Chapter 263 The Nameless One Likes Little Butterfly
Chapter 263 The Nameless One Likes Little Butterfly
Ninth Prince's Mansion —
The backyard was as quiet as if it were shrouded in a thin veil. Wuming, dressed in a long black robe, had the hem swaying gently in the breeze, like a flowing ink painting.
He stood tall and straight, like a pine tree standing atop a mountain, exuding an aura of detachment from the world.
At this moment, he was looking up at the bright full moon in the night sky. The moonlight, like water, fell on his shoulders, outlining his resolute and profound features.
A gentle breeze blew by, ruffling a few strands of hair on his forehead, but it did nothing to break his reverie.
After a long while, a faint sigh escaped from his lips and dissipated into the quiet night, as if carrying his unspeakable thoughts and sorrows.
Just then, Lin Qianqian happened to pass by and saw Wuming standing there motionless, like a statue frozen in the moonlight.
A sense of doubt crept into her heart, her delicate brows furrowing slightly, her eyes filled with confusion. A night breeze swept by, carrying a slight chill, and she involuntarily shivered, instinctively hugging her arms tightly, her feet moving uncontrollably toward Wuming.
"Nameless~" she called softly, her voice as gentle as a spring breeze, tender and with a touch of concern.
Upon hearing that familiar and gentle voice, Wuming trembled and quickly turned his head. He then bowed to her with swift movements, his voice respectful and steady: "Greetings, Your Highness!"
Lin Qianqian quickly stepped forward, waved her hand slightly, and smiled gently: "No need for formalities, get up! Why are you here alone? It's so late, aren't you asleep?"
Wuming slowly stood up, but his head unconsciously lowered, his brows furrowed as if he were struggling intensely inside. His lips parted slightly, but he ultimately couldn't utter a single word.
Seeing this, Lin Qianqian's worry deepened. She approached Wuming, looked up at him, and said softly, "What's wrong? Is something on your mind? Tell me, I can help you." Her eyes were full of sincerity and trust, and her warm gaze seemed to dispel all the gloom in the world.
Wuming slightly raised his head, his gaze meeting Lin Qianqian's, but it quickly dimmed again. He lowered his head once more, his voice slightly hoarse: "Your Highness, this matter... I... I really don't know where to begin." His hands unconsciously clenched, his knuckles turning white from the force, his face full of entanglement and pain.
Lin Qianqian sighed softly, looking at him gently. "We've known each other for a long time, you don't need to have so many worries. Whatever it is, talking about it might make you feel better." Her voice was gentle, as if she were comforting a wounded fawn, and the concern in her eyes was undisguised.
Wuming took a deep breath, a complex expression appearing on his face, a mixture of longing, helplessness, and bitterness: "Your Highness, in my heart... there is a woman I have loved for a long time, but..."
Upon hearing this, Lin Qianqian's eyes flashed with understanding. The corners of her mouth turned up slightly, and she pursed her lips, unable to help but burst out laughing. She blinked, her eyes full of mischief: "Oh~ I understand! Tell me, who is that girl? I'll grant your wish!" As she spoke, she playfully raised her chin, looking confident.
"Really?!" A spark of hope ignited in Wuming's eyes, and his previously dim eyes now shone brightly. But this light was fleeting, and his expression quickly dimmed again. He lowered his head, his voice filled with self-doubt and disappointment: "I'm afraid she... doesn't like me!"
Lin Qianqian glared at him with exasperation, put her hands on her hips, and pretended to be angry, saying, "How do you know she doesn't like you if you don't say anything! Hey, what kind of man are you, being so hesitant! If you like someone, you should bravely pursue them. Do you intend to keep this feeling hidden inside until your grave?"
Wuming hesitated for a moment, his hands unconsciously clutching the hem of his clothes, his face flushed, before he mustered his courage and said, "It's...it's Xiaodie..."
"What?!" Lin Qianqian's eyes widened, her face filled with shock. She took a small step back, staring at Wuming in disbelief, a thought flashing through her mind: [The one he likes is actually Xiaodie!]
Lin Qianqian frowned slightly, lost in thought...
Seeing her deep in thought, Wuming's face flashed with embarrassment. His lips trembled slightly as he stammered, "Your Highness, Xiaodie is your personal maid. You and she are like sisters. I am of humble birth. How could I dare to hope for anything with her? Please just take it as me joking!" As he spoke, he lowered his head even further, his shoulders slumped slightly, and he was enveloped in a deep sense of inferiority.
Looking at him like this, Lin Qianqian shook her head helplessly, her eyes full of pity.
She stepped forward, gently placed her hand on Wuming's shoulder, patted it softly, and said gently, "Don't think like that. What does background matter? Sincerity is the most precious thing. I know Xiaodie better than anyone; she's not someone who cares about status or position. You shouldn't underestimate yourself. As long as you're sincere with her, I believe she'll feel it. If you like her, go for it! I'll back you up!" A gentle smile played on her lips, her eyes full of encouragement, trying to pass on courage to Wuming.
Upon hearing Lin Qianqian's heartwarming encouragement, Wuming's eyes flashed with astonishment, as if he couldn't believe his ears.
Immediately afterwards, her eyes reddened slightly, filled with a complex mix of emotion, including gratitude and surprise. Her previously pale face flushed with excitement.
His lips trembled slightly, and after a few hesitant words, he finally uttered a slightly choked voice: "Yes! Thank you, Your Highness."
As soon as he finished speaking, he knelt down on one knee with a thud, his upper body straight, his right fist clenched and placed heavily on his left chest, performing a standard and solemn salute. His bowed head expressed his boundless gratitude and respect.
Lin Qianqian looked at the scene before her, a gentle smile playing on her lips. She then pursed her lips slightly. She turned slightly to the side, raised her right hand in a gesture of support, and said softly, "Please get up, there's no need for such formality. If you need any help in the future, just let me know." Her gentle words were like the warm spring sun, comforting and soothing.
In a small corner, Xiaodie had heard everything clearly. Moonlight shone on her face, outlining her slightly trembling features. Her lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but a surge of emotion choked her throat.
Surprise, shyness, and panic mingled in her heart like a spilled spice jar. A blush quickly spread from her cheeks to her ears, and she instinctively reached out to cover her burning face, her eyes flashing with barely concealed panic and anticipation.
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