The dining hall was still buzzing from Xiaoxi's "soft bed" announcement when the doors opened again.
In walked Liwei, handsome as ever, dressed neatly in fresh robes, hair shining as though he'd bathed in moonlight itself. He sat down casually across from Xiaoxi, flashing his usual easy smile.
Liwei (teasing tone): "Good morning, everyone. Oh? What's this I hear? Xiaoxi slept well last night? In a very soft bed, perhaps?"
The entire room leaned closer. Xiaoxi perked up, dumpling halfway to her mouth.
Xiaoxi (nodding cheerfully): "Yes! Prince Haoran's bed is sooo soft! Like sleeping on clouds. You should try it sometime!"
CHOKE. The Empress coughed into her sleeve. Grandma was fanning herself furiously. Lianhua had both hands over her mouth, eyes sparkling like stars about to explode.
Haoran slammed his palm on the table, his entire face red.
Haoran (snapping): "LIWEI. Don't you dare!"
Liwei (grinning innocently): "Oh, don't worry, Crown Prince. I wouldn't dream of stealing your… bed."
The hall erupted into muffled laughter.
Xiaoxi (brightly, oblivious): "You can both share it! It's big enough. I slept on one side, he slept on the other. Though I think I kicked him once or twice."
Haoran (muttering, glaring daggers): "Once or twice?! You nearly broke my ribs!"
Liwei (laughing): "Ahhh, Xiaoxi, you truly are one of a kind. Even the Crown Prince cannot survive a night near you. Admirable."
He winked playfully. Xiaoxi giggled, covering her mouth.
Haoran's chopsticks snapped in half again.
Haoran (through clenched teeth): "Why are you even here?"
Liwei (calmly eating porridge): "Breakfast, of course. And perhaps… to enjoy some good company."
He leaned just slightly closer to Xiaoxi, who blinked, confused but amused.
Xiaoxi (giggling): "Hehehe, you're so funny, Liwei! Yesterday we played cards and laughed a lot. You should've joined us, Prince! You'd have had fun too."
Haoran's entire soul left his body.
Haoran (furious, standing up): "Enough! From now on—Xiaoxi, you're not allowed near him!"
Xiaoxi (gasping dramatically): "What?! Why? He's my friend! You can't control my friends!"
Liwei (raising brows, smirking): "Oh my… Possessive, aren't we, Crown Prince? Careful, or people will say you've fallen already."
The whole table fell silent.
Haoran froze, eyes wide. Xiaoxi blinked at him curiously, dumpling halfway to her mouth again.
Xiaoxi (innocently): "Fallen? Fallen where? Did he trip again? Ah, you're so clumsy, Prince!"
Everyone at the table nearly fell over laughing. Grandma slapped the table, tears streaming from her eyes.
Grandma (howling): "Ohhh heavens! He's DONE FOR!"
Haoran sat back down slowly, dark circles deepening, soul shattered.
Haoran (to himself, muttering in despair): "This… this is my life now. Chaos, jealousy, dumplings, and a brainless puffer fish…"
Xiaoxi happily stuffed the dumpling in her mouth, completely unaware of the storm she had created.