The morning sun shone warmly through the palace windows. Xiaoxi was back to her usual chattering self, and Haoran… well, he wasn't even trying to hide his fondness anymore.
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Scene 1 – The Garden 🌸
Xiaoxi bent down to smell a flower, when suddenly strong arms wrapped around her from behind.
Haoran (low voice, playful): "Careful, little pufferfish. If you lean any closer, I'll think you're running away from me."
Xiaoxi (blushing, squirming): "Frog Prince! Let me go—what if someone sees?!"
Just then, Grandma, Lianhua, and the Empress walked by.
Grandma (loudly, grinning): "Aiyoo, hugging in broad daylight! Not even married yet!" 🤣
Lianhua (clapping): "Brother! You move so fast, I can't keep up!"
Empress (sighing but smiling): "Shameless… both of them."
Haoran quickly let go, pretending to fix his sleeve. Xiaoxi buried her face in her hands, muttering.
Xiaoxi: "I told you someone would see!"
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Scene 2 – The Corridor 🏯
Later that day, Xiaoxi was carrying a tray of tea when Haoran suddenly cornered her against the wall.
Haoran (leaning close, smirking): "Hmm… should I steal a sip of tea… or a kiss?"
Xiaoxi (stuttering, red-faced): "Y-you—you can drink your own tea! Go away, Frog Prince!"
He leaned in, just inches away—when Lianhua popped out of nowhere.
Lianhua: "Woooow, this corridor is not for that kind of tea ceremony!" 🤣
The tray clattered in Xiaoxi's hands, and Haoran glared at his sister, but she only skipped away giggling.
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Scene 3 – The Dining Hall 🍲
At lunch, Xiaoxi sat beside Haoran, trying to mind her own business. But Haoran sneakily placed a piece of meat in her bowl.
Xiaoxi (whispering): "Stop it! People are watching!"
Haoran (softly, teasing): "Then let them watch. You're mine."
Xiaoxi (glaring, cheeks red): "I'm not!"
Before she could push the bowl away, Grandma spoke up.
Grandma (pointing her chopsticks at them): "Haoran, feeding her like a doting husband? Next, will you wipe her mouth too?"
The whole table burst into laughter. Xiaoxi wanted to disappear into her rice bowl.
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Scene 4 – The Balcony 🌙
At night, Xiaoxi tried to sneak away for some fresh air. Haoran followed her, wrapping his robe around her shoulders.
Haoran (softly, genuinely): "Don't catch a cold, little pufferfish."
Xiaoxi's heart melted, her usual defenses gone. She whispered:
Xiaoxi: "Frog Prince… why are you so nice to me?"
Haoran (serious, brushing her hair back): "Because you're the only one I can't stay away from."
Just as he leaned in to kiss her—
Grandma's voice (from behind): "Ohoho! Moonlight romance! Should we prepare the wedding right now?" 🤣
Xiaoxi yelped, Haoran groaned, and the whole family erupted into whispers behind them.
Empress (to Grandma): "Mother, stop encouraging them!"
Grandma (grinning): "Why not? Everyone can see—he's already hopelessly in love."
Haoran pulled Xiaoxi close, ignoring the laughter, whispering only for her:
Haoran: "Let them gossip. I don't care. I only care about you."
And though Xiaoxi's face burned red, her lips curved into the happiest little smile.
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The palace was no longer just lively—it was buzzing with gossip, laughter, and romance. Everywhere Xiaoxi and Haoran went, there was love… and an audience. 🤭💞