Huang Rui was instantly drawn in by what Liang Ze had said about the book. Five Princes Under the Red Moonlight. The title alone sounded intriguing, and Liang Ze's description of the princes, so uncannily like their own group, had sparked his curiosity. The moment they arrived at the dorm, Rui knew he had to get his hands on it. Plus, tomorrow is a day off, and he has nothing planned—perfect timing to immerse himself fully.
He leaned back in the front seat of the van, still half-asleep, and let out a small dramatic sigh. "Liang Ze," he murmured, eyes glinting mischievously, "you promise me… when we get to the dorm, I get this book first thing?"
Liang Ze raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Sure. As long as you promise to return it eventually."
Rui placed a delicate hand over his heart, gasping theatrically. "Return it… eventually? Liang Ze, don't you trust me?…" He pouted briefly before collapsing into a satisfied smile. "Fine… eventually, then. But for tomorrow… it's mine."
Satisfied with this agreement, Rui leaned back further, sinking into the comfort of the van's seat. The van hummed along the highway, tires rolling steadily over the asphalt. Huang Rui reclined in the front passenger seat next to the company driver, eyes half-closed, still basking in the comfort of a good stretch after filming. Being the visual of the group had its perks—but it also came with strict rules: sleep, skincare, and diet. Rui always made sure he followed all three, even on long car rides.
With the promise secured, Rui allowed himself a few moments of blissful rest, replaying in his mind Liang Ze's descriptions and imagining the five princes in the palace. He drifted off into a light nap, already plotting how he would enjoy the book tomorrow.
⸻
The next morning, Huang Rui began the day with his carefully prepared low-fat breakfast, sipping a smoothie while enjoying the quiet of his personal dorm room. Lucky for Xing Yu, their success so far had afforded each member their own personal space at the dorm. Rui stretched slightly, eyes bright as he set the smoothie on the desk and opened the book for the first time.
With nothing else to do today and a day off from training, he could focus entirely on reading. Every page pulled him deeper into the story, and he occasionally made dramatic faces at certain princes' antics, laughing quietly to himself. It was the perfect way to recharge before another day of rigorous training.
The leather-bound cover glimmered in the morning light as Rui settled into his chair, turning page after page, completely absorbed. For the first time, the day felt entirely his own—and entirely devoted to the strange, magical world of The Five Princes Under the Red Moonlight.