Chapter 14 The Warmth of a Lunch Box

"Oh..." Su Xiaoxi tried hard to conceal her disappointment. "Never mind then."

"But I can teach you how to do a security check," Lin Yi suddenly said. "Tonight at seven, your place."

Su Xiaoxi's eyes lit up. "Really? That's amazing!"

After work, Lin Yi, as usual, "escorted" her home. Along the way, Su Xiaoxi excitedly bombarded him with questions: "Are you going to teach me how to check for bugs? Or hidden cameras? Like in the movies?"

"The basic principles are similar," Lin Yi said, uncharacteristically talkative. "But in reality, there aren't so many high-tech devices. It's more about observing the details."

Once home, Lin Yi conducted a thorough security check, explaining each step as he went. Su Xiaoxi was surprised to discover how many everyday details could pose security risks—the angle of a window latch, marks under the door, the orientation of electrical plugs...

"Remember these checkpoints and go through them every day when you get home," Lin Yi said, handing her a small device. "This is a portable anti-surveillance scanner. Use it once a week."

Su Xiaoxi took the device, which looked like a small remote control, and suddenly realized her life had truly turned into something out of a spy movie. "This... feels so surreal."

Lin Yi looked at her, his gaze uncharacteristically soft. "Sorry for dragging you into this."

"It's not your fault," Su Xiaoxi shrugged. "I was the one who got too curious and took that photo."

The corners of Lin Yi's lips lifted slightly. "You're adapting better than expected."

"Because I have a good teacher," Su Xiaoxi smiled at him.

Lin Yi averted his eyes and cleared his throat. "I should go. Remember to lock your doors and windows."

"Wait!" Su Xiaoxi dashed into the kitchen and brought out a lunch box. "I made you some midnight snacks. Training must be tough—you're probably hungry."

Lin Yi froze, as if he'd never encountered such a situation before. After a moment's hesitation, he took the box. "...Thank you."

"See you tomorrow?" Su Xiaoxi asked hopefully.

Lin Yi nodded. "See you tomorrow."

After closing the door, Su Xiaoxi leaned against it, her heart still racing abnormally fast. She didn't know whether this flutter was due to the intense training or the usually stern man who occasionally showed glimpses of tenderness.

Outside the door, Lin Yi stood in the hallway, staring at the lunch box in his hands for a long time before slowly walking toward the elevator. His expression remained calm, but his fingers gripping the box tightened ever so slightly.