It was Aichen's birthday. Xia Lin and Karoon went to the birthday party together with gifts. Since this wasn't her first time attending such a large - scale event, Xia Lin wasn't as constrained and nervous as she was at the queen - crowning ceremony.
Although the number of guests this time wasn't as large as that at the crowning ceremony, it was still quite a crowd. After all, the protagonist of the birthday party was the current emperor's father.
As the emperor, Karoon had to deal with leaders from other countries, so he naturally couldn't stay with Xia Lin all the time.
After dealing with several queens or "first ladies", Xia Lin hid in a quiet corner to have some drinks and snacks to fill her stomach. Just then, a voice came from behind, "Excuse me, are you Xia Lin?"
Xia Lin turned around and saw a very good - looking girl with a baby face. Although the girl looked like a teenager, Xia Lin thought she wasn't that young.
"Ah, sorry. I speak without thinking. I should have addressed you as Her Majesty the Queen. Forgive my rudeness."
"Who are you?"
Naya bowed and introduced herself. "My name is Naya. I was adopted and raised by Uncle Aichen since I was a child. For me, Uncle Aichen is like half of my father!"
Oh, so she was Naya, the one Aichen's father had mentioned, Karoon's adopted sister...
"Hello, my name is Xia Lin."
Naya shook hands with Xia Lin and smiled. She said, seemingly intentionally or unintentionally, "I've finally seen Karoon - gege's queen in person. When I was a child, I often said that I wanted to marry Karoon - gege. Uncle Aichen also thought that since Karoon - gege and I were childhood sweethearts, we were a perfect match. But I didn't expect that Karoon - gege, who was always oblivious to matters of the heart, would suddenly fall in love with someone!"
Xia Lin's heart skipped a beat. Although the girl's tone was friendly and her attitude seemed fine, Xia Lin just felt that she had ill intentions.
The words "rival in love" popped into Xia Lin's mind. She listened expressionlessly as Naya rambled on about her childhood with Karoon.
"Hey, if you hadn't married Karoon - gege and were just his girlfriend, I would definitely compete with you. But now that you're already married, I can only offer my blessings."
The words sounded off, but since the girl didn't say anything directly offensive, Xia Lin could only force a polite and awkward smile. "I don't know why Karoon fell in love with me. But since I'm his partner now, I'll be with him well." So stop trying to show off your "childhood - sweetheart" status in front of me. Do whatever you want!
Unfortunately, Naya was quite sophisticated. After hearing Xia Lin's sarcastic words, her expression remained unchanged. She still said calmly, "Oh, there's nothing I can do. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Since Karoon - gege likes you, don't let him down. You know, the love of an emperor is different from that of ordinary people. Well, never mind... I haven't talked to Karoon - gege since I came back. Well, dear Her Majesty the Queen, I'll take my leave now." With a smile on her lips but coldness in her eyes, Naya left.
Even though she left, Xia Lin was still in a bad mood.
So annoying! It's so annoying that she came in front of me looking so smug, talking about being Karoon's childhood sweetheart! What's so great about being a childhood sweetheart!