Xing Ru was somewhat surprised, that Yue Bei Yang, poisoned as he was, could still recognize her?
She tested him, asking, "Who am I?"
Yue Bei Yang didn't answer, but Xing Ru could clearly see contempt in his eyes.
Realizing the question was rather foolish, her expression became a little unnatural. But hadn't he mistaken her when he was drunk last time?
After some thought, Xing Ru felt a little more justified. She said, "I heard you were poisoned? Do you want to..."
Before she could finish, she was interrupted by a fierce gaze from Yue Bei Yang.
It was rather terrifying!
She didn't continue. Yue Bei Yang's current gaze seemed to say—if you dare to say another word, I'll kill you immediately!
But she only wanted to ask if he needed a doctor. Why was this man's gaze so terrifying?
"Were you eavesdropping outside just now?"
Yue Bei Yang's expression was unfriendly, making Xing Ru hesitate to look up at him.
"I was just passing by and happened to overhear!"
She explained, and it was indeed the truth. However, accidentally learning Yue Bei Yang's secret did make her feel a little guilty.
Xing Ru didn't want to continue this topic. But usually, Wu Han and Yue Bei Yang were inseparable. Why wasn't he here today?
"Perhaps... I should find Wu Han?" she ventured. Seeing his expression soften slightly, Xing Ru breathed a sigh of relief.
She had been worried that this man might die of the love flower poison! It seemed his time hadn't come yet!
Still, Yue Bei Yang's physical condition was amazing! He could remain so clear-headed even now!
"No need!"
Since he said it wasn't necessary and he seemed alright, she could slip away!
"Then... I'll be going?"
Just as she was about to turn and leave, Yue Bei Yang stared at her retreating back for a long time. Until she reached the door and made no further move, Yue Bei Yang suddenly called out to her.
"Come here!"
Xing Ru's foot was about to step out, but the next second she heard Yue Bei Yang's chilling voice.
She had no choice but to turn back to him.
"Does the Second Prince have any other matters?"
She didn't move, merely turning her body to ask him.
Yue Bei Yang was truly inscrutable. She couldn't discern anything from his expression.
And what's more, after he uttered those few words, he fell silent again.
Xing Ru patiently turned around, her steps deliberately small.
"Come help me up!"
Seeing she was standing too far away, Yue Bei Yang became impatient.
"I..." She really didn't want to help him up, but under Yue Bei Yang's intimidating presence, Xing Ru had no choice but to approach him, unsure of how to proceed.
When had she ever helped anyone? Let alone a grown man!
Yue Bei Yang's arm went around her neck and rested on her shoulder. Seeing Xing Ru standing there like an idiot without moving, he had to prompt her, "Your hand should be here!"
The next second, Xing Ru's hand landed on Yue Bei Yang's waist.
Xing Ru was horrified, but Yue Bei Yang had already used her strength to stand up.
Before she could even protest this position, she heard him say, "Aren't you going to hurry?"
Yue Bei Yang's tone was so natural that Xing Ru blinked in surprise. Helpless, she could only start walking forward.
She would endure it!
The night was deep, but faint moonlight illuminated the path ahead. Yue Bei Yang's gaze fell upon Xing Ru's head, then down.
Seeing her fair neck, his expression remained unchanged. Suddenly, two delicate red petals on the back of her neck caught his attention.
He had them too, but his were on his back, so others couldn't see them.
"On your neck..."
His breath brushed against the back of her neck, causing goosebumps to rise.
It was a little ticklish, and Xing Ru instinctively flinched.
"What are you doing?"
Her tone was a little sharp due to her emotions. Yue Bei Yang's eyes darkened, and he said nothing further.
All the way, Xing Ru kept pondering one question—what would have happened to Yue Bei Yang if she hadn't lured that woman away?
She now felt a pang of regret, thinking she probably shouldn't have gotten involved in this matter earlier!
"You'd best not speak of what you heard! Including to Sang Sang... otherwise..."
These threatening words fell upon Xing Ru's ears. On the surface, she nodded seriously, but inwardly, she deeply regretted having slipped away from the feast earlier.
What on earth had possessed her?
"Go back."
Just as she was about to help him to the Imperial Physicians' Hall within the palace, a cool voice echoed from above. Although Xing Ru was filled with doubt, she didn't ask any further questions.
Yue Bei Yang had clearly been poisoned for over three months, yet no one in the palace was aware of this. He obviously didn't want anyone to know, so she saw no need to court trouble.
Xing Ru then led him back to the Second Prince's pavilion. Upon entering the palace, without asking where he wanted to go, she directly helped him to the side hall.
"To the main hall!"
Xing Ru: ...
Patiently escorting him back to the main hall, Xing Ru was already panting.
Yue Bei Yang sat on a chair, his eyes filled with disdain as he surveyed the arrangement of the hall.
Xing Ru could naturally tell. Though she felt a little uncomfortable, it was Yue Bei Yang's palace, after all. Thus, she could only ask, "Are you staying in the main hall tonight?"
Perhaps he disliked the side hall being too small and wanted to switch with her?
Xing Ru didn't mind such things.
Without noticing Yue Bei Yang's expression, Xing Ru had already walked to the bedside and was unrolling the soft, pink quilt from the bed by herself.
Carrying a large quilt, so large it blocked her vision, she was about to walk out.
Yue Bei Yang stared at Xing Ru, his expression grim, a ruthless aura emanating from his brows and eyes.
"Where are you going?"
This woman was truly foolish!
The reason he wanted to stay in the main hall was to prevent tonight's events from spreading. He hadn't expected this woman to repeatedly go against his wishes.
It was vexing!
"Didn't you want to stay in the main hall? I'm helping you change the bedding."
Unable to see his expression, Xing Ru couldn't sense Yue Bei Yang's impatience, but she did stop at his words.
Xing Ru peeked her head out from the large bundle of quilts, her round eyes looking at him.
Yue Bei Yang's inner vexation dissipated by more than half.
"No need! You sleep on the bed!"
Yue Bei Yang remained seated, not moving. Xing Ru's gaze fell upon him, full of confusion.
What did he mean, she slept on the bed, and what about him?
Yue Bei Yang said nothing further, so Xing Ru had no choice but to put the bedding back on the bed. Silently, she made the bed and looked back at him.
Yue Bei Yang remained silent. The room was extremely quiet.
He closed his eyes, his arm supporting his head, appearing to be asleep.
Xing Ru tried to keep her voice low and remained still, directly taking off her shoes and getting into bed.
Sharing a room with him, she hadn't even undressed.
Xing Ru wrapped herself in the quilt. Yue Bei Yang was seated directly opposite her bed. She curled up under the quilt with her back to him.
The room was very quiet, but Xing Ru simply couldn't fall asleep.
The next morning.
When Xing Ru woke up, Yue Bei Yang was no longer in the room.
She instinctively looked towards Yue Bei Yang's usual spot. Seeing he wasn't there, she then sat up.
"Ade!"
She hadn't slept well last night, and there were dark circles under her eyes. Ade heard Xing Ru's voice and immediately entered the room.