Arc 2: Part 19
Xiao Lingchen paused for a moment, then said, "Hand it to me."
However, no sooner had he settled in a less crowded area and opened his lunch box than a brisk set of footsteps hurried over.
The person did nothing to conceal their presence, even shouting out boisterously, "That smells so good! Who's enjoying a treat in secret here? Share some of your good fortune with me!"
Xiao Lingchen's expression cooled. He closed the lunch box quickly and stood up, only to see someone pushing through Little Thirteen and walking in, all the while laughing heartily.
"Turns out it's Brother Xiao Lingchen," the newcomer said. "I couldn’t find you in the Great Hall, and here you are enjoying some delicacy. Given our past acquaintance since childhood, how about you let me have a bite?”
The speaker was tall and handsome, with teasing eyes and a smirk on his face full of playful malice and insolence.
Xiao Lingchen retorted coldly, "How did the prince end up here?"
The person who arrived was none other than He Lian Muyun, the prince of Zhenbei.
Xiao Lingchen had lived in the northwest for a few years with his father during childhood. His father knew the King of Zhenbei, and he himself had met with the prince, He Lian Muyun, a few times.
Their relationship wasn't particularly close. Xiao Lingchen, being composed and reserved, was not fond of the unrestrained He Lian Muyun, and vice versa.
Later, after the death of his father, Xiao Lingchen was summoned back to the capital, and he hadn't seen Prince He Lian Muyun for many years.
He Lian Muyun wore a pained expression, "Forget manners for now; I'm starving. Brother Xiao, the food prepared in the palace may look delicious, but it's just reheated in water. Over time, all its flavor fades. You know I'm picky, how could I stomach that?"
Xiao Lingchen snorted coldly, "If you can't eat it now, wait until the banquet is over and go back to the restaurant to request chefs."
"How much longer do I have to wait!" the Crown Prince protested, shaking his head. "However, it seems you've thought ahead, Brother Xiao. The enticing aroma from your lunch box indicates that you too know the palace food is terrible, hence you've made special preparations. You probably can't finish it all by yourself. Would you mind sharing some with me? Oh, and your cook with such good skills, can I borrow them for a few days…?"
"Mind your words, Prince!"
Xiao Lingchen, turning suddenly upset, coldly glanced at He Lian Muyun, "The Emperor invited you to the Great Hall, and yet you're here instead of accompanying everyone else. Is this what courtesy is at Zhenbei!? Maybe you should return to the hall before tarnishing your noble reputation!"
With that, he picked up his lunch box, turned, and left without leaving any room for a comeback.
Left stupefied in the room, He Lian Muyun mumbled to himself, "All I asked for was a bit of food. How did Brother Xiao become so angry?"
He'd just made a few comments, but it seemed like Xiao Lingchen reacted as if someone was trying to steal his treasure, or worse, touched his scales against the grain!
Seeing the situation, Little Thirteen bowed his head in guilt at the door, "I am sorry for failing to prevent the Prince from entering, sir. I accept any punishment you see fit."
Xiao Lingchen forcibly suppressed his anger, "We'll discuss this later!"
He didn't even know why he was so angry. However, every time he thought of He Lian Muyun mentioning "cook," a burning rage consumed his heart.
How could he compare her to an ordinary cook?
She was so innocent and determined. She only worked in the kitchen for him - how could they speak about her in such a way?
Stepping outside the hall, the cold wind blew against Xiao Lingchen's face. His fiery temper cooled as his rationality slowly returned. Anxiety gripped him as he realized his thoughts, and his expression darkened.
"Sir, what's wrong? Did the young lady not make the food to your liking?"
Seeing Xiao Lingchen's distress, Little Thirteen asked in a soft, worried voice.
Xiao Lingchen slowly shook his head, "No."
He simply didn't want others to know about her.
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