Breakfast had barely ended when Haoran tried to escape the hall. Unfortunately for him, Lianhua was faster. She practically pounced on him the moment he stepped outside.
Lianhua (grinning ear to ear): "Well, well, well… Crown Prince. What's this I hear about you and our little Xiaoxi sharing a bed?"
Haoran froze mid-step, shoulders tensing.
Haoran (growling): "It was NOTHING. She just—"
Lianhua (interrupting, dramatic): "Ohhh, so it did happen! Don't bother explaining. The whole palace already knows! My poor baby brother, corrupted by our little princess!"
Haoran (facepalming): "Corrupted?! She's the one who—"
Xiaoxi popped out of nowhere, munching on a bun.
Xiaoxi (cheerful): "Ohh, you're talking about last night? Yes, the bed was sooo soft. Prince, can I come again tonight?"
Haoran choked on air.
Lianhua gasped so loudly, three guards turned their heads.
Lianhua (clutching her chest, shrieking with joy): "AGAIN?! Heavens above! You bold little thing!"
Haoran (frantic, waving his hands): "No! Absolutely not! It's forbidden! It's—"
Xiaoxi (pouting, tilting her head): "But why? I sleep so well there. Your room smells nice too. Like sandalwood and… hmm, jealousy?"
Liwei happened to pass by just in time, sipping tea leisurely.
Liwei (raising a brow): "Oh? Did she say jealousy? Interesting fragrance, Crown Prince."
SNAP. Haoran's chopsticks of patience shattered for the third time this week.
Haoran (furious, pointing at both): "You! And YOU! Stay away from her!"
Lianhua (mock gasping): "Oh my, listen to him! 'Stay away from her,' he says. Possessive! Protective! So romantic!"
She fanned herself dramatically while Xiaoxi just blinked in confusion.
Xiaoxi (giggling): "He really does sound like a jealous husband, doesn't he? Hehehe!"
Haoran's soul visibly left his body.
Haoran (muttering, dragging his hand down his face): "Why me? Why is it always me?"
Meanwhile, Lianhua linked arms with Xiaoxi and whispered mischievously:
Lianhua (smirking): "Don't worry, Xiaoxi. I'll help you tease him until he admits it."
Xiaoxi (beaming): "Yay! Team Chaos!"
Together, they marched off giggling, leaving the Crown Prince standing alone, defeated.
Haoran (groaning to himself): "Team Chaos… my greatest enemy."
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