Chapter Eighteen: Reunion with the Past

Since his arrival, Leng Yichen had not uttered a single word. Even he himself was unsure of his purpose for coming today.

When his gaze landed on Shen Ningshuang, the depths of his eyes revealed only the faintest ripple, like a tranquil lake stirred briefly by a gentle breeze, sending out a few fleeting waves before returning to stillness as calm as a well.

At that moment, Third Prince Leng Zhaowen turned to the Empress and said, “Mother, I greatly admired Miss Shen’s sword dance just now. May I sit beside her to learn a few things?”

The Empress, unaware of his intentions, replied, “Go ahead, just don’t be too forward.”

“Thank you, Mother.”

Under the watchful eyes of all, Leng Zhaowen took a seat next to Shen Ningshuang.

He elegantly lifted the cup of wine before him, a gentle smile playing at the corners of his lips as he said, “Miss Shen, your sword dance was truly exquisite, like a celestial fairy descending from the heavens. I am deeply impressed and offer this toast to you.”

Shen Ningshuang forced a faint smile, a smile without warmth, and replied, “Third Prince, you flatter me. I am still young and have never tasted wine before. I’m afraid I cannot join Your Highness in drinking.”

Upon hearing this, Leng Zhaowen leaned forward slightly, bringing his head closer to her, lowering his voice, “I heard you wanted to see me?”

Startled by his words, Shen Ningshuang instinctively glanced toward where Leng Yichen was seated.

Yet, Leng Yichen did not meet her gaze. His expression was calm, as if indifferent to her actions.

She withdrew her eyes and looked back at Leng Zhaowen, whispering, “Your Highness, where did you learn that I wanted to meet you?”

A meaningful smile curved Leng Zhaowen’s lips as he softly said, “Didn’t you see that symbol? Otherwise, given your temperament, why would you attend this flower viewing banquet today?”

Shen Ningshuang felt as if struck by a thunderclap, her entire being stunned.

She had thought that in this complex world, she had long since forged a heart unshaken by turmoil, that nothing could unsettle her so.

Yet now, her mind went utterly blank, the shock surging through her like relentless waves crashing upon the shore.

“You...” her lips trembled, but no words came out.

Inside, her shock slowly softened, replaced by a tender feeling long forgotten, flowing gently like a delicate stream within her heart.

She had always believed she was fighting alone in this world, like a solitary boat adrift on a vast ocean, with no anchor or support. But now, suddenly, someone appeared before her, telling her that someone still remembered the girl she once was.

A mist blurred her eyes as if veiled by a thin, light veil. She could not help but whisper, “Brother Zhaowen...”

“Shh! There are many people here.”

Leng Zhaowen’s eyes flickered with caution. Seizing the moment when no one was paying attention, he quietly led Shen Ningshuang away from the gathering without a sound.

Leng Yichen watched their departing figures, a coldness flickering in his eyes.

Though he appeared indifferent, he had been closely observing their movements all along.

He clearly saw that Shen Ningshuang behaved differently in Leng Zhaowen’s presence.

When he met her before, she always seemed mature beyond her years—though she feigned innocence, he could see through it at a glance.

But just now... in front of that man, she seemed vivid and alive.

He could not quite describe the feeling, only that it was unlike how she acted in front of him.

He clenched his wine cup tightly.

Leng Zhaowen brought Shen Ningshuang to a secluded corner of the garden.

“All clear here,” he said.

Her eyes, deep and somber, looked at him as if on the verge of tears.

“Shuang’er, seeing you like this makes me feel so guilty.”

She sniffled before asking, voice trembling yet tinged with urgency, “What... what’s going on with you?”

“Actually, I only remembered a few years ago. That night I had a high fever, and when I woke, memories flooded my mind.

It took me a long time to sort through them, only to realize these memories were of things not yet happened. I was puzzled for a while, but seeing you again truly made me happy.”

Thoughts swirled in Shen Ningshuang’s eyes, but she quickly suppressed all emotions. Now was not the time for indulgence.

“Those men in black—are they yours? What do you want?”

“I’m searching for something very important.”

“No matter how important, you shouldn’t have made such a scene beneath the imperial city. It’s too dangerous. With everyone on edge, doesn’t that put you in a vulnerable position?”

“That’s deliberate. If I don’t act openly, they’ll stay hidden like cunning foxes. Only by raising tension can they be forced to reveal their hand.”

“But my father is investigating this matter.”

“That’s fine. He won’t find anything linked to me. I’ve made preparations for the aftermath.”

Hearing this, Shen Ningshuang could not help but ask, “What is it that you’re searching for?”

“You’ll know when I find it.”

She did not press further and sighed.

“So, this time around, things are truly changing in ways I don’t understand.”

“Yes, I’ve noticed as well. Some things are clearly different from what I remember.”

“When did you begin to notice me?”

“Once I regained my memories, I realized you had changed. I guess you’re like me, but I didn’t want to alarm you without certainty.”

Shen Ningshuang shook her head, a hint of bitterness in her gaze. “I’m different from you. One could say this world exists because of me.”

Leng Zhaowen had known in his former life that her identity was special, not mortal, so he was not overly surprised.

“What do you intend to do?” he asked.

“Change the ending—your uncle’s and mine.”

Leng Zhaowen fell silent, and after a long pause said, “It seems that will not be easy.”

“Not just difficult—nearly impossible. Your uncle is too suspicious. Dealing with him leaves me without much confidence.”

At this, Leng Zhaowen chuckled. “You must trust fate. Eventually, he will fall in love with you. It is destiny.”

“That’s what I tell myself too. But facing your uncle, I always feel outmaneuvered. He’s too sharp and sees through all my disguises easily,” Shen Ningshuang sighed helplessly.

“We’ve known him for some time now. Has he ever been otherwise? If he were a fool, how could he rule the realm, and how would he be worthy of you?”

“True enough. Looks like I must be patient and take time to get along with him.”

“Don’t worry, Shuang’er. We’re observing the situation quietly and still hold an advantage. We just need to be cautious. Now, let’s return to the banquet before raising others' suspicions.”

Shen Ningshuang nodded. The two composed themselves and walked back toward the gathering.