The long-tail boat swayed as it set off into the depths of the lotus leaves and blossoms.
Li Yuanjing stood on the shore, watching Shen Wei seated at the edge of the boat. Her face was radiant with a smile, brimming with vibrant energy, more dazzling than the summer sun. The vast expanse of pink lotus flowers in full bloom paled in comparison to her.
Li Yuanjing gazed at her, entranced, before suddenly furrowing his brows deeply.
"Something's wrong! Shen Wei actually disobeyed me!" The strange discomfort in his heart grew heavier.
By noon, Shen Wei had not returned.
Li Yuanjing dined alone.
The imperial chefs at the royal estate were masters of their craft, serving exquisite delicacies. Yet, faced with a table full of sumptuous dishes, Li Yuanjing found them hard to swallow.
Without Shen Wei by his side, even the most delicious food tasted like wax. This was far from the retired life he had envisioned!
