After Princess Anna’s confession, Jiang Ling felt a bit puzzled about her feelings. Initially, he wanted to brush it off to avoid any suspicions. Yet, after pondering over it, he realized that deleting the whole thing outright might make it seem like he cared too much. Eventually, he decided not to delete it.
Sure, she’s a princess, but it’s not like she genuinely found him charming—it’s more of a misguided affection stemming from encountering a scumbag. Jiang Ling doesn’t think he’s that captivating.
Speaking of charm, maybe it’s Zheng Ziang who possesses it; otherwise, how did Chu Wenyu develop a crush on him midway?
Thinking about this, a tinge of jealousy involuntarily surfaced in Jiang Ling’s chest. If he hadn’t informed Chu Wenyu of that scumbag’s actions, who knows what might be going on between them now.
Come to think of it, he only knows that Zheng Ziang committed the crime of deceiving the monarch, but he doesn’t know how Chu Wenyu dealt with it later. Perhaps he didn’t care about it due to a hint of affection.
Suddenly, Jiang Ling thought of this matter, and he couldn’t get it out of his mind for a long time. However, he couldn’t bring himself to ask Chu Wenyu directly, so he just kept it to himself, not wanting it to affect their relationship.
Moreover, since he pointed out Chu Wenyu’s mistakes last time, things did improve. Like today, Chu Wenyu unexpectedly invited him out of the palace to the grand theater for classical music.
In modern times, Jiang Ling is just an ordinary person with more down-to-earth hobbies. But the thought of this being a formal date outside the palace with the person he likes, especially considering the possessive nature of the monarch, felt like a significant step forward. So, he happily agreed.
Chu Wenyu’s invitation was indeed aimed at swiftly dispelling any negative impressions Alpha might have of him. Additionally, Jiang Ling’s familiarity with Chinese cuisine and ancient Go, displayed since he arrived at Burke Star, led Chu Wenyu to believe that maybe Alpha was genuinely interested in these ancient things. After all, Jiang Ling exuded a refined air, quite distinct from the other Alphas who typically valued strength.
So, Chu Wenyu arrogantly believed he was catering to Jiang Ling’s preferences.
His initial plan was to book the entire venue, but he was concerned that Jiang Ling might feel uneasy. So, he decided to use the same disguise method as the last time they left the palace, but with additional bodyguards secretly following them in the background.
The two of them were dressed in the same couple’s white T-shirts and duckbill hats as the last time. Although their attire didn’t stand out in the crowd, it added a youthful vibe to the Alphas’ presence.
Looking at Jiang Ling’s perfect profile and his bright and handsome smile, Chu Wenyu was in a daze. If it weren’t for him, Jiang Ling should naturally have looked like this at his age.
It’s a pity that he is no longer young. The most vibrant years for him were in his early twenties when his competitive spirit burned the brightest. Even with a pair of crippled legs, no one dared to look him in the eye, in the palace arena, he remained the most dazzling and feared prince. Back then, he was the pride of the Star Dan Academy, hailed as the top in the interstellar. In his hands, they were like ants.
Even the gloomy Chu Wenyu had once been flamboyant for a few years.
It’s a pity that Alpha couldn’t witness that version of him. He only met the current Chu Wenyu, seemingly devoid of charm except for the power he held. However, after he put on the white T-shirt that seemed to be worn by common young people, especially matching with the Alpha, he felt like he had become younger.
“Your Majesty, shall we go?” Jiang Ling fetched the car from the palace garage, rejecting the disguised guards’ offer to drive and taking the driver’s seat himself. Chu Wenyu naturally settled into the passenger seat.
After dressing like a prince for so long, his life could finally be a bit down-to-earth.
Perhaps they were the only ones going to a concert in such casual attire. However, Jiang Ling had a thick skin, and Chu Wenyu didn’t mind. So, when the other elegantly dressed attendees at the concert hall cast curious glances, both of them remained unruffled.
In the interstellar realm, attending a classical music concert at the most low-key yet luxurious hall in the capital was generally a niche and extravagant habit of the nobility. Acquiring a ticket was no easy feat. However, when Jiang Ling saw a couple making their way through the crowd towards their seats, the coincidence seemed rather sudden.
Thinking about the recent misunderstanding, Jiang Ling lowered his hat brim, not wanting to be recognized.
One of them happened to be Princess Anna. The young man next to her was unfamiliar to Jiang Ling, but seeing this, he couldn’t help but feel relieved that Princess Anna wasn’t taking him seriously.
Jiang Ling instinctively looked down, only to find Chu Wenyu in his wheelchair, gazing at him. Due to his lowered gaze, Chu Wenyu hadn’t noticed.
“What’s wrong?” Chu Wenyu was very sensitive to Alpha’s expressions, but as he glanced around, he didn’t notice anything unusual.
“Nothing, let’s take our seats.”
According to his observation, Princess Anna and her companion’s seats were far enough from theirs. As long as he paid attention, there was practically no chance of an encounter, especially considering their discreet attire today. Even modern-day paparazzi would find it challenging to spot them.
Chu Wenyu, however, unwilling to be convinced, looked around again. His sixth sense told him things weren’t so simple, but indeed, he found nothing unusual. So, he dismissed his suspicions as mere paranoia.
Although he hadn’t had this hobby in his past life, Jiang Ling slowly began to appreciate the exhilarating symphony. Chu Wenyu, on the other hand, had no interest whatsoever. His attention was entirely focused on Jiang Ling beside him. Watching Alpha relax, he felt a secret satisfaction, thinking that this move was probably the right one.
In the dim light, Chu Wenyu pursed his lips and then subtly rested his hand on the young man’s thigh. The muscles were firm and powerful. He seemed to have thought of something, and a bead of sweat formed on his nose.
Such an obvious touch—how could Jiang Ling not feel it? He responded by holding Chu Wenyu’s warm hand, which was then held back.
“Enjoying yourself?” Chu Wenyu whispered by his ear.
Jiang Ling looked into those deep black eyes, slightly smiled, and nodded. Getting the monarch to admit a mistake was already rare, let alone reaching this level of compromise.
At this moment, Jiang Ling completely reconciled with the slight discomfort in his heart. With everything laid bare, they would have no more secrets.
During the concert, Jiang Ling set his phone to vibrate. However, it seemed unnecessary; no friends or family were likely to contact him, and the only important person was right beside him. When he felt the phone vibrate, he didn’t think much of it.
To avoid disturbing others, he kept the brightness low. He gently picked up the phone and saw a message from Anna.
[Is that you in the concert hall? I saw you.]
Jiang Ling furrowed his brow and replied with a simple ‘Yes,’ acknowledging her sighting.
The other party’s messages came one after another.
[Can we meet later? I have something important to discuss with you.]
Jiang Ling wasn’t sure what Anna wanted to talk to him about, but it didn’t matter. The villain beside him could even be jealous of his own niece, and Jiang Ling had a vague sense that the blood relation might not prevent Chu Wenyu from taking certain actions. He chose not to reply further; there wasn’t anything he particularly wanted to know.
Anna’s attention had completely shifted from the concert. Although the blind date this time wasn’t the same as the last one, the suitor was still an affluent young man. After all, her mother had some skills in this department.
Seeing no response for a while, Anna continued, [What’s wrong? Is it inconvenient? Is Uncle with you?]
Although Chu Wenyu, after his disguise, wasn’t immediately recognized by Anna, as her impression of her little uncle didn’t include this type of attire, his distinctive wheelchair confirmed it for her.
It seemed Wilson was right; her little uncle did have special feelings for Jiang Ling. Otherwise, he wouldn’t willingly accompany him out of the palace. If it weren’t for her certainty that Chu Wenyu was forcing the Alpha into submission, Anna might have found her usually cold and ruthless little uncle surprisingly good to Jiang Ling.
However, a young Alpha being compelled to yield to another Alpha didn’t sit well with Anna. She didn’t believe Jiang Ling would be happy about it. In less flattering terms, no matter how powerful her uncle was, he was ultimately a physically flawed and disabled person. Jiang Ling probably felt humiliated.
Yes, in her imagination, Chu Wenyu was forcing Jiang Ling to submit beneath him.
Seeing no response again, Anna wondered if Jiang Ling felt ashamed because she saw through their compromise. So, she became even more determined.
[Don’t worry, I won’t speak about this. When you distract my little uncle later, I’ll find a way to help you escape.]
Jiang Ling became even more puzzled by her words, but to avoid any misunderstanding with Chu Wenyu, he chose to ignore it.
Anna grew anxious. As the concert neared its end, she felt she couldn’t wait any longer. A terrifying thought crossed her mind: Could it be that Jiang Ling developed feelings for her little uncle due to Stockholm Syndrome? She suddenly remembered the things Wilson had told her. Perhaps Jiang Ling was kept in the dark, and now she was the only one who could help him see the truth.
Biting her lip, Anna sent one final message.
Onstage, the final performance began, a piano piece. It started with a tight and urgent prelude, making the audience involuntarily tense.
Jiang Ling checking his phone naturally caught Chu Wenyu’s attention. Cautiously, he asked, “Why aren’t you paying attention? Who’s contacting you?”
Just then, Jiang Ling felt another vibration, but thinking about the strange messages Princess Anna had sent earlier, he chose not to open the phone.
After contemplating for a few seconds, Jiang Ling decided not to keep it from Chu Wenyu. He leaned closer, nodded, and said slowly, “Princess Anna is here too. She noticed me earlier and said hello.”
Chu Wenyu’s pupils contracted. No wonder he couldn’t find the leak; Alpha and Anna had already exchanged contact information. But when did this happen?
In the quiet environment, Chu Wenyu couldn’t immediately ask. He silently resolved to decrypt Jiang Ling’s account after returning to the palace.
As the piano piece reached its climax, the pianist’s skill was superb. Jiang Ling felt an unsettling sense of urgency, as if thousands of bees were rushing towards him.
This was the last piece, and the concert was coming to an end.
Out of politeness, Jiang Ling picked up his phone, preparing to send a goodbye message and hoping to limit future contact.
However, the moment he opened the message, his nonchalant expression turned serious. He took a sharp breath, unable to believe it, and reread the message as if trying to convince himself. He felt a chilling sensation all over.
At that moment, the piano abruptly stopped.
“What are you guys chatting about? You know I’ll get jealous,” Chu Wenyu attempted to get closer to see the content, but Jiang Ling instinctively dodged, leaving Chu Wenyu holding his hand in the air, looking bewildered.
“What’s wrong?” Chu Wenyu asked with a furrowed brow, feeling a little uneasy.
Jiang Ling pretended to be calm and shook his head.
“It’s nothing. I’m just annoyed with her and was planning to delete the messages.” He proceeded to delete the chat history.
Jiang Ling glanced at the person in front of him from the corner of his eye. He heard Chu Wenyu make a sound of acknowledgment, followed by a hint of satisfaction.
However, Jiang Ling only felt a chill. He truly never understood Chu Wenyu.
He had naively believed in Chu Wenyu’s inherent goodness. Even now, the person who seemed to like him so much had once coldly planned to frame him as a collaborator with the spy Magie, aiming to eliminate him, the hostage, and achieve his goals.
Jiang Ling recalled Chu Wenyu accusing him of poisoning the medicine he served, ordering him to stay by his side. Ironically, he had genuinely felt guilty at the time, worried about harming Chu Wenyu. Little did he know that everything was under Chu Wenyu’s control.
Chu Wenyu was well aware of Magie being a spy, and he was just waiting for the opportunity to implicate Jiang Ling.
The only variable that saved him was this face.
Sure enough, you can’t deviate too much from the original book, right? Even if he didn’t do anything sneaky, the tyrant in front of him could kill him without needing a reason.
Perhaps the only thing that saved him was the original owner’s face.
Hello, everyone ヾ(＾∇＾). I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee, share/comment on my translated works! Check out the link below for early chapters. (๑>ᴗ<๑)
