Chapter 4

📖 CHAPTER 4: THE CROWN PRINCE'S VISIT

Morning arrived with the crisp scent of blooming magnolias, but Gu Qingyan's mood was far from peaceful. She stood by the window, watching the palace's golden carriage roll to a stop at the entrance of the Gu Manor.

Xu Minghao had come exactly as expected.

A slight smirk curved her lips. Fool.

"Miss, should I make an excuse to refuse him?" Xiao Lian whispered nervously.

Gu Qingyan glanced at her and chuckled. "No need. Let him in. Let's see what tricks he tries today."

Xiao Lian hesitated but obeyed. Moments later, a maid announced the Crown Prince's arrival.

Xu Minghao strode in with effortless grace, his golden robes embroidered with dragons, exuding the air of a man who had never been denied anything in his life.

But when he saw Gu Qingyan seated calmly, sipping tea without even looking at him, something stirred in his chest.

Where was the adoring gaze? The shyness? The eagerness to please?

She barely acknowledged his presence.

Xu Minghao cleared his throat, forcing a charming smile. "Qingyan, I heard you returned my gift."

She slowly placed her teacup down and lifted her gaze, expression unreadable.

"I did," she said simply.

His fingers twitched. "Why?"

She tilted her head. "Does Your Highness truly wish to hear the reason?"

Xu Minghao chuckled lightly, stepping closer. "Come now, don't be angry. If you wanted a different gift, you only had to ask."

Gu Qingyan stared at him for a long moment before softly sighing.

"I see," she murmured. "You still don't understand."

For a fleeting second, something cold and sharp flashed in her gaze, but she quickly masked it with a faint smile.

"Your Highness," she said, her tone light, almost bored, "I returned the hairpin because I no longer need such things from you."

Xu Minghao frowned, clearly taken aback. "What do you mean?"

Gu Qingyan gently swirled her tea. "Just as I said. I have no desire to receive gifts from someone who treats me like a mere obligation."

His expression darkened. "You misunderstand—"

"Do I?" she cut in smoothly, finally meeting his eyes with an icy gaze.

Xu Minghao froze.

Something about her felt different. This wasn't the timid, infatuated girl he remembered. There was something unreadable, something dangerous lurking beneath her calm demeanor.

For the first time, he was unsure of his control over her.

"Your Highness," Gu Qingyan said gently, her voice carrying an edge, "perhaps it is you who misunderstands. I am no longer the Gu Qingyan you once knew."

She rose from her seat, stepping toward him.

"I appreciate your visit," she said with a polite smile, "but please, do not trouble yourself over me in the future."

Xu Minghao's breath hitched.

This wasn't right.

She was supposed to cling to him, beg for his affection, long for his approval. Instead, she was…

Dismissing him.

His fingers clenched, but before he could speak, a maid approached hurriedly.

"Miss, the Eldest Young Master requests your presence in the study."

Perfect timing.

Gu Qingyan turned back to Xu Minghao and gave a final graceful nod. "I must take my leave, Your Highness. I trust you can see yourself out."

Then, without waiting for his response, she swept past him and left.

For the first time in his life, Xu Minghao had been utterly disregarded.

He stood frozen, watching her walk away, something cold curling in his chest.

For the first time ever, Gu Qingyan had rejected him.

And he hated it.