The pale morning sun filtered through the intricately carved lattice window as Gu Yangjin and Qiao Zhi settled at the low wooden breakfast table. Steam rose from the delicate porcelain bowls, filling the room with aromas of warm rice, soft mantou buns, and oil-fragrant eggs. A small dish of scallion-topped fish sat between them, its tender flakes glistening. Butler Mo stood quietly behind Gu Yangjin's chair, prepared to refill tea cups or serve more dishes at a moment's notice, her presence discreet yet attentive.
Qiao Zhi gently lifted the ceramic teapot, its spout releasing a thin wisp of steam, and poured two cups of jasmine tea. The pale-green liquid swirled in the cups, carrying a fragrant plume of steam that curled gracefully upward. She handed one cup to Gu Yangjin, their fingertips brushing for an instant. Qiao Zhi's voice was soft and warm as she said, "Here you go. Be careful—it's hot."
