The grand hall was filled with tension… and growling stomachs. The empress and the sister sat in their places, trying to look serious, while secretly eyeing the breakfast tray waiting at the corner. The grandmother sat proudly, expecting her grandson to show his princely discipline. The three brothers fidgeted nervously, whispering among themselves. The sister? She was simply enjoying the drama like it was her favorite theater play.
And then… Xiaoxi arrived.
She came barreling through the hall, excitement radiating from her every step. Her eyes sparkled at the sight of the grandmother, who had been absent from the prison adventure. Without even realizing it, Xiaoxi sprinted forward like a tiny cannonball, arms wide, ready to greet her new royal relative.
Haoran, the prince, had been standing at the entry gate corner like a mountain of authority—legs spread, hands planted firmly on the doorframe, glaring with absolute intensity. But as he caught sight of Xiaoxi, his face paused mid-scowl. His gaze softened imperceptibly… just a touch. "Cute… brainless… puffer fish," he muttered under his breath, though no one heard him.
Xiaoxi, unaware of the chaos around her, aimed straight for the grandmother, leaping with glee. The grandmother, poised and dignified, was observing her grandson with confidence, expecting Haoran to assert his princely authority. Meanwhile, Haoran's attention was locked on Xiaoxi's rapid approach, completely ignoring anyone else.
And then it happened.
In her boundless excitement, Xiaoxi didn't notice the looming prince beneath her feet. She stepped directly on Haoran's toes.
"AAAAAAAHHHH!" Haoran bellowed, his voice echoing like a thunderclap across the hall. He hopped in shock, flailing his arms, which only made him look… well… less like a fierce prince and more like a frog panicked in a stormy pond.
The hall froze. The empress blinked. The sister gasped while biting back a laugh. The grandmother raised an unimpressed eyebrow. The three brothers leaned on each other, unsure if they should laugh or cry. And Xiaoxi? She froze mid-step, staring at the source of the terrifying roar.
Then realization hit.
"Oh no… did I step on… Frog Prince?" Xiaoxi's voice squeaked.
Haoran, catching his balance, glared down at her, pointing an accusatory finger. "BRAINLESS PUFFER FISH! HOW DARE YOU ATTACK YOUR PRINCE?!"
Xiaoxi's eyes widened. "I… I… I just wanted to meet Grandma! I didn't see you there… or your… froggy… feet!"
The sister snickered audibly. "Froggy feet? Oh, I love this already."
Haoran stomped dramatically, ignoring the breakfast trays behind him. "Silence! You shall pay for this insolence, you tiny—tiny… brainless puffer fish!"
Xiaoxi puffed out her cheeks proudly. "Well, at least now you get to see how cute a puffer fish looks when angry!"
The empress, trying not to laugh outright, said, "Haoran… control yourself. She's just a child… or a tiny disaster in motion."
The grandmother smirked. "Let her be. This is good for him. A lesson in humility."
The brothers whispered frantically, "This is exactly why we said don't antagonize him… but she's… somehow winning this battle."
Haoran's face flushed red, but despite his rage, he couldn't stop the smallest corner of his lips from twitching. Xiaoxi, oblivious to her effect on the hall, began to hop around, pointing at every painting, statue, and curtain, squealing with joy, while Haoran's anger battled with his unexpected amusement.
As the commotion settled slightly, Haoran muttered to himself:
"Cute little puffer fish… no way. Just a brainless puffer fish… and a walking disaster for me."
Xiaoxi, tilting her head curiously, asked:
"Did you say something?"
Haoran, with a tired groan and half-glare, replied:
"Yes… I said you are a walking disaster. Ever since I met you, I've been getting into trouble nonstop 😵💫."
The hall burst into quiet laughter, while Xiaoxi blinked innocently, already plotting her next mischief.