She didn't know why she was so timid. Maybe it was because deep down, she really wanted to cling to this big shot. So on normal days, it was okay to be playful and naughty. But since he was seriously talking about something, it wasn't appropriate for her to argue.
Immediately, she followed his words and flattered him, "Of course it's Your Highness the Prince. I've remembered all your words. I'll definitely tidy myself up well and go to the palace tomorrow. I won't disgrace you."
However, in the eyes of outsiders, at most, they were just friends. Whether she was good or bad didn't seem to be related to Helian Duo's reputation. So why did he say so?
Just as she was about to ask, Helian Duo preemptively spoke. With a cold face, he said seriously, "The Empress Dowager secretly investigated you thoroughly a while ago because of your sudden fame. But she should not have discovered the relationship between you and me yet... Anyway, you have to act according to the situation tomorrow and don't be too eye - catching."
The relationship between her and him... Why did Cheng Xiran suddenly feel that this was an exciting thing? Especially when these words came from Helian Duo's mouth, it seemed even more ambiguous.
Although Helian Duo just meant what he said literally, Cheng Xiran couldn't help but misinterpret his words.
She blushed slightly. To prevent Helian Duo from noticing, she turned her head and looked out of the window, obediently nodding.
The atmosphere was a bit quiet for a while until Helian Duo broke the silence again, "I'm sure there will be many men approaching you at the Hundred - Flower Banquet for various interests. Maybe the Empress Dowager will even deliberately test whether you want to stay in the palace as a concubine or if she values your ability and wants to keep you by her side. What will you choose then?"
"Do nothing..."
Cheng Xiran calmed her mind and said firmly.
Helian Duo twitched the corner of his mouth, and a barely noticeable look of joy flashed in his eyes. "Why? There are countless women in the world who are eager to enter the palace to enjoy wealth and a peaceful life. Don't you want that?"
The shopkeeper, who was doing accounts, suddenly looked at Cheng Xiran. Obviously, he was also curious about her answer.
"I'm a bit odd. The more people pursue something, the less I want it..." Cheng Xiran didn't notice the light in Helian Duo's eyes and just continued her own words. "So, no matter what the Empress Dowager has in mind tomorrow, I'll nip that thought in the bud. I don't want to be so restricted."
"I'll go back first."
Helian Duo left suddenly. He didn't even leave a complete back view for Cheng Xiran.
Moreover, he even used his light - body skill and jumped onto the eaves directly...
Are all people with martial arts so playful?
This made Cheng Xiran, who was talking so enthusiastically, suddenly lose her interest. She propped her chin with both hands and felt bored.
"He was the one who provoked me first, but now he just runs away after doing so. It's really annoying."
She was so angry that she took it out on the teacup, opening and closing it until the tea inside cooled down before she was willing to put it down.
The shopkeeper saw this and couldn't help teasing her, "I think there's a mistake in what you said earlier, miss."
"Which sentence?" Cheng Xiran didn't care and seemed determined to convince the shopkeeper.
The shopkeeper replied unhurriedly, "You said that the more people pursue something, the less you want it. I think this is wrong... It's especially obvious when it comes to a certain person."