📖 CHAPTER 3: THE CROWN PRINCE'S SHOCK
Xu Minghao had always been confident in his charm. No woman had ever rejected him—especially not Gu Qingyan.
So when his servant returned, empty-handed, and delivered her message, his smile froze.
"She… refused it?" His voice remained calm, but a sharp edge laced his words.
The servant bowed deeply, sweat forming on his brow. "Yes, Your Highness. The Prime Minister's daughter said she is unworthy of such a gift and hopes that you will not trouble yourself."
Xu Minghao's fingers tightened around his jade teacup. Unworthy? That sounded… wrong.
Gu Qingyan had always clung to him like a devoted pet. She should have blushed, stammered in gratitude, treasured the hairpin like a sacred relic. Instead, she had… sent it back?
Ridiculous.
A smirk tugged at his lips. Ah, he understood.
"She must be testing me," he mused aloud. "Perhaps she wants to play hard to get."
After all, he had been a little distant lately, focusing his attention on Gu Ruoyun. Maybe Gu Qingyan had finally grown jealous and was trying to regain his interest.
How amusing.
"Very well," he said, leaning back lazily. "If she wishes to play games, I'll entertain her."
He would personally visit her tomorrow. Once he smiled at her, spoke sweetly, she would surely return to her senses.
After all, no woman had ever escaped him.
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Meanwhile, at the Gu Manor…
Gu Qingyan sat in her private courtyard, sipping tea as a notification flashed before her.
[Mission Complete: Reject the Crown Prince's Gift!]
[Reward: +50 System Points]
[New Skill Unlocked: Cold Palace Favorability Detection]
Her brow arched in amusement. Cold Palace Favorability Detection?
Before she could check the details, Xiao Lian rushed in, her face pale.
"Miss! Bad news—His Highness the Crown Prince is coming to visit you tomorrow!"
Gu Qingyan set down her cup, her smirk deepening.
"Perfect."