Chapter 76 – Your Highness, You’ve Misunderstood

The room fell into a brief silence.

Jian Mei sniffled and gently shook his head, then nodded hesitantly. His combination of nodding and shaking seemed both heart-wrenching and slightly amusing.

Lu Xingwang whispered, “Not feeling too well?”

Jian Mei’s voice, tinged with a hint of sobbing, sounded somewhat hoarse. He looked up at Lu Xingwang, his eyes reddened and pitiful. He softly said, “It wasn’t good before, but now it’s better.”

Lu Xingwang softly asked, “Why?”

Jian Mei’s head lowered slightly, and he grabbed a corner of Lu Xingwang’s clothing. “Because I found you.”

Because he saw you.

So even though it wasn’t good before, it’s better now.

It was a simple sentence, but it instantly softened Lu Xingwang’s heart, making him ache with sympathy.

Not far away, Nangong Xun coughed lightly. “Your Highness, I think… Young Master should be fine now, so I’ll take my leave.”

Lu Xingwang turned his head. He was always cautious and gave a cool glance at Nangong Xun. “Sir, you’ve been of great help. I remember your wife appreciates red silk, so I’ve asked A Ruo to pick some from the treasury to send over, a token of gratitude. I hope you won’t take offense.”

His implications were quite evident.

If you dare to speak out of turn or not adhere to the rules, not only will you disregard yourself, but you also need to consider your wife.

Nangong Xun’s expression shifted, eventually displaying a smile. He half-knelt to express his gratitude. “It is a blessing for me and my wife to be able to serve His Highness. If there’s anything else in the future, just command.”

Lu Xingwang gave a slight support. “Sir, you’re too kind. Rest early after today’s efforts.”

Nangong Xun didn’t dare linger longer, quickly turning and walking away.

After this incident, he fully understood the Crown Prince’s cunning and capabilities. To investigate his household situation without giving any hint to others, knowing he had never mentioned having a wife to anyone, yet the Crown Prince swiftly found out. It was so discreetly pointed out.At such a young age, he was truly remarkable. Truly, Lu Xingwang lived up to his reputation.

Well, no wonder people feared making an enemy of him; he truly was unfathomable.

He decided to continue being a neutral party.

However, after this incident, could he still be peacefully neutral? Alas, it remained an unknown!

…

After Nangong Xun left the chamber, silence enveloped the room once more.

Turning around, Lu Xingwang looked at the child seated on the bed. Whenever facing Jian Mei, his countenance unconsciously softened. He approached a little closer and asked gently, “What’s wrong?”

Jian Mei sat at the bedside, feeling somewhat nervous. Finally gathering the courage, he lifted his head and said, “Are you… Are you the Crown Prince?”

Lu Xingwang nodded.

“But you… you…” Jian Mei seemed to have a thousand things to say but struggled to find the right words. He stuttered and hesitated, wanting to express much but unable to. Eventually, he murmured somewhat awkwardly, “Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”

Lu Xingwang sensed his discomfort. He sat down beside Jian Mei, turning his gaze. The pitch-black eyes vividly reflected the boy’s figure. “That’s not right.”

Jian Mei looked up, puzzled.

“When I introduced myself to you, I didn’t say it like that.” Lu Xingwang’s voice was low and elegant. “I am Lu Xingwang.”

Hardly anyone dared to directly address the Crown Prince by his given name.

Yet, he emphasized this to Jian Mei for the second time.

Jian Mei’s hands unconsciously curled up. Hesitatingly, he asked, “But… aren’t you the Crown Prince?”

“I am the Crown Prince, and I am also Lu Xingwang.” He looked at Jian Mei, meaningfully. “The Crown Prince can be me, but maybe one day, it won’t be me. But I will always be Lu Xingwang. Do you understand?”

Jian Mei seemed to understand yet not quite.

But he didn’t object. He felt that the patient and considerate manner in which DaZhuang ge talked to him gradually made him feel familiar again.

Jian Mei asked, “Then, how should I address you?”

Lu Xingwang initially thought to suggest being called the Crown Prince for safety outside. However, when he looked up and saw Jian Mei’s somewhat unfamiliar and reserved gaze, he felt uncomfortable for some reason. In his impression, this child should always be carefree and happy; if too restrained, happiness would be lost.

Lu Xingwang replied, “Anything is fine. Call me as you did before.”

Jian Mei relaxed a lot and gradually smiled, softly saying, “Then, privately, I’ll call you as I did before, and Crown Prince, in front of others.”

His response surprised Lu Xingwang.

“Just to give you face!” Jian Mei puffed up his chest, feeling proud. “I know.”

Lu Xingwang always wore a cold expression, but facing the lively Jian Mei, he unconsciously softened. Jian Mei’s maturity and obedience always melted his usually firm heart.

Jian Mei gradually quieted down, gazing at him.

Lu Xingwang: “What’s wrong?”

He belatedly remembered his mask. In reality, wearing it was purely for convenience. He personally didn’t care about appearances or how others saw him, nor would he mind if someone disliked the ugly scars. But at this moment, facing Jian Mei’s gaze, Lu Xingwang instinctively averted his eyes. It was the first time he felt a bit resistant, even unwilling to be seen.

Jian Mei’s gaze did fall on the mask. After a moment, softness filled his eyes, and he smiled, “So, this is how you look.”

Lu Xingwang was slightly surprised and looked at him, then whispered, “Hmm, disappointed?”

“Why would I be disappointed?” Jian Mei’s eyes were clear and pure. There was no hint of flattery or deceit when meeting Lu Xingwang’s gaze. He said gently, “You look pretty cool, actually.”

Lu Xingwang felt awkward. While handling numerous urgent state affairs, the Crown Prince managed with ease, yet in this matter, he seemed somewhat uncomfortable. He murmured, “The person beneath the mask isn’t actually cool.”

But Jian Mei didn’t express any desire to see. It was as if he knew what Lu Xingwang cared about, so he didn’t expose it at all. Instead, he tenderly said, “It doesn’t matter. You are who you are. Wearing a mask looks cool, and even if you take it off, you’re still you, still cool!”

A subtle shift occurred in Lu Xingwang’s heart. The heavy stone that weighed on his chest seemed to move aside. He was always easily influenced by Jian Mei’s emotions, yet he didn’t reject it. The usually commanding and unapproachable Crown Prince was easily pleased by Jian Mei, resembling a child. Lu Xingwang’s demeanor softened, and a faint smile graced his eyes.

However,

Amid this heartwarming moment, an untimely, somewhat abrupt “growl” echoed in the room.

Jian Mei felt a bit embarrassed, lowering his head to glance at his growling stomach. He chuckled awkwardly at Lu Xingwang, “Seems like I’m hungry.”

Lu Xingwang stood up, “I’ll have someone bring in the meal.”

Jian Mei, feeling a bit nervous upon hearing this, stood up and walked to Lu Xingwang’s side, whispering softly, “Where will we eat?”

“In the main hall.”

“Oh…” Jian Mei nodded gently. Lu Xingwang noticed his worry and inquired, “What’s wrong?”

Jian Mei seemed a bit nervous. “So, in the main hall, who else will be there? You’re the Crown Prince, so you must have a lot of subordinates, right? Would my appearance there embarrass you?”

Lu Xingwang asked, “Why would it embarrass me?”

“Because…” Jian Mei glanced at his own attire, recalling how people had mocked his clothes for lacking brand labels back when he was in school. Though he originally didn’t care about these things and felt comfort mattered more, those were thoughts of the past. Now, after a year in this world, he somewhat understood the rules. He knew the Crown Prince’s status was very noble, and suddenly appearing by his side might not be appropriate. Would it embarrass the Crown Prince?

Jian Mei hesitated. “Because my clothes aren’t very good.”

Lu Xingwang turned around. His deep black eyes resembled a vast ocean, and beneath his calm exterior, it seemed as though stirring up a storm.

In Lu Xingwang’s memory, this child had always been sunny and confident. What kind of experience made him lack confidence in himself? What harm did this society and his own country bring to him? Upon hearing these words, Lu Xingwang’s immediate reaction wasn’t to look at what clothes he was wearing; he felt an infinite sense of heartache.

It was a mess. Initially, he just wanted to meet Jian Mei once, but after meeting him, his heart and eyes were filled with thoughts of how to protect this child. All along, he had been thinking of seizing power, resources. Only at this moment, facing this person, he thought about protection.

“Then we won’t see them.” Lu Xingwang’s voice was deep. “Just the two of us for dinner.”

Jian Mei was surprised. “Huh?”

“Just the two of us.” Lu Xingwang stood before him, a tall and sturdy figure, a reliable mountain. He reached out and gently ruffled Jian Mei’s hair. “No one else.”

Jian Mei, who had always been somewhat guarded, relaxed a bit under his reassurance. “Really?”

Lu Xingwang’s lips curved slightly. “Really.”

When the two went to the main hall, indeed, there was no one there. On the table were dishes Jian Mei used to eat frequently. Seeing them, he was almost ecstatic. “Sweet fruits!”

He used to eat these regularly but barely got to have any after arriving at Lord Jia Si’s mansion. Such things were precious in the common folk, so Jian Mei had almost forgotten their taste.

Lu Xingwang sat down beside him.

Jian Mei took a few bites and sighed, “So delicious.”

There were many other dishes on the table, but Jian Mei preferred sweets. Thankfully, Lu Xingwang stopped him, “Try something else.”

Jian Mei was eating quite happily but responded, “Got it.”

Although he said he understood, he didn’t stop. On the contrary, after finishing what he had, he reached out for more and gave Lu Xingwang a smiling face, “The last one.”

Lu Xingwang knew for sure it wouldn’t be the last one because Jian Mei had just been dismissive. Of course, the Crown Prince wouldn’t behave improperly, like snatching fruit dishes, so he slowly put down his chopsticks and said, “Although these fruits are sweet and fragrant, people in the palace generally don’t eat them much. Do you know why?”

Jian Mei was puzzled, “Why?”

“Because eating too much can cause nightmares,” Lu Xingwang’s gaze swept over Jian Mei’s small round face and he said calmly, “At least ten monsters might come to catch you.”

?

Jian Mei was shocked!

The fruits in his hand clattered back onto the plate, and his face wrinkled, “Will there really be monsters?”

Lu Xingwang remained composed, “That’s what the rumors say.”

Jian Mei immediately put down the sweet fruit. He glanced at the other vegetables, “Maybe I should get some vitamins.”

Lu Xingwang calmly picked up some greens for him, pleased, “Eat a bit more.”

If a servant happened to witness this scene, they might have been left dumbfounded. When had the Crown Prince ever served someone or picked vegetables for others? Moreover, the Crown Prince was very strict with protocols and never spoke during meals. Yet, with Jian Mei in front of him, who didn’t adhere much to the royal formalities, anyone else might have been reprimanded. But with this child, the Crown Prince had to coax him into eating vegetables.

After finishing the meal, since they had eaten familiar foods, Jian Mei naturally couldn’t help but think about home.

He sat by the dining table and asked, “DaZhuang ge, do I still have a chance to return to Earth?”

Lu Xingwang had already considered this question. He replied, “Yes.”

Jian Mei’s eyes brightened upon hearing this response. However, what Lu Xingwang said next dampened his enthusiasm, “But the problem is, that star system isn’t displayed on the map, and no other planets have ventured into that region yet. There might be many risks along the way. It will probably take time to investigate.”

After hearing this response, Jian Mei felt somewhat disappointed, but it was also somewhat expected.

A somewhat good point was that there was still some hope. While he thought this, he also remembered something else. It turned out that this journey was so dangerous, yet DaZhuang Ge had still decided to come and see him a long time ago.

As a Crown Prince, how much risk did he have to take?

Thinking about this, for some reason, Jian Mei felt a strange, somewhat sour feeling in his heart. For a moment, he felt deeply moved.

Lu Xingwang, however, thought he was just upset and comforted him, “I’ll arrange things as soon as possible.”

At this point, Jian Mei advised Lu Xingwang instead, “It’s alright, take it easy. Actually, I’m slowly adapting to life here, so there’s no need to rush.”

When Lu Xingwang saw him say this, there was a faint smile on his face. No one knew how much bitterness and difficulty were hidden behind this smile. He had once thought that after meeting, Jian Mei might complain or cry to him, but what he hadn’t expected was that the boy who used to cry a lot seemed to have grown up slowly in the years when he wasn’t around.

…

This feeling was somewhat complicated; he didn’t feel as happy as he had imagined; instead, he felt somewhat lost.

After finishing the meal, Jian Mei was still concerned, “Ah, do I have to go back to school? It seems that classes start tomorrow.”

Lu Xingwang said, “Why would you go to the SA class?”

Jian Mei briefly described the situation and then looked troubled, “Actually, I don’t know why the principal arranged me in that class, even though I don’t have any divine powers.”

Lu Xingwang could guess some of it, but he couldn’t confirm it yet. Whatever might happen, the child was wronged because he was absent from his life before. But now that he had seen him, he would naturally protect Jian Mei and not let him suffer any more harm.

“The teaching resources in the SA class are top-notch, and you can learn a lot there,” Lu Xingwang told him, “Just focus on studying; leave the rest to me.”

What else was there to leave to him?

Jian Mei couldn’t think of anything else besides studying, but seeing that DaZhuang Ge didn’t want to say more, he didn’t pursue it.

Lu Xingwang, fearing it might affect Jian Mei’s schooling, stood up, “Let’s go, I’ll take you back.”

As he walked towards the door, Jian Mei immediately followed. They walked out of the hall, and it was Jian Mei’s first time seeing the outside scenery. The palace was truly enormous; from the outside, it looked majestic, and now, from the inside, he could feel the imposing sense of awe. When they reached the outside, a row of attendants all bowed respectfully, waiting with heads lowered.

Lu Xingwang walked out confidently, and there was a carriage parked along the main path in the garden. Standing in front of the carriage was a slightly older woman. Her palace attire differed slightly from others, with more elaborate jewelry. However, she appeared gentle and kind. For some reason, Jian Mei felt her gaze on him was somewhat intense, a strange feeling he couldn’t quite articulate.

Lu Xingwang got into the carriage first. It was the first time Jian Mei had sat in such a luxurious carriage.The carriage was suspended in the air. DaZhuang Ge leaped onto the front seat effortlessly, but Jian Mei hesitated, standing below.

Lu Xingwang gestured to him, “Come.”

Actually, the distance was too high for Jian Mei to climb. Yet, when Lu Xingwang gestured, his gaze was so calm and firm that Jian Mei, for some inexplicable reason, relaxed and extended his hand in trust.

The man’s slightly large palm easily lifted Jian Mei, who felt as if an invisible wind carried him up. Due to inertia, he leaned forward and bumped into Lu Xingwang’s chest, but the Crown Prince’s quick reaction caught and steadied Jian Mei.

When Jian Mei settled into the seat, he softly remarked, “So, this is how you get into the carriage. I had no idea.”

Lu Xingwang’s expression softened, and he replied quietly, “I didn’t know when I first got into a carriage either.”

Jian Mei smiled in relief, “Really?”

“Yeah,” he confirmed.

Feeling more at ease, Jian Mei didn’t think he had embarrassed himself too much. Yet, he realized DaZhuang Ge must be smarter and had supernatural powers, so how could he face such an embarrassing situation? It must have been said to take care of him.

As he thought this, Jian Mei sneakily glanced at Lu Xingwang, who was sitting across reading a book. Somehow, despite his cold exterior, he felt like a stranger. But in reality, DaZhuang Ge didn’t seem to have changed much and was still gentle.

…

The carriage slowly descended back to the academy. The woods here were very quiet, and it was difficult to see anyone outside the SA class all year round.

When Jian Mei stepped out of the carriage, he felt the coolness brought by the evening breeze. He shivered slightly, and after a while he got used to it and jumped out of the carriage, landing firmly on the ground.

Lu Xingwang followed suit.

The school paths were dimly lit by streetlights. It wasn’t summer yet, so the evening breeze carried a slight chill. Beneath the streetlights, it seemed there were tiny bugs fluttering, their transparent wings flickering, presenting a surprisingly beautiful sight.

Jian Mei turned around and said, ”The dormitory is not far ahead.”

Lu Xingwang nodded, ”I know.”

As an outstanding graduate who had lived here for many years, how could he not know?

Jian Mei was much shorter than him and looked obedient. Standing under the streetlight, he said softly, ”Then, should I go back?”

Lu Xingwang replied, ”I’ll walk you there.”

”No need, really,” Jian Mei didn’t want to trouble him. ”I can manage on my own.”

Lu Xingwang didn’t insist.

However, although Jian Mei said he would go, he hesitated and didn’t move. He initially turned away but then ran back after a few moments of hesitation, ”I want to give you something.”

”What?” Lu Xingwang asked.

Jian Mei took out a small sachet from his pocket. It looked a bit worn-out, not very attractive, but it was well preserved by its owner. ”I made this myself, a sachet for better sleep. It works well when placed next to the pillow.”

The sachet seemed to hold a bit of warmth in Lu Xingwang’s hand.

Lu Xingwang was somewhat surprised; he hadn’t expected Jian Mei to give him this. Meanwhile, Jian Mei stood straightforwardly in front of him and said softly, ”Today I saw a faint blue hue in your eyes, and when I passed by the study, I saw many documents on your desk. I guessed that you might be sleeping less. So, this sachet helps in relaxation. Maybe it can help you.”

Even though they were in a different place, even though they had met and their statuses were vastly different, even though Lu Xingwang lacked nothing in his noble status, Jian Mei always saw him, saw – him.

Seeing Lu Xingwang’s silence, Jian Mei suddenly felt nervous. He hesitated about taking it back, ”It seems quite old,maybe I should bring another one next time…”

”No need.” Lu Xingwang accepted it and stored it carefully. ”I really like it.”

On this spring night, the young man’s serious words felt like the breeze brushing through. Jian Mei suddenly felt a bit warm, not cold anymore.

”Then…”Jian Mei was a bit flustered. ‘I’ll go back to the dorm.’

Lu Xingwang replied, ”Okay.”

Just as Jian Mei was about to turn around, he heard Lu Xingwang say from behind, ”I’ve added my contact to your information terminal. Contact me if you need anything.”

Jian Mei stopped in his tracks and looked back at Lu Xingwang with glistening eyes.

Thinking that Jian Mei was happy, Lu Xingwang pursed his lips and added, “It’s fine even if it’s nothing.”

The air was unusually quiet, and the young man’s words were clearly heard. Jian Mei, although unexpected, was indeed touched. However, there was still an important issue at hand, “Adding…..adding a friend is not a problem, but it might be a bit inconvenient.”

Lu Xingwang thought he might be worried about his classmates or others, and he wouldn’t say any comforting words. He just whispered softly, “Don’t worry, nothing will happen.”

…

Jian Mei found it difficult to speak.

It wasn’t a matter of fear; how could he bring himself to tell DaZhuang ge that he couldn’t read?

Translator’s Note-Guys don’t forget to support and comment your views(^-^)