a warm, composed smile, asking as naturally as he could, "President Ji… what is this?"
"DOREX."
But Ji Qingyi’s deadpan response shattered his forced calm in an instant. His expression crumbled completely, his jaw dropping in stunned, speechless bewilderment.