The Blossom We Found under the Cherry Tree

Chapter 4: The Mystery

     Yinghua poured herself into her studies and work over the next two months, her days a blur of lectures, library shifts, and late-night writing sessions. Yet, despite her efforts to remain focused, the looming reality of her future weighed heavily on her mind. The knowledge that she would be forced to return to Kiyonara gnawed at her. She was, after all, a pawn in a game played by emperors. Her feelings held little weight in decisions far beyond her control.

     On the particularly hard days, when the burden of her impending fate felt too heavy, she found solace in confiding in Zhe Yuan. He, too, seemed to be wrestling with his own set of problems. Their shared struggles forged a bond between them, an unspoken understanding of the pressures they both faced.

     In early June, Yinghua began receiving messages from someone who introduced herself as Misaki, an Arashian Courtier. Misaki's updates were detailed, outlining the schedule of activities awaiting Yinghua at the Crystal Palace. There were visits to the emperor and her parents, dinner parties, dress fittings, shopping excursions, and more dinner parties. Misaki gushed about how she had seen Yinghua's fiancé-to-be, referring to him as the most handsome man she had ever seen. Yinghua, however, found little interest in these updates, her heart sinking further with each message.

     Yinghua detested the idea of being bound by royal responsibilities, roles forced upon her without her consent. All she had ever wanted was to write her stories and explore the world. The thought of being engaged, let alone marrying a stranger, filled her with dread.

     Meanwhile, Zhe Yuan seemed preoccupied with yet another scandal. He had been spotted kissing a popular female celebrity near the picturesque coast of Haiyuan City. This was the third woman he had been seen with since May, and each time, the media frenzy grew more intense. The gossip mill buzzed with relentless speculation about Zhe Yuan's behavior, his motivations, and the implications for his career. With the premiere of Caffeine and Cola fast approaching, his every move was scrutinized, adding to the mounting tension.

     Yinghua couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and concern for him. Despite his outward nonchalance, she sensed the turmoil beneath his carefree facade. The headlines painted him as a reckless playboy, but Yinghua knew there was more to him than the rumors suggested.

     As the weekend of the premiere arrived, Yinghua decided to call Zhe Yuan. Her tone was light-hearted, but there was an undercurrent of genuine worry. "Don't forget about the premiere, Zhe Yuan. Try not to end up in another girl's bed and miss it," she joked, hoping to lighten the mood.

     Zhe Yuan chuckled on the other end of the line. "Don't worry, Yinghua. I'll be there," he promised. Their friendship had grown strong over the past few months, and despite his playboy ways, Yinghua found herself caring deeply for him. She valued their connection and the support they provided each other, especially in the face of their respective challenges.

     One evening, as they sat together in the coffee house near Golden Lotus, Yinghua finally broached the subject that had been weighing on her mind. "Zhe Yuan, why do you keep getting involved in these scandals? It's like you're trying to sabotage yourself," she said, her voice tinged with genuine concern.

     He leaned back in his chair, his expression a blend of amusement and irritation. "I'm trying to prove a point to someone, but it doesn't seem to be getting across," he replied with a dismissive shrug. "Anyway, we shouldn't be talking about trivial matters." He deftly redirected the conversation, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Tell me, why have you been so distant lately? And why haven't you been writing?"

     Yinghua sighed, feeling the weight of her secret pressing down on her. She had avoided telling him the full extent of her troubles, not wanting to burden him with her own issues. "Something came up," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I have to return to Kiyonara soon. I don't even know if I'll be able to continue my studies. It's hard to see the point in writing when everything is so uncertain."