Chen Yue had spent the entire night turning Madam Yang’s words over in her mind.
Her eyes burned with exhaustion, yet her thoughts refused to settle.
The old woman’s words still echoed endlessly within her, circling her mind like an unbreakable spell.
“Souls know neither time…
nor worlds.
When the Moon decides, destiny bows.” “What can I do to break this bond?” “Nothing.
This connection is indestructible.
Unless…” There has to be a way to get rid of this thread…
She had questioned a thousand times whether that conversation had truly happened.
Yet every time she closed her eyes, she could feel that strange bond deep within her chest.
That gentle pulse.
A heartbeat that wasn’t entirely her own.
An echo.
Wei Ran’s.
His heart beats alongside mine…
How is that even possible?
When dawn finally arrived, she pushed herself upright, her face still pale.
After slipping into a simple light-colored robe, she headed toward the kitchen, hoping to find a moment of peace.
A little silence.
A little distance from the chaos in her mind.
But the moment she stepped into the corridor, a loud knock shattered the stillness.
Three firm blows struck the manor gates.
BAM.
BAM.
BAM.
Startled, Madam Yang wiped her hands on her apron and hurried to answer.
“Who could it possibly be at this hour?” she muttered, frowning.
The heavy doors cracked open…
Then swung wide.
The morning breeze rushed inside, accompanied by two figures.
One was tall and elegant, dressed in rich burgundy robes.
The other stood quietly behind him, a loyal vassal shadowing his master’s every step.
Chen Yue’s heart nearly stopped.
The Crown Prince?!
What’s he doing here?!
Without waiting for an invitation, the prince strode inside with an easy smile.
Confidence seemed to follow him like a second cloak.
Madam Yang immediately stepped forward.
“Your Highness, Young Master Wei Ran is not present.
You cannot—” The prince gently moved her aside before she could finish.
The gesture was courteous.
Yet impossible to resist.
“No need to stop me,” he said smoothly.
“I came to see Miss Chen.” Chen Yue froze at the foot of the staircase.
Their eyes met.
The prince studied her for a long moment, amusement dancing within his gaze.
Then he smiled.
“Are you not going to invite me in?” For a moment, she couldn’t answer.
Everything about him radiated both charm and danger.
His posture.
His elegance.
Those eyes that seemed capable of peering directly into someone’s soul.
And strangely…
They felt familiar.
Why does he seem so familiar?
Why is he here?
“This…
may not be the best time, Your Highness,” she finally managed.
The prince laughed softly.
“There is never a bad time for tea.” With a wave of his hand, he signaled his attendant.
The vassal immediately stepped forward carrying several gifts.
Boxes of carefully wrapped pastries.
An exquisite tea chest decorated with imperial seals.
A bouquet of rare white and violet flowers whose delicate fragrance quickly filled the room.
Even that scent felt strangely familiar.
Chen Yue found herself increasingly intrigued by this man.
Something about him stirred an emotion she could not explain.
As though some hidden part of her already knew him.
I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before…
but where?
“Have we truly never met before, Your Highness?” The prince leaned closer.
Their eyes locked.
Then he smiled.
A small dimple appeared on his right cheek.
To her annoyance, Chen Yue suddenly felt heat rush to her face.
Those eyes…
Why do they affect me like this?
Who are you?
Madam Yang immediately stepped between them.
“Your Highness, this is inappropriate.
Young Master Wei—” Before she could continue, the vassal discreetly caught her arm.
The grip remained polite.
Yet completely firm.
Madam Yang cast Chen Yue a worried glance.
Helpless.
Confused, Chen Yue stepped backward.
“Why…
why did you come here?” The prince approached with a gentle smile.
“To see you, of course.” Then he held out the bouquet.
“But you may call me Li Shenyan.” The flowers glistened with morning dew.
Delicate.
Perfect.
Chen Yue did not take them.
“I can’t accept this.” “You can,” he interrupted softly.
“In fact, you want to.” She shook her head.
Her throat tightened.
“Your Highness, you shouldn’t—” Before she could finish, he slipped an arm beneath her knees and another around her back.
Then effortlessly lifted her into his arms.
He’s carrying me?!
Has he completely lost his mind?!
“Let us sit on the terrace instead,” he said cheerfully.
“The air is sweeter there, and the flowers drink the morning light.” Madam Yang attempted to intervene.
The vassal blocked her path.
The prince calmly walked onto the terrace carrying Chen Yue as though she were some priceless treasure.
Carefully, he placed her upon a stone bench.
Sunlight filtered through the trees above them.
Golden rays danced through her hair.
The prince crouched slightly before her.
That confident smile remained firmly in place.
“There.” “Much better, don’t you think?” He winked.
Then lightly tapped the tip of her nose with his finger.
“You should smile more often.” “It makes your eyes even more beautiful.” Outraged, Chen Yue straightened immediately.
“Your Highness, that’s enough!
You cannot—” “I cannot?” he repeated with amusement.
“That is not a phrase I hear very often.” She clenched her fists.
“Wei Ran will return at any moment.
You should leave before he—” The prince slowly rose to his full height.
Suddenly, his eyes darkened.
He placed his hands on either side of her.
Then leaned closer.
Until his shadow completely enveloped her.
“You think he frightens me?” Chen Yue quickly stood.
Trying to create some distance.
The prince closed it with a single measured step.
Why does he keep coming closer?
What does he want from me?
“You shouldn’t speak to me that way,” she whispered.
Her voice trembled despite herself.
The prince smiled faintly.
“And yet…” “I rather enjoy it when you do.” Tilting his head slightly, he examined her as though she were a fascinating mystery.
“Looking at you closely…” “You possess a hypnotic charm.” The words slipped between them like a dangerous caress.
Chen Yue’s breath caught.
His voice dropped lower.
Softer.
More intimate.
“I like this mysterious side of you.” “This rebellious side.” “Untamed.” “Unbreakable.” “You’re different.” “Wild.” “Impossible to grasp.” “And the more you push me away…” “The more I want to get closer.” She opened her mouth to respond.
Nothing came out.
Her heart was beating too fast.
What is he even saying?
Say something, Chen Yue!
Anything!
The prince chuckled softly.
“Even your silence speaks volumes.” Slowly, he lifted his hand.
His fingertip brushed against her lower lip.
A trace of the red tint she had worn that morning remained there.
With his thumb, he gently wiped it away.
“There.” “Perfect.” He examined the faint crimson stain now resting on his thumb.
Then, without breaking eye contact, he slowly brought it to his lips.
The gesture was leisurely.
Almost irreverent.
As though tasting forbidden fruit.
His gaze never left hers.
“That’s better,” he murmured in a low, rough voice.
Heat immediately rushed to Chen Yue’s cheeks.
She stumbled backward.
“Your Highness, stop!
This makes no sense!” “It does,” he whispered.
“It makes perfect sense.” He stepped forward again.
Close enough that she could feel the warmth of his breath.
But before he could move any closer— A shadow appeared behind them.
A cold wind swept across the terrace.
Wei Ran.
He stood at the entrance.
Motionless.
His expression was calm.
Too calm.
His eyes were darker than the night itself.
Silence fell instantly.
Even the prince briefly looked away.
Chen Yue lowered her head, panic surging through her chest.
Did he see everything?
How long has he been standing there?
Wei Ran approached slowly.
Each footstep echoed against the stone.
The Crown Prince quickly recovered his composure and smiled.
“Ah, Young Master Wei.” “Always punctual.” Wei Ran stopped only inches away.
His gaze briefly slid toward Chen Yue.
Then returned to the prince.
“You are standing in my home.” His voice was glacial.
“And you are fortunate that I appreciate your hospitality,” the prince replied lightly.
Their eyes met.
Silent.
Sharp.
Like two opposing forces on the verge of colliding.
The tension crackled through the air.
No…
Not this…
Chen Yue squeezed her eyes shut.
“Please…” “Not here.” Neither man moved.
At last, the prince stepped back and raised both hands.
“Very well.” “I have no wish to disturb your territory any longer.” Turning toward Chen Yue, he inclined his head slightly.
“Until next time, Miss Chen.” His gaze lingered.
Deep.
Possessive.
Almost aggressive.
“And next time…” “Promise me you’ll try the imperial tea instead of running away.” Then he left at an unhurried pace.
His vassal followed close behind.
Madam Yang hurried to shut the door after them.
The sound echoed throughout the manor.
A long silence followed.
Wei Ran remained standing there.
Arms crossed.
Eyes fixed somewhere in the distance.
Then, without saying a word, he turned and walked away.
That’s it?
He’s not going to say anything?
Still trembling, Chen Yue remained alone on the terrace.
Surrounded by the scent of flowers.
And overturned pastries.
Inside his room, Wei Ran stopped before the window.
A hand slowly rose to his chest.
The golden thread trembled softly.
Disturbed by emotions he could not understand.
Tiny fragments of starlight escaped from his chest and wrapped around him in silence.
What is happening to me?
Am I…
jealous?
No.
Impossible.
The woman I loved…
The woman I will always love…
Is Lin Yuehua.
No one else.
Then why…
Why does my heart feel different?
He froze.
Beyond the window, he could see Chen Yue sitting alone in the garden.
Small.
Silent.
Lost in thought.
A strange unease tightened around his chest.
Don’t tell me…
Could I actually be developing feelings…
For her?