So this is all there ever was between us.

That night in Zhuxin Village, Zhao Chengxian and Hui Qinghui stood in an open field. With his back to Hui Qinghui, Zhao Chengxian sneered coldly, “Can you explain your irresponsible actions? If word of this gets out, how will Si Rou face the world? Hmph, did you even think about that before you acted?” He truly wanted to beat him up—so carelessly destroying a girl’s life, it was infuriating.

Hui Qinghui knew he was at fault, and pleaded, “Your Highness, I know I was wrong, but Si Rou and I truly love each other. If she hadn’t said that you intended to marry her off to someone else, I would never have risked everything to elope with her. We simply can’t lose each other!” Their way of handling things was thoughtless and irresponsible, but one could not deny the depth of their passion—selfish, yet fierce and unyielding.

Zhao Chengxian turned around in fury, grabbing Hui Qinghui by the collar. “So now you’re saying this is all my fault? Did you ever come to the Prince’s Manor to ask for her hand? Did you speak to me face to face? How can a man who can’t even stand up for himself expect me to entrust my sister to him?” In Zhao Chengxian’s eyes, Hui Qinghui was a coward, preferring to hide rather than confront matters directly. He had always looked down on Hui Qinghui for this. If he had been as reckless as Hui Qinghui, he would have married Hui Yue’er long ago. But both he and Hui Yue’er had too many concerns, too many responsibilities to act on impulse.

Hui Qinghui tried to explain, “I was afraid of angering you and bringing harm to the Hui Family Escort Agency. What would become of my mother and sister then?” But this excuse was unconvincing. In leaving, he was still leaving the aftermath for Hui Yue’er to handle.

With a cold laugh, Zhao Chengxian shoved Hui Qinghui to the ground. “Did you ever consider that I might trouble them anyway? You chose to run away—did you ever think about how your sister would clean up your mess? Truly irresponsible!” Now he understood why Old Chief Hui had entrusted the Escort Agency to his daughter and not to this only son. Was Hui Qinghui too naive, or simply too selfish? Did he really think that his departure would spare the Escort Agency from repercussions?

Hui Yue’er was walking slowly, worried for Si Rou’s pregnancy and anxious to catch up. Si Rou shared her concern; after all, both Zhao Chengxian and Hui Qinghui were vitally important people in their lives. Hui Qinghui stood up and said to Zhao Chengxian, “Your Highness, no matter what, Si Rou is carrying my child. I am willing to take full responsibility and cherish her and our child for life. Please, Your Highness, grant us your blessing!” As he spoke, he knelt before Zhao Chengxian. At that moment, Hui Yue’er and Si Rou arrived, but they kept their distance, watching intently, ready to intervene if anything happened.

Enraged, Zhao Chengxian blurted out, “If I got your sister pregnant and then said I wanted to marry her, would you give us your blessing?” Ever since he was young, Zhao Chengxian’s father, the old prince, had told him to take good care of his sister. Never did he expect Si Rou to do something so shameful. It was guilt toward the old prince that drove him to such a loss of composure.

Before Hui Qinghui could respond, Hui Yue’er rushed forward and slapped Zhao Chengxian across the face, her eyes brimming with tears. “So this is what we are to each other—all of it, just a trap. Congratulations, Prince Jun, you’ve succeeded!” If she hadn’t heard it with her own ears, Hui Yue’er would never have believed it—was everything Zhao Chengxian had said and done only to take revenge on her brother? Had it all been a lie?

Zhao Chengxian hurried to explain, “Little Moon, no, that’s not it—I only spoke out of anger, I didn’t mean it at all…” But before he could finish, Hui Yue’er had already run off toward her uncle’s house. Zhao Chengxian immediately took off after her.

Left bewildered, Si Rou and Hui Qinghui exchanged a glance. Si Rou helped Hui Qinghui to his feet. “Is there something going on between them?” she asked. Hui Qinghui shook his head as he stood, and together they watched Zhao Chengxian and Hui Yue’er with deep concern.

Men, women, young and old, and everyone in between—quickly shower me with gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Don’t hold back; let the storm rage on even fiercer!