Chapter 17: Lover Number 3.1 — Avoiding Mission
Huang Yiming stared at Li Jie, his heart heavy with a mix of emotions. The crown prince's reaction to his father's hurtful words was unexpected. He had anticipated anger, frustration, or sadness, but Li Jie's response was different. It was as if he had accepted the emperor's words as an unfortunate reality, yet still held onto their friendship as a precious bond.
"I can't comprehend how you can remain so composed," Huang Yiming finally spoke, his voice tinged with concern. "After everything that was said, how can you not be mad at his majesty?"
Li Jie looked at him, his eyes filled with genuine confusion. "Why should I be mad? My frustration lies in the fact that he spoke those words to you, someone I hold dear. Our friendship should be valued and respected, not belittled by baseless accusations."
Huang Yiming felt a lump forming in his throat, the weight of his friend's words sinking in. Li Jie's unconditional support and unwavering belief in their bond touched him deeply. He realized that despite the emperor's hurtful comments, Li Jie's trust in their friendship remained steadfast.
"I... I'm sorry," Huang Yiming murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "I should have defended you, stood up for our friendship."
Li Jie's grip on Huang Yiming's hand tightened, his expression softening. "Ge, it's not your fault. You have always been there for me, and I know that. I don't need you to prove anything. Our friendship speaks for itself."
Huang Yiming was overwhelmed by a mix of emotions. He was grateful for Li Jie's unwavering trust and acceptance, but he couldn't help but feel a deep sadness for his friend. The weight of the expectations and criticisms that came with being the crown prince had burdened Li Jie, and now the emperor's harsh words had added to that weight.
Silence enveloped the room, allowing the two friends to process their thoughts and emotions. Huang Yiming continued to stroke Li Jie's hair, finding solace in the familiar act. It was a moment of comfort amidst the turmoil that had suddenly engulfed their lives.
After a while, Li Jie's soft laughter broke the silence, surprising Huang Yiming. The crown prince's laughter was a bittersweet sound, tinged with resignation yet laced with strength.
"Ge, don't worry," Li Jie said, his smile genuine and determined. "I'm not shaken or broken by his words. I am the crown prince, and my identity is not defined by anyone's expectations or judgments."
Huang Yiming couldn't help but feel both pride and sorrow for his friend. Pride in Li Jie's resilience and determination to rise above the negativity, and sorrow for the heavy burden he carried as the crown prince.
Li Jie remained silent as he and Huang Yiming made their way to his chamber, seemingly unbothered by the potential rumors that would circulate after seeing the crown prince allow his friend into his personal space. Perhaps he was too shocked by his father's words to care about appearances, or maybe he was simply resigned to the inevitability of palace gossip consuming his life.
Huang Yiming held onto Li Jie's hand throughout the journey, offering silent support as they entered the chamber. Li Jie collapsed onto his bed with a soft thud, his gaze distant and troubled. Huang Yiming couldn't believe the hurtful words that had been directed at his friend by the emperor himself.
He took a seat beside Li Jie, his fingers absentmindedly removing the jade hairpin from the crown prince's hair, placing it gently near the bed. As Li Jie's silky hair cascaded down, Huang Yiming began to caress it, his touch infused with a mix of comfort and an unfamiliar tenderness that he couldn't quite comprehend.
"Why are you apologizing?" Huang Yiming finally spoke, his voice gentle but filled with conviction. "You are not weak, and you are more than deserving of the throne. Your father had no right to utter such lies."
Li Jie looked up, his eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and lingering pain. It was a reaction that Huang Yiming hadn't anticipated, considering the crown prince's usual stoicism in the face of adversity.
A knock on the door interrupted their moment, and Huang Baozhai barged into the chamber with her usual exuberance, oblivious to the intimate scene she had just stumbled upon.
"Hey, bros!" she greeted them cheerfully, failing to notice Huang Yiming's close proximity to Li Jie. "Are you done with the begging? I hope it went well!"
Huang Yiming started to retort, but he hesitated when he saw that Li Jie was listening. Instead, he simply confirmed, "Yes, it's over now."
Huang Baozhai plopped down on the other side of the bed, completely unaware of the tension in the room. "Ah, Li Jie, I see you've claimed your territory on the bed again. So typical of you."
Li Jie shot her a glare and retaliated by throwing a pillow at her face, a rare display of playfulness amidst the heaviness that filled the chamber. Huang Baozhai caught the pillow effortlessly and tossed it back at Li Jie, their impromptu pillow fight momentarily lightening the atmosphere.
Curiosity getting the better of her, Huang Baozhai finally asked, "So, Yiming, why weren't you available these days? Did something happen?"
Huang Yiming sighed, knowing that his sister's inquiries usually led to trouble. "Just some issues with our mother, nothing major."
Huang Baozhai waved her hand dismissively, fully aware of the underlying tensions between their mother and herself. "Ah, the usual lectures about being a graceful lady, I suppose. I tuned her out after a few minutes."
Li Jie chuckled, appreciating Huang Baozhai's ability to brush off their mother's expectations. "You've become an expert at blocking her out."
Huang Baozhai laughed, the sound filling the room with warmth. "She's already disappointed that I won't be the future empress. Now she's planning weddings for you and Yiming!"
Li Jie coughed, his face turning a bright shade of red. "W-what?!"
Huang Yiming mentally face-palmed, realizing his sister's intentions. While he understood her good intentions, her approach was far from subtle.
Huang Baozhai continued, undeterred by the reactions of the two boys. "Think about it, though. Marrying your best friend, someone who knows you inside out. It's the perfect dream, isn't it?"
Huang Yiming's desperation to halt his sister's matchmaking efforts grew, but Huang Baozhai remained blissfully oblivious, completely absorbed in her role as the enthusiastic matchmaker.
"I...I guess," Li Jie stammered, caught off guard and unable to think clearly. His response was an instinctual reaction, an unfiltered thought that escaped before he could catch it.
Both Huang siblings were taken aback, their faces flushed with embarrassment. The room filled with an awkward silence, leaving no doubt as to the identities of the two individuals who found themselves in such an unexpected predicament.
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