That late afternoon, the sky was turning orange, as Aveline and the mysterious young man sat on the stone park bench. The gentle breeze carried the scent of plum blossoms, creating a serene yet profound atmosphere.
"My name is Yanzhi," the young man said with a warm smile. "I'm just a simple traveler who loves tranquility... and books."
Aveline offered a faint smile; her eyes still held the trace of fresh heartbreak. "Yanzhi... a beautiful name. I'm Aveline."
"Aveline," he repeated softly, as if etching the name into his memory. "A gentle name, like the afternoon sun that doesn't blind."
Aveline chuckled softly, "Ah, you're good with words, apparently. Are you always like this with every woman you meet in the park?"
"No, only with those who make me close my book and notice the world around me," he replied calmly.
Aveline fell silent, her cheeks flushing. She still didn't know that the young man before her was a disguised prince escaping palace intrigue. Yanzhi also didn't know that the girl sitting with him was a noblewoman betrayed by her own kin.
Days turned into weeks, and they began meeting frequently at the park. Yanzhi always brought a new book, and Aveline brought a new story. Their conversations were light, but they slowly began to delve into the depths of each other's hearts.
"I never expected... you were a noble girl," Yanzhi said one day after hearing Aveline's tale.
Aveline simply smiled faintly. "And I never expected to laugh again."
Aveline looked at Yanzhi and thought :
"If fate led me away from the palace, perhaps it was to show me that there is a garden more beautiful than a throne."
Yanzhi looked at Aveline and mused to himself :
"If I must return to being a prince someday, would she be willing to be a queen without a crown?"
But for them, love didn't need to rush. Today was enough for a smile ; tomorrow was enough for hope.