Feng Yexuan stood behind her, his gaze, like hers, locked onto Feng Dingchu, unable to look away.
Even as a man, he had to admit that the Ninth Prince possessed a charisma rarely seen in millennia.
It was not something he could match.
He lacked the Ninth Prince's aura of melancholy that evoked pity in women at first sight.
Strangely, why was he comparing himself to the Ninth Prince?
In fact, it was the first time in his twenty-plus years that Prince Xuan felt that a man could win the world not through force, but solely through charm.
He must be out of his mind. Men he had never found attractive before now seemed inexplicably important in his heart.
"You've been staring at him." He thought his voice was calm enough.
But he regretted it the moment it left his lips, because anyone with hearing would detect a hint of sourness.
"Food and beauty are natural desires. It would be a waste not to look at such a handsome man."
Chu Qianli smiled faintly, her gaze still on Feng Dingchu.
"What? The dignified Prince Xuan, the most handsome man in the imperial city, is actually jealous of another man's beauty?"
"Why would this king be jealous? This king..."
His gaze fell on Feng Dingchu's face again, and he found himself unable to finish his sentence.
Yes! The Ninth Prince! Truly! Exquisitely beautiful!
No more comparisons.
Men win with their fists.
"Why did you send me a note? If you can't put your mind at ease, why not return to my side directly?"
Although his tone was still somewhat displeased, it was genuine, offering her a way out.
This woman, at least, should be satisfied by now.
Chu Qianli felt like laughing.
After all they had been through, this fellow was incredibly capable in warfare, but why was he so childish in matters of the heart?
"Prince Xuan, we have already broken up." She stated the fact calmly.
"Moreover, the breakup happened with your consent, not my unilateral declaration."
Feng Yexuan was somewhat taken aback.
What did she mean by 'already broken up'? Wasn't that just said in anger?
Furthermore, since she had sent someone with a message, she was initiating a reconciliation.
This woman...
"Is it because of the letter I sent you today?"
Chu Qianli sighed, a calm smile on her lips, never wavering. "Your Highness, although we have broken up, I still have a friendship with you."
"After all, we were once comrades who went through life and death together. Before we completely become enemies, you are still my friend."
"As friends, if I notice a problem, I should naturally tell you."
"This king does not understand what you are talking about." Feng Yexuan's eyes gradually turned cold.
"This king also does not need friends!" What he needed was a wife!
Chu Qianli's smile gradually faded at his words.
Was she so disliked that they couldn't even be friends?
So what? If she didn't submit to him, didn't become his woman, she was an enemy?
She turned her face away, looking at Feng Dingchu in the distance, no longer looking at him. "If that's the case, then please return, Your Highness. I will not accompany you further."
Feng Yexuan's expression instantly turned very unpleasant.
Just a moment ago, his tone was fine, at least she had been willing to smile at him.
Now, she was completely disgusted!
"Are you playing with this king?"
He suddenly stepped forward and grabbed her wrist.
"What do you take this king for? Someone you can summon and dismiss at will? Chu Qianli, you've gone too far!"