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**
For two days, Shèng Lín (Prince) avoided Lù Xiǎng, but the question burned in his mind:
> Why does Lù Xiǎng hate Xìn Xuān so much?
If he could find that out, maybe everything would finally make sense.
---
That evening, Shèng Lín (Prince) found Lù Xiǎng alone in the garden, under the lanterns swaying in the warm night breeze.
> "Your Highness," Shèng Lín (Prince) called softly.
Lù Xiǎng turned, visibly surprised, but his lips curved into a gentle, hopeful smile.
> "Shèng Lín, you came to see me."
Shèng Lín (Prince) stepped closer, keeping his distance just enough to ensure Lù Xiǎng couldn't easily touch him, his hands folded calmly.
> "I want to ask you something."
> "What is it?" Lù Xiǎng asked, eyes warm as he watched him.
Shèng Lín (Prince) took a slow breath, meeting Lù Xiǎng's gaze steadily.
> "Why do you hate Prince Xìn Xuān so much?"
---
The smile on Lù Xiǎng's face faltered, shadows flickering in his eyes.
> "Why are you asking about him, Shèng Lín?" he said softly, a dangerous edge in his tone.
> "Because I need to know," Shèng Lín (Prince) insisted, his brows furrowing.
---
Lù Xiǎng stepped closer, close enough that Shèng Lín (Prince) felt his warmth, but he held his ground, refusing to step back.
> "If I tell you," Lù Xiǎng whispered, leaning forward, "you will run from me."
> "No, I won't," Shèng Lín (Prince) said firmly.
Lù Xiǎng studied him for a long moment, his eyes softening before a small, sad smile appeared.
> "If you let me kiss you, I will tell you everything."
---
Shèng Lín (Prince) froze, his breath catching.
> "Your Highness, I—"
> "Just one kiss, Shèng Lín," Lù Xiǎng whispered, his hand reaching up but stopping an inch away from Shèng Lín (Prince)'s cheek, waiting for permission.
> "You can't touch me," Shèng Lín (Prince) warned, voice low, his fingers trembling at his side.
> "Then let me kiss you, and I'll tell you everything."
---
The lanterns flickered, casting soft light on Shèng Lín (Prince)'s face, making him look ethereal as he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.
> "Fine."
He leaned forward, letting his lips brush against Lù Xiǎng's, light as a feather, ready to pull away—
But Lù Xiǎng's hand hovered close, resisting the urge to touch, as he deepened the kiss, slow and warm, like a promise.
---
It was only a few seconds, but the moment felt like eternity.
When they parted, Shèng Lín (Prince) stepped back, face flushed, eyes avoiding Lù Xiǎng's as he whispered:
> "Now, tell me."
---
Lù Xiǎng's eyes softened with a mixture of pain and longing as he exhaled.
> "I will. Tomorrow, in the pavilion at dawn. I will tell you everything about why I hate Xìn Xuān… and why you were sent to kill him."
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Shèng Lín (Prince) nodded stiffly, turning away quickly before Lù Xiǎng could see the turmoil in his eyes.
> Tomorrow… I will finally know everything.
---