I believe that we will have a future together.

Morning, inside the carriage.

Looking out from within the carriage was a different experience than galloping on horseback—there was none of that exhilarating rush of wind, but instead, it offered a chance to observe life with more detail, a unique charm of its own. The morning streets were bustling—some farmers were driving their simple carts into the city to sell vegetables—yet also quiet, with many shops still awaiting their first customers. Here, people's daily lives were just beginning.

Hui Yue’er gazed at the street scenes outside, realizing that she had always been just one among these people. Yet today, she had become a spectator; how unpredictable life was. Two people who once seemed destined never to cross paths now shared something deeper than friendship. With that thought, Hui Yue’er glanced at Zhao Chengxian sitting beside her.

At that moment, Zhao Chengxian was leaning against a cushion, eyes closed. Hui Yue’er thought he was asleep and began to study his face carefully, her hand gently tracing his features—a face with an oval shape, thick brows lending a heroic air, a straight nose with a slightly hooked tip, making him look both handsome and intelligent. Hui Yue’er murmured to herself, "Could we possibly have a future?"

Just then, the carriage jolted abruptly, causing Hui Yue’er to lose her balance and fall right into Zhao Chengxian’s arms.

Zhao Chengxian instinctively caught her, opened his eyes, and looked at her with a playful, roguish smile. “Little Moon, this is the second time you’ve thrown yourself into my arms. If there’s a third, I won’t let you off so easily!”

Their faces were so close. Yue’er’s cheeks flushed crimson as she hastily pushed him away. Zhao Chengxian straightened and, looking at Hui Yue’er, asked, “Are you hungry?” She hadn’t eaten or slept the whole night—luckily, she was skilled in martial arts, or any other young woman would have been complaining by now.

Afraid Zhao Chengxian would notice her current pallor, and more worried he’d seen her lovesick expression, Hui Yue’er kept her head lowered, staring at her shoes. “I wasn’t, but now that you mention it, I’m a bit hungry. It’s still too early for any pastry shops to be open, isn’t it? Besides, we need to hurry to the palace, or I’m afraid Qiqi won’t be able to manage much longer. Unless you can perform magic and conjure up some pastries!” Only then did she glance up at Zhao Chengxian.

Retaining his rakish demeanor, Zhao Chengxian grinned at Hui Yue’er. “If I really can produce some, you’ll have to give me a kiss, deal?” He looked utterly confident—he never made a wager he wasn’t sure to win, unless he wanted to lose on purpose.

Hui Yue’er didn’t believe for a moment that Zhao Chengxian could produce any pastries; aside from a few cushions, there was nothing in the carriage. She nodded in agreement. “Fine. But if you can’t conjure them, you’ll have to agree to a request of mine!” She didn’t believe a noble lord such as him would ever stoop to learning street magic.

What she had forgotten was that Zhao Chengxian was no ordinary child of privilege; he was interested in everything, so it was hardly surprising if he knew a few tricks. Waving his hands back and forth before Hui Yue’er’s eyes, he said, “Watch closely, Little Moon, now is the moment to witness a miracle!” Suddenly, as if from nowhere, he produced a small box.

Seeing the box in his hands, Hui Yue’er asked in confusion, “Where did you hide it?” It couldn’t have been up his sleeve—even with their wide sleeves, hiding a pastry box was out of the question. Zhao Chengxian didn’t answer, just pointed to his own cheek, making it clear he wanted her to fulfill her promise. But how could Hui Yue’er possibly bring herself to kiss him? After a moment's hesitation, she suggested, “What if I just smack your palm instead?” Even in ancient times, no proper young woman would willingly kiss a man, much less offer her first kiss—Hui Yue’er regretted making the bet.

Seeing her embarrassment, Zhao Chengxian laughed. “Fine, if you won’t, I could always tell the guards at Hui’s Escort Agency that their famed Lady Chief can’t admit defeat.” He knew her weakness well. Hui Yue’er glared at him, but had no way out; she gave him a quick kiss on the left cheek, snatched the pastry box from his hands, and began to eat, too shy to look at him again. Zhao Chengxian smiled in contentment as he watched her.

Soon, they arrived at the palace gates. Chen Gui, who was driving the carriage, stepped down to check the surroundings. Once he made sure it was safe, he called to Zhao Chengxian inside, “Your Highness, Princess Siyue may alight now!”

Hui Yue’er looked at Zhao Chengxian, reluctant to part—who knew when they would meet again? She slowly rose to leave. Though Zhao Chengxian always wore a roguish air, he had found his way into her heart; for a woman as bold as Hui Yue’er to fall for him—perhaps that was fate.

Zhao Chengxian caught her hand and whispered in her ear, “I believe we will have a future together.” Only then did Hui Yue’er realize he hadn’t been asleep earlier. Blushing, she looked at Zhao Chengxian, smiled, and stepped out. Zhao Chengxian watched her departing figure and smiled.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, everyone in between—shower me with your gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Don’t hold back; let the storm of blessings come as fiercely as it will!