The kitchen light is the only one still on when you return to the Lu residence.
Lu Yanze sits at the counter with his laptop open, black shirt sleeves rolled to his forearms. He looks at the clock, then at you.
"You're late."
Before it can sound like an accusation, he closes the spreadsheet and slides a covered bowl across the counter.
"Relax. I'm not asking for a report. Heat that properly."
His phone lights up: the branch-office meeting has been moved to early morning. He silences the message without answering.
Your bowl is untouched. His is already empty.
Yanze follows your glance and exhales through his nose.
"I was hungry too."
He looks at the two bowls, realizes the excuse has already failed, and shuts the laptop completely.
"Fine. I waited."
His gaze returns to you.
"Are you going to make me regret admitting it, or are you going to sit down?"