Bookworm? You must have called yourself that countless times in your heart, haven’t you?

At dawn, in the Quiet Study of Prince Jun’s Residence

The sky was growing light, and Zhao Chengxian had just finished copying the palace regulations. Hui Yue’er had stayed by his side the entire time. Seeing the task completed, she stood up happily and exclaimed, “It really looks just like the original—practically identical! I’m sure the Empress Dowager won’t notice a single flaw!” But as she gazed at the brightening sky outside the window, worry crept into her voice. “It’s almost morning. How am I supposed to return to the palace now? What if Qiqi gets discovered? Last night I could still sneak past the gates, but now I have no idea how I’ll get back.”

Zhao Chengxian smiled calmly at Hui Yue’er and said, “Why worry? I’ll take you back to the palace myself.” He had already thought of a way: his own carriage could shield Hui Yue’er and get her safely inside. In the end, it seemed he would have to personally escort her.

Relieved, Hui Yue’er smiled. “That’s right—no one would suspect a palace maiden in Prince Jun’s carriage. I’ll get in without trouble. You really are clever, bookworm!” In her excitement, she blurted out the nickname she’d given him for the first time. Only after speaking did she realize what she’d done, and quickly closed her mouth, lowering her head, not daring to meet Zhao Chengxian’s eyes.

At first, Zhao Chengxian didn’t realize she was referring to him, but then he understood. All this time, Hui Yue’er had been calling him that in her heart. He moved closer to her and asked, “Bookworm? I imagine you’ve called me that countless times in your mind. You must have come up with it from the very first day you arrived at Prince Jun’s residence, when you started your first assignment—am I right?” It was clear from the nickname. If Zhao Chengxian couldn’t guess that much, he’d be a fool.

He continued moving closer, making Yue’er uncomfortable. She raised her head with a smile and admitted, “Yes, that’s right. I gave you the nickname ‘Bookworm’ back then. Who asked you to make me move all those books? I had to vent somehow, didn’t I?” Since there was no way to avoid it, she decided to admit it openly. Surely he wouldn’t betray her just for that.

Seeing her fearless attitude, Zhao Chengxian decided to tease her. He turned towards the door and shouted, “Someone, come here!” Hui Yue’er thought he truly meant to give her away, and prepared to fight her way out, glaring fiercely at him. When Chen Gui entered, Zhao Chengxian simply ordered, “Prepare a carriage. I’m going to the palace.” Then he shot Hui Yue’er a mischievous look. She glared back but said nothing.

Chen Gui, noticing a eunuch in the room, assumed there was some urgent matter from Xuanyuan Ren requiring Zhao Chengxian’s presence in the palace. Without suspicion, he replied, “At once, Your Highness!” He saluted and withdrew.

Once Chen Gui had left, Hui Yue’er walked up to Zhao Chengxian and punched him lightly in the chest. “You did that just to scare me, didn’t you?” She had let down her guard completely around him. Perhaps, long before, she’d already considered Zhao Chengxian a friend and confidant—she just hadn’t realized it. Was her trip out of the palace truly just for the regulations? Not entirely—was it not also to see Zhao Chengxian again? Though neither could make promises to the other, being able to meet was a rare happiness in itself.

Zhao Chengxian caught the hand that struck him and noticed the bracelet still on her wrist. Looking into her eyes with deep affection, he asked with a smile, “Little Crescent, do you like the bracelet? The moment I saw it, I thought of you. I’d wanted to give it to you myself that night, but I didn’t have the courage—so I asked Qiqi to bring it to you.” This was all they could have—just a moment of understanding. After all, Hui Yue’er was still Xuanyuan Ren’s chosen maiden.

Hui Yue’er didn’t try to pull her hand away. Instead, she looked at the bracelet and said, “Giving someone a bracelet is like wishing to bind them to you, isn’t it?” Zhao Chengxian smiled and nodded. The two fell silent, gazing at each other and savoring this rare moment of togetherness.

Before long, Chen Gui returned. Sensing an odd tension in the air, he quickly asked, “Your Highness, the carriage is ready. Shall we depart at once?” He couldn’t understand when his lord had acquired such unusual preferences.

Both Hui Yue’er and Zhao Chengxian felt a bit awkward. Hui Yue’er hurriedly withdrew her hand, while Zhao Chengxian covered his embarrassment with a cough, then said, “Let’s go, Little Crescent.” Taking her with him, he left in haste. After all, Chen Gui was his trusted aide, and he had no fear of him discovering Yue’er’s visit. But if Chen Gui misunderstood and thought he had such peculiar tastes, Prince Jun’s reputation would be utterly ruined. As they walked out, Hui Yue’er couldn’t help but laugh, and Zhao Chengxian glanced at her and shook his head with a smile.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, send your gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts my way! Don’t hold back—let the storm grow even fiercer!