———

That sunny afternoon, as Prince Cheng walked through Lanyun Market, he noticed the crowd was more restless than usual. A group of horsemen was charging down the busy street, pushing vendors out of their way.

One came dangerously close to an innocent woman busy selecting fruits and vegetables from a stall - disaster was imminent. Cheng sprang into action, rushing to her side. Grabbing her arm, Cheng pulled the woman from the path just in time. But in the chaos, her purchases went flying. Melons and cabbages were crushed under the horses' hooves. 

The woman spun around to face the horsemen, annoyance flashing in her eyes. "Why don't you watch where you're—" But her words stopped as her gaze fell to the goods now scattered across the ground.

"All this fresh produce, gone to waste! And right before dinner, too," she muttered, crouching down. "At least the cabbages can be saved. But look at these smashed melons! What a mess."

She huffed and stood up, facing Cheng. "Do you have any idea how much these melons cost? And the tomatoes are squashed beyond repair! Not to mention the time it'll take to replace everything. Honestly, sir, would it have been so hard to warn me before pulling me aside so roughly?"

Cheng was taken aback by her brusque manner. Did she not see he had saved her from harm? Still, he did cause the damage to her goods. 

"I meant only to help, yet still you scold," Cheng said, his words sounding much lighter than it did in his head. "Is gratitude too much to ask for rescuing you?"

Her eyes blazed. "Rescuing? You call barging in without care, rescuing? I had the situation well in hand before you blundered in."

"You looked about to be trampled," Cheng argued. "What thanks is this for pulling you from danger?"

"Danger? Hah! I've lived in this city my whole life. A few horses have never scare me off," she retorted. "You're the clumsy one who needs watching, mister."

Cheng laughed despite the rage within him. "It seems my good deed goes unappreciated, I must be on—."

"I've wasted enough time here. Good day you big oof," she cut in curtly, turning on her heel, intent on salvaging her evening elsewhere.

Cheng's pov:

Big oof?

really?

for someone who had just saved her life?

I forced a smile, but it didn't last. So that's what she thought of me—a clumsy fool who made everything worse. I wanted to be mad, to say something back, but her words just left a dull ache, repeating in my mind more than I wanted to admit.

I watched her walk away angrily, frustration showing in each step. I couldn't quite figure her out. I was the one who should feel hurt, who should walk away, but instead, she was the one scolding me, arguing, and then suddenly gone. She was like a storm—sharp, fierce, and impossible to ignore. Still, I couldn't help but admire her spirit, even if it was infuriating.

I glanced at the mess left behind, the scattered fruits and vegetables. She had every right to be upset, but it stung that my help was met with anger instead of thanks. I hadn't meant to make things worse. I sighed, pulling my hood up as I moved through the market. I hadn't come looking for trouble, but it seemed to find me anyway. Or perhaps I found it - who knows.

Making my way through the market, I couldn't get her out of my head. How could one so short inspire such frustration? She was small, but her presence was enormous. I caught myself smiling at the memory of our argument—frustrating, sure, but oddly exciting too.

For the first time in ages, I felt alive, swept up in something unpredictable. But as the palace gates appeared, my smile faded. Back to the prison I called home. Soon, I'd be stuck in the same dull routine of court life, where every action was planned, every word careful. Today, though, I'd tasted something new, and while I'd go back to the palace, I'd carry a bit of that spark with me—for now.

Mei's pov:

I stormed down the crowded streets, still fuming with anger. My goods were ruined, all because of that reckless man. And to think he had the nerve to ask for gratitude after making such a mess! 

I reached the teahouse, its comforting scents wafting through the door. "Yu Jin!" I called out, needing my friend's calm company.

Yu Jin looked up, concern flashing across her face as she saw me. "Mei, you look like you've been through quite a day. What happened to your goods?"

I plopped down into a chair, still bristling. "The market was chaos today. Some fool nearly got me trampled." I recounted the incident - the reckless horsemen, the young man's sudden interference and the scattered produce, by the end, my anger had faded to weariness..

Yu Jin listened closely, then poured me a cup of tea. "That sounds awful, Mei. But at least that man kept you from harm, even if he did cause trouble."

I scowled, gripping the teacup tightly. "Good intentions are useless when they ruin everything." I sighed, the event of the day pressing down on me. "Now I've got nothing for dinner, all thanks to that oaf."

Yu Jin smiled, a teasing glint in her eyes. "He must not be all bad if you're still thinking about him."

I scowled at her, unwilling to admit any more. "I'm not wasting another thought on him."

Yu Jin came over, looking me over carefully. "Are you hurt?"

I shook my head, forcing a small smile. "Just my pride."

Relief softened her features, and she returned my smile. "I'm glad you're okay. Drink your tea; it'll help."

The warmth of the tea and Yu Jin's gentle presence slowly eased the tension from my shoulders. "Thank you, Yu Jin. I feel better already."

She nodded. "Good. Now, let's get you something to eat." She motioned for me to follow her to the kitchen.

As we walked, Yu Jin glanced over at me. "Tell me more about this man. What kind of person rescues a woman, only to cause more trouble?"

I hesitated, thinking back. "He seemed decent enough, for a bumbling fool. There was something kind in his eyes, but he was too quick to demand thanks he didn't deserve."

Yu Jin nodded thoughtfully. "Sometimes first impressions are misleading. Maybe he deserves another chance, in less chaotic circumstances."

"Maybe. But I doubt we'll meet again."

Yu Jin smiled as she led me into the kitchen. "Let's focus on getting you fed and rested."

I smiled back, grateful for her support. "What's cooking tonight? It smells wonderful."