Haoran led Xiaoxi through the palace corridors, her small wrist in his firm grip. She struggled a little, fuming, but he didn't let go.
Haoran (cool, eyes dark with jealousy): "Let's continue what we were doing last time."
Xiaoxi (raising an eyebrow, teasing): "Oh? And what were we doing last time?"
Haoran (smirking slightly): "Of course… cooking. Let me teach you properly."
Xiaoxi (crossing her arms, mockingly): "No thanks. Liwei will teach me—with more love than you ever could. You go and carry your Mingzhu somewhere."
Haoran froze. His grip tightened just slightly, eyes narrowing dangerously.
Haoran (leaning closer, voice low but fierce, putting her gently against the wall): "Listen carefully, little puffer fish. I am very much loving that… your brother Liwei." 😤
Xiaoxi (rolling her eyes, teasing): "Of course you are… but only with your Mingzhu."
Haoran's jaw clenched. Before she could react, he stepped closer, his voice softening yet full of possessiveness:
Haoran: "Do you think I won't notice when you smile at him? Or laugh at his stupid jokes? You're mine, Xiaoxi. Focus here."
Xiaoxi's cheeks flushed—not from fear, but from the intoxicating tension in his tone.
Suddenly, the doors slid open. Mingzhu, accompanied by the rest of the family, stepped in.
Mingzhu (smiling calmly, teasing): "Haoran… what are you doing?"
Haoran immediately released Xiaoxi and straightened, maintaining distance. Xiaoxi scowled, utterly frustrated by his sudden restraint. 😤
Mingzhu (tilting her head, playful): "The mighty prince who never cooks for anyone—not even himself—is now teaching someone else?"
Haoran laughed, an awkward, annoyed sound, brushing it off.
Mingzhu (turning to Xiaoxi, soft smirk): "Right… your name is Xiaoxi, isn't it? Let me tell you something, sister. I don't think he can cook. But I can. Let me teach you properly."
Xiaoxi (forcing a smile, flustered): "No thanks. Liwei will do it. He can teach me." 😑
Haoran's eyes darkened. Every word Xiaoxi said made his possessive instincts flare.
Haoran (muttering under his breath, jealousy bubbling): Liwei, Mingzhu… I'll never forgive either of you if you try to steal her from me.
Mingzhu guided Xiaoxi to the counter, showing her how to knead the dough. Haoran's gaze followed her every movement.
Haoran (suddenly snatching a spoon from the counter): "No! You're doing it wrong!"
Xiaoxi (rolling eyes, teasing): "Hah! See? Liwei said—"
Haoran (interrupting, glaring): "Liwei didn't say anything! I said listen to me!"
Mingzhu chuckled softly, watching the sparks fly between them.
Haoran (gritting teeth, leaning closer to Xiaoxi): "Do not—do not—giggle at him. That's mine! Got it?"
Xiaoxi (biting her lip to hide a grin, pretending to be annoyed): "Fine, fine… mine, yours, whatever. Happy now?"
Every time Xiaoxi laughed even slightly at a joke from Liwei, Haoran would dramatically glare, bumping her gently with his shoulder in "warning." Every time Mingzhu offered her guidance, Haoran would step closer, subtly blocking her path.
Finally, Xiaoxi placed a spoonful of dough on the counter and turned to Haoran with a teasing grin:
Xiaoxi: "See? Liwei's teaching is much better… right?"
Haoran's fingers twitched, his patience snapping. He leaned in so close her face almost touched his:
Haoran: "Wrong. You're too stubborn to admit it… but I'll teach you properly, whether you like it or not. And don't you dare look at anyone else while I'm here!"
Xiaoxi's heart raced. Mingzhu's soft laugh and amused eyes only made it worse. The kitchen had transformed into a battlefield of jealousy, teasing, and unspoken romance.
Mingzhu, unable to resist, whispered to the family: "Looks like my mighty prince has finally met someone who can make him jealous… and fall in love at the same time."
Xiaoxi's cheeks burned. Haoran's jaw was tight, his eyes dark—yet there was that faint glimmer of warmth in his gaze.
Haoran (mutters, leaning close, guiding her hands): "Focus on the dough, little puffer fish… not your Liwei, not me, just me."
Xiaoxi couldn't help but smile secretly. She was winning… and losing… all at once.
The palace had never been so chaotic—and the Jealousy War was far from over.