Miss, let me share a secret with you. [new version]

...

As soon as Liu Wei arrived at the palace, the very first thing she did was head to her room for a shower. Meanwhile, she asked Anna to find Huan Yang and request that he come to her room.

She wanted to take advantage of the Queen's absence to speak with him in peace.

After finishing her shower, Liu Wei quickly dried the damp strands of hair with a towel.

Huan Yang was already waiting inside the room, accompanied by Anna. Standing with several papers in hand, Huan Yang bowed slightly as he greeted the young princess.

"Hello, Princess. You requested my presence?"

"Yes! It's a bit embarrassing to say this, but I want to know what kind of food the Queen likes. Can you tell me?"

Huan Yang smiled as he noticed the charming blush on the young omega's face. He knew she was clearly a bit embarrassed. After a moment's thought, he explained that the

Queen enjoyed many types of food, though her refined palate made her very demanding.

"Her Majesty likes sweets, especially strawberry pie, and she enjoys a good tea to accompany it. Although she drinks coffee every morning, she has a strong caffeine intolerance. She also appreciates fresh and dried fruit, as well as dishes that blend sweet and sour with savory notes."

Liu Wei had been diligently jotting down every word in a small notebook, clearly determined to satisfy the Queen's tastes. "Noted," she said.

Understanding Liu Wei's intentions, the best way to win someone over was through their stomach, Huan Yang offered,

"Would you like me to request that the royal kitchen prepare these dishes for the day of your meeting with the Queen?"

The idea of having the food prepared by the palace was tempting, but Liu Wei knew that if she accepted, there wouldn't be much difference whether she ate in the palace or elsewhere; the food would remain the same. She wanted to create a complete date experience that showcased her own culinary skills.

"No! No... I'm just asking".

Huan Yang nodded, understanding her subtle implication.

"Understood. One more thing: What is the Queen's favorite flower?"

"Ah, she has a particular fondness for a rare bloom. In fact, she even created a special greenhouse so that she could grow it properly."

Wang Zheng had admired flowers and plants since childhood, a passion evident from the diversity in her garden. The only plants missing were those that simply could not adapt to the climate of her country.

"What?" Liu Wei asked, intrigued.

"She loves all kinds of desert flowers, though in our country they can only be cultivated artificially."

"I see." Liu Wei looked thoughtful, and Huan Yang resolved to help her in secret.

"Miss, let me share a secret with you".

"Yes," Liu Wei replied, leaning in as if they were sharing a great secret.

"The Queen is searching for a blue desert flower, an extremely rare bloom that many believed had become extinct."

Liu Wei's eyes widened in surprise. "Seriously?"

"Yes. I recently found a laboratory that has managed to cultivate it. I was planning to pick it up myself after Bloody Spring, but you could try to acquire it instead."

"Yes! Give me the contact of the person who has this flower."

Money wasn't an issue for Liu Wei, and while it wasn't an issue for the Queen either, such a gesture would be both romantic and perfect to show her affection.

The young princess was visibly excited.

"I'll send the lab contact to Anna."

"Excellent."

Liu Wei's excitement was palpable as she barely noticed her still-wet hair.

"Do you need anything else?" Huan Yang asked, pleased by her enthusiasm. He felt that the Queen needed someone like her around.

Though he hadn't worked in the palace for long, it was evident that Wang Zheng was often shrouded in melancholy solitude. He didn't understand how the Queen could endure a life of merely ruling and working.

"No, I think I can get the rest by talking to the other employees," Liu Wei replied.

"Okay."

"Thank you very much, Secretary Huan… Ah, please take this to the Queen. It's a dessert; I bought it for her."

"Alright, miss." Huan Yang had a good feeling about the princess.

Liu Wei laughed happily in her heart. Quickening her pace, she left the room, eager to return to her work.

That day had been exhausting for Wang Zheng. She had risen early to manage her responsibilities, and even though it was the first day of Bloody Spring, her duties as the ruler of a country left little time for rest.

At Chen Fu's request, she wore a fine party dress, a gorgeous fabric in a bright reddish hue that clung to her fair skin.

Wang Zheng secretly nicknamed the man "Fishface" because of his strong, salt-scented pheromone. The alpha had intended to impress her with a lavish meal, taking her to the penthouse of the country's top luxury hotel. He had booked the presidential suite, promising a meal prepared by a personal chef while watching the sunset in sumptuous surroundings.

From his perspective, his guest would be dazzled by his efforts. Yet, throughout the meeting, Wang Zheng showed neither surprise nor enthusiasm.

She could not hide her boredom and revulsion, she detested the foul, fishy smell of his pheromone. Each time he released even a hint of it, she nearly felt sick. They didn't even stay for dessert.

Chen Fu, realizing he couldn't force the Queen to stay, grudgingly accepted her departure and continued to enjoy the food alone in his penthouse. Meanwhile, the Queen practically ran to her car and instructed the driver to return to the palace as quickly as possible.

She didn't get to watch the sunset with Chen Fu, but the orange sky was beautiful and romantic. She admitted that it wasn't a bad idea to admire it with someone, just not him.

Secretary Huan was quickly notified of the Queen's return and rushed through the palace to receive her properly. As soon as the car stopped, Huan Yang opened the door and offered his hand to help Wang Zheng out.

Although the Queen had eaten well, she was already well-fed at home.

Irritated, she pushed him away. She didn't want to be touched; the lingering fishy smell made her feel dirty.

"Majesty."

Glancing out of Liu Wei's window, the Queen noticed the young princess engrossed in a book in her room. She looked so beautiful, and Wang Zheng sighed inwardly.

Turning back to Huan Yang, she walked into the palace, fully aware that he would follow her. "Prepare my bath. I smell like fish..."

From the tone in her voice, he knew she wasn't in a good mood, but some pleasantries had to be observed.

"Was the Queen's meeting unsatisfactory?"

"Nothing impressive. He just wanted to take me to dinner at an expensive place."

They soon reached the Queen's room, where she promptly kicked off her shoes.

"Would Your Majesty like something else to eat?"

"No, just my evening tea… and add cookies."

"Certainly. I'll bring it right away."

"Thanks."

The Queen watched as the young man left her room, then quickly removed her dress and placed it on the floor beside her discarded shoes.

After half an hour, the Queen finished her bath and felt much more relaxed. She observed her secretary return with her tea, cookies, and a slice of chocolate cake, something she hadn't ordered."Cake?"

Huan Yang smiled and nodded. "Miss Wei left this morning for the city center and said she bought it especially for Your Majesty."

The Queen felt a surge of happiness knowing Liu Wei had remembered her.

"I see… Thank you for bringing it. You may go and rest now."

Though it wasn't late, the Queen looked tired, and Huan Yang didn't insist on handling any official matters after dark.

"Good night, Your Majesty."

He offered her a kind smile, leaving with the satisfaction that the princess would indeed make the Queen happy.

Wang Zheng stared at the slice of cake and wondered: What would it be like to watch the sunset with Liu Wei?

She sighed, took a bite with her spoon, and let the sweetness of the chocolate melt on her tongue. It was truly delightful.

Thus began the second day of dating.

Later that morning, Liu Wei felt anxious as her turn approached. She had woken up very early, before sunrise, stretched her arms and legs, and lazily made her way to the bathroom for a shower.

After drying her hair, Liu Wei reviewed her notes on what to look for and where to go.

Secretary Huan had given her a map of the palace, which proved very helpful.

While a picnic in the palace garden might seem ordinary, its vast beauty made it an excellent alternative if no other special location could be found.

Lost in thought, she didn't realize how much time had passed until she heard the bedroom door slowly open.

Anna, surprised to see the princess already dressed and ready to leave so early, greeted her warmly.

"Good morning, Miss."

"Good morning, Anna."

"I brought your breakfast. Are you going somewhere?"

Liu Wei nodded. "Thank you… Today I'm going out alone, just taking a walk around the palace, so I won't need you to accompany me."

Anna wasn't thrilled at the thought of leaving the princess alone, but she understood it was within the palace grounds.

"As you wish, Princess, but please take your cell phone and call if you need anything."

"Of course."

Meanwhile, Wang Zheng was already in her car, watching the scenery rush by. It was still very early, and she had barely had time for breakfast. Soon, she noticed they were moving away from the palace toward a more rural area, a sight that piqued her curiosity.

Her chauffeur drove quietly, not daring to disturb her.

"What region are we heading to?"

"We are going to the nearby Wang Ban River."

"I see."

The Queen found it unusual; that area was sparsely populated and not typically used for grazing.

She continued pondering the possibilities of the day's events until the car eventually slowed to a stop.

Wang Zheng didn't bother looking through the windows; she simply got out. Yen Bai was waiting with a huge bouquet of roses, and as soon as the Queen stepped out, he presented the flowers.

"Thank you."

The Queen adored flowers, so beautiful and fragrant. Smiling, she held the bouquet close, gently inhaling the petals. "Shall we go?"

The car had stopped in front of a large black tarp, concealing the surprise that awaited her.

Yen Bai attempted to take her hand, but she smoothly dodged his touch; she wasn't interested in his advances.

Walking side by side in silence, moments later the black cloth was lifted to reveal a large structure… They had arrived at a circus!

Wang Zheng was particularly fond of the circus and was curious about how such a venue had been set up without her royal seal. One of the privileges granted to Bloody

Spring participants was the freedom to impress the Queen without the need for the royal seal, she could simply enjoy the festivities.

She smiled politely.

"You managed to be quite original."

"Well, I've hired the best circus troupe in my country, and they are here exclusively to put on a show for us today."

Meanwhile, back at the palace, Liu Wei emerged from her room and began exploring.

She encountered many kind faces, each bowing respectfully.

Though she wasn't sure exactly where to go, she was determined to find a perfect picnic spot. Navigating the unfamiliar palace grounds was a challenge, yet the garden seemed the most promising.

The more she walked, the more she appreciated the vast beauty around her—the vibrant array of plants and flowers, and the soothing scent of fresh, dewy grass. Liu Wei wondered if the Queen ever took the time to appreciate these blossoms. It seemed a shame not to.

The weather was pleasant, winter was ending, and spring was arriving. With no more snow or rain, the flowers could finally bloom in peace. Laughter and the sounds of children at play filled the air.

Taking advantage of a nearby ice cream stand, Liu Wei spent a few minutes sitting on the grass, resting.

Approaching the smiling vendor, she asked, "What flavors do you have?"

"Chocolate, strawberry, mint chocolate, milk, pineapple..."

"I'll want pineapple ice cream."

The mention of pineapple made her mind go blank, it was all she could think about, and she felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.

While waiting for her ice cream, she noticed a child standing apart from the others. The little girl watched wistfully as the other children played.

"Do you know why she's not playing with the others?" Liu Wei asked a nearby bystander.

"She's not of noble birth; they won't let her join in."

"Do you know what flavor she likes?"

"Strawberry."

"Then give me one of those too."

The vendor smiled and quickly handed over two ice creams. Liu Wei walked over to the little girl and said,

"Only special children get ice cream before dinner."

The girl grinned and accepted the treat.

"Don't worry about playing with them. There are plenty of kids around."

"I don't care."

"If I were a child, I'd be upset…"

The girl looked confused—clearly she did care about being excluded, though she tried to hide it.

"...When I was your age, I often felt lonely, but I always wished for friends around me."

After a moment's thought, the girl confidently replied, "I have lots of friends."

Liu Wei smiled, feigning surprise. "Really? Can I be your friend?"

"Of course!"

The omega took a big bite of her ice cream, savoring the sweetness.

Liu Wei spent some time talking with the child, learning that her name was Chun Lei and that she was the daughter of the palace's head cook.

Realizing it was getting late, Liu Wei checked her phone and knew she had to continue her search. She quickly stood, brushed the dirt from her clothes, and said,

"Leilei, I need to keep looking."

Curious, the little girl asked, "What are you looking for?"

"I need to find a beautiful spot for a picnic, somewhere special and different."

Chun Lei's eyes lit up. "I know a place!"

"Can you take me there?"

"I can, but it's a bit far."

The girl sounded a bit disappointed, yet Liu Wei was determined.

"It's okay, if you can show me, I'll follow."