Chapter 27: Conditioned Reflex

Chi Ling’s wish had come true.

Su Nuo had indeed had a sweet dream; she dreamt she was back in the past, still the pampered young mistress she once was. Everyone in the Duan family treated her with immense kindness, and even Duan Yubai looked at her with a gentle expression. Perhaps it was because of the sugary cake she had eaten in her dream, but her spirits had lifted significantly.

However, the moment her alarm went off, her consciousness snapped back, and she realized it had all been a dream. The smile still lingered on her lips, but the dream had thoroughly faded. She checked the time: 5:30 AM. If she started preparing breakfast now, it would be ready just as the Duan family woke up.

When she arrived in the kitchen, she discovered she was entirely alone. The servants seemed to have reached a tacit agreement not to get up. After all, with such a "young mistress" willing to cook, they were naturally happy to enjoy their leisure. Moreover, Mo Xiaoxue had already reminded everyone that there was no need to treat Su Nuo as a young lady anymore. Since she was willing to act as a servant, there was nothing wrong with her getting up early to cook.

Su Nuo did not dwell on it, simply burying herself in the work. She knew full well that this was a power play by Mo Xiaoxue and Sister Cui. If the Duan family woke up to find no breakfast, they would only blame Su Nuo for failing to do her job. Even the other servants would claim that Su Nuo had volunteered to cook but failed to get up. It wasn't as if she hadn't done such things before. In the past, she would announce she was going to make breakfast for Duan Yubai, only to sleep until noon. Not only would there be no breakfast, but it would also delay the household’s lunch. Back then, she was the pampered daughter, so no one dared say anything, dismissing it as a child's tantrum. Now, however, things were different. How could a servant be allowed to sleep in?

By the time the others began to trickle out of their rooms, Su Nuo had already finished preparing the meal. The reason she had managed to hold onto a shred of strength back in the detention camp was precisely because she was diligent. In reality, she had no choice; everyone’s eyes were on her. If she didn't work hard, she would inevitably face a brutal beating. There were many people in the camp, and everyone had to work in shifts. Beyond the abuse, Su Nuo had learned quite a few skills. Being able to whip up a table full of dishes in an hour was a feat the former Miss Su would never have dreamed of.

When Duan Yubai came downstairs, he was slightly surprised to see the breakfast spread before him. The last time she had cooked, it had taken a long time, but the variety had been sparse. This time, it was clear she had put in much more effort.

Duan’s mother was even more astonished. "Xiao Nuo, did you make all of this?"

Su Nuo nodded without saying much. Sister Cui quickly stepped in, "The young lady wouldn't let us help. She insisted on taking charge of breakfast from now on."

"Isn't that inappropriate? You have to get up so early every day," Duan’s mother said, feeling a touch of pity.

Mo Xiaoxue quickly picked up an egg and placed it on the mother’s plate. "Auntie, it’s rare that Miss Su is so thoughtful; you should really enjoy it. Besides, it seems Miss Su’s cooking skills have improved over these past few months. I’ve never seen so many of these dishes before; they aren't the ones she used to bring for Mr. Duan."

She picked up a piece of dried fish. "Now, this is something Miss Su always used to make, but Mr. Duan doesn't like this kind of dried fish, so it always fell to me." She bit down on the fish head, and Su Nuo shuddered instinctively.

Duan Yubai looked at the food with a contemplative gaze, then set down his chopsticks and walked upstairs without a word. Su Nuo didn’t know what she had done to offend him again and didn't dare to look his way. It seemed that every time she cooked, he was dissatisfied. If she were to cook every day, he’d likely starve to death. However, glancing at Mo Xiaoxue, Su Nuo felt a sense of relief. How could Duan Yubai possibly starve? There were plenty of people lining up to feed him.

Suddenly, Duan Yubai’s voice echoed from upstairs. "Su Nuo, bring the food up to me! Aren't you supposed to be a servant? Then have the awareness of one!"

After he finished speaking, he appeared to be on a phone call, speaking entirely in English. Duan’s mother nudged Su Nuo. "Go on up, quickly. Your brother has a project abroad these days and has to flip his days and nights."

Su Nuo wanted to refuse, but instinctively, she picked up the breakfast and carried it up. Before she turned away, she caught a glimpse of an inscrutable smile on Mo Xiaoxue’s face. She didn't dare to look again, hurried up the stairs, and knocked on Duan Yubai’s door.

"Enter."

Duan Yubai didn't acknowledge her, continuing his call. Su Nuo could tell the situation was tricky; Duan Yubai was making concession after concession. This didn't seem like the Duan Yubai she knew. At the company, he was always a decisive, ruthless executive, and at home, he was an untouchable powerhouse. What could possibly have him so overwhelmed?

Before she could process it, a sweet bun was shoved into her mouth. It was something she had made early that morning. She had chosen to make them because they could be prepared with minimal clattering. She knew many in the Duan household stayed up late, and she didn't want to wake anyone and suffer the consequences of their morning moodiness.

The sugary taste flooded her mouth, and she felt as if every cell in her body had been awakened. Yet, she didn't dare to swallow. She looked at the man before her, confused by his actions.

Duan Yubai hung up the phone and looked down at her. "Does it taste bad?"

Su Nuo nodded and then shook her head, unsure of how to react.

Duan Yubai curled his lip. "If it tastes bad, why bring it up to me? Eat it yourself."

"No, it’s not that, it’s quite good," Su Nuo said, taking the bun out of her mouth in a whisper.

"Good? If it’s good, why didn't you finish it?" Duan Yubai frowned, seemingly disbelieving.

She froze, then quickly devoured the bun in two bites. She ate so fast that she choked and couldn't speak for a long moment. Duan Yubai reacted quickly, picking up a glass of milk and holding it to her lips. Su Nuo gulped it down, finally managing to swallow the bun.

"No one is competing with you; why are you eating so fast?"

Su Nuo kept her head down, not knowing how to explain. Why eat so fast? It was a conditioned reflex. In the basement of the camp, there was only a tiny bit of food. If you didn't eat that meal, there was no telling when the next one would come. At first, Su Nuo hadn't adapted, still clinging to her identity as a young mistress. But soon, she became faster than anyone else, grabbing more than the rest. Because she was so thin and a girl, if she managed to grab more, she would lose even more. Thus, Su Nuo had mastered a unique skill—consuming food in three or four bites. Whether it was a full bowl of rice or rotting, moldy fruit, she could eat anything, and she could do it incredibly fast.

Duan Yubai patted her back rhythmically. "Do you feel better?"

Su Nuo subtly avoided his hand and nodded. She looked toward the door behind him. "I should go now."