At this question, Lianfeng became confused. Who am I now? Am I Lianfeng or He Ning?

Lianfeng feeling flustered replied, "Just call me Xin'er for now."

Shi Meng noticing her fluster, decided not to pursue the matter, "All right."

Lianfeng nodded slightly, still enveloped in her thoughts. She raised her eyes from the ground and saw Wu Hi at a stall buying pendants. Wu Hi- what is she doing here? What a stupid question I am asking. Of course, she is out shopping. Oh shoot, let's run before she sees me.

But luck isn't on her side. Wu Hi sees her. Lianfeng grabs Shi Meng's sleeve and turns back, startling Shi Meng. She walks at a fast pace, trying to avoid Wu Hi.

"What happened?", whispered Shi Meng.

"My sister happened," Lianfeng replied, whispering. Her brows furrowed and her lips curled.

"Huh?", said Shi Meng, utterly confused.

"I mean my adoptive sister saw us together."

"You have an adoptive sister?"

"I'll tell you later about it. Run for now."

She held tight to his sleeve and yanked him to an alley on her right. She ran at a fast pace dragging Shi Meng along. Shi Meng felt burn in his thighs as if they were on fire. His breath came in quick, shallow gasps, but Lianfeng was already pulling him forward, urging him to keep moving. It was tough for him as he rarely exercised, focusing entirely on his studies.

After a few more turns, Lianfeng shot a look behind. Seeing no signs of Wu Hi, she stopped. Lianfeng was out of breath and took in quick breaths. But Shi Meng's condition was worse. His legs were about to fail. He dropped to the ground pulling his knees into a fetal position. As he gasped for breath, he raised his eyes and spotted Prince Yan walking leisurely with a scroll in hand. He got up and grabbed Lianfeng's wrist and ran into a narrow alley on his left.

Lianfeng quickly caught up and took the lead. She shouted, "Who did you see?"

"I saw Yan, Prince yan"

"Why is everyone out today?"

"He probably came to see me."

"Why?"

"I asked him for a scroll from the royal library."

"Couldn't you find it anywhere else?"

"Why waste money?"

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"Miser."

The alley was so small that their arms bumed onto the walls. Shi Meng almost tripped over a rock.

They stopped as they reached a crowded street. Thinking they had dodged Prince Yan, they gasped for breath holding their knees. The aroma of roasted chestnut was tempting but it made no effect on them. The onlookers gave them a look before moving on.

As Lianfeng looked up, her heart sank when Wu Hi's sharp eyes locked onto hers.

"What are you doing out today, Miss?" she asked. How dare you run away?

"I- I was out shopping today," Lianfeng replied with a smile. She's not gonna believe that.

"Yes, yes of course," Wu hi said politely. Common, come up with a better excuse. I taught you better than that. Her eyes fell on Shi Meng, who was still gasping for breath while holding his knees. Wu Hi raised her eyebrows. "And who is that?" She looked at Lianfeng with interrogative eyes.

Shi Meng understood Wu Hi was talking about him. He composed himself and bowed 15 degrees in greeting. "Let me introduce myself. I am Shi Meng."

As if summoned by the chaos, Prince Yan appeared with his hands at the back. His golden hairpin glinted in the sunlight, a crown on a prince who never seemed to hurry. His smile, ever so charming, seemed to be filled with intrigue.

The trio greeted him in chorus. "Greetings, Your Highness."

"Quickly, rise. We don't want to attract attention, not that I ever do." Prince Yan gestured, his golden hairpin catching the sunlight.

Says a man wearing a purple robe embroidered with golden threads and a gold hairpin. Lianfeng scoffed inwardly.

Wu Hi was nervous and afraid that her relationship with Lianfeng would be exposed. Why is Prince Yan here? Shi Meng felt uneasy, unsure how to navigate the awkward situation. Trapped... I am trapped.

The group of four sat around a table, in awkward silence. The room had elegant decor, with porcelain cups and the furniture of top quality wood. They were sitting in the best room at Moonlit Pavillion. There was no place quite like it in the entire capital—Moonlit Pavillion,was, without question the finest of them all.

Wu Hi fidgeted with her fingers while Shi Meng looked slightly tensed. Lianfeng remained composed but her mind rushed to find explanations. Prince Yan lookes at the trio with an amused smile while he fanned himself. He broke the silence by swinging his fan shut on his hand.

“You all look as if you’ve been caught red-handed,” Prince Yan teased, his sharp eyes scanning their faces. “Should I be worried? Or are you all simply trying to avoid being seen together?”

"There's nothing as such, Your Highness. We didn't expect to meet you." Wu Hi offered a polite smile.

"Well, isn't this an interesting gathering? How exactly do you all know each other?" he asked, a playful grin tugged on his lips.

Lianfeng and Shi Meng sat by his side while Wu Hi was opposite him. Lianfeng and Shi Meng shared a glance before she broke the silence, her tone deliberately light.

“I met Mr. Shi yesterday by accident,” she said, forcing a laugh. "I soiled his clothes, and we’ve been bumping into each other ever since.”

Shi Meng nodded, his face stiff with a polite smile.

“And Ms. Wu?” Prince Yan’s gaze flicked to Wu Hi, who straightened under his scrutiny.

“We’ve crossed paths a few times in the palace,” Lianfeng interjected smoothly before Wu Hi could respond.

"Oh." Prince Yan replied, staring into Lianfeng's brown eyes. You are amused. Aren't you?

None of the other broke the eye contact. Shi Meng and Wu Hi exchanged brief glances before turning to the other two. Shi Meng interjected, "It's a rare occasion that we all gathered." The group's attention turned to Shi Meng. "Let's not dwell on how we know each other." He continued and shot a look at Prince Yan.

He called out to the waiter and placed the order. Wu Hi gave Lianfeng a pointed look while Prince Yan slyly smiled.

Lianfeng caught Wu Hi’s pointed look, and she knew that the tension between them was far from over. But for now, it was set aside.