Nan Gong Manor, located in Beijing's western suburbs, blended Chinese garden aesthetics with European architectural styles—understated yet extraordinary.
Yuexi stood on her room's balcony, gazing at the distant city lights. Her real name was Alice von Habsburg, descendant of one of Europe's oldest royal families. Sent secretly to China for protection by the Nan Gong family during political turmoil twenty years ago, she had hidden her identity, living as an ordinary wealthy heiress. But the royal family had never stopped searching for her.
"Your Highness," came a respectful voice from behind. It was Chen Bo, her personal guard and butler.
Yuexi turned. "Chen Bo, I've told you, here I am only Nan Gong Yuexi."
"Yes, Miss." Chen Bo bowed slightly. "Another letter from the royal family. They hope you'll consider returning. The old king's health is declining, and an heir must be confirmed."
A complex emotion flickered in Yuexi's eyes. "My cousins have always coveted that position. Why insist on my return?"
"You are the direct lineage, the most legitimate heir." Chen Bo paused.
"Moreover, intelligence suggests that the forces behind your exile aren't completely eradicated. They may have detected your presence in China."
Yuexi fell silent for a moment. "What about the Ye family?"
"Ye Haoxuan, twenty-eight, CEO of the Ye Group. Ruthless in business, unusually clean private life." Chen Bo handed her a file. "He's investigating you. Thoroughly."
Yuexi took the file, scanning Haoxuan's profile. Her gaze lingered on his childhood photo. That rainy night, the boy who shared Moon Shadow Crisp with her... she remembered. But her royal identity was shackles; she couldn't easily form bonds, especially with someone as prominent as Ye Haoxuan.
"He keeps a handkerchief," Chen Bo added. "Similar to the one you lost."
Yuexi's fingers tightened slightly. That handkerchief was her birth mother's heirloom, embroidered with the royal family's unique emblem. If Haoxuan had kept it for twenty years... the realization stirred ripples in her heart.
Three days later, a business bidding meeting brought them together again.
Representing the Nan Gong Group, Yuexi wore a tailored navy suit, her long hair elegantly pinned up. While speaking with partners, she felt a gaze upon her. She knew who it was without turning.
Ye Haoxuan walked straight to her, ignoring the surrounding stares. "Miss Nan Gong, might we speak privately?"
They stepped onto the balcony, the city's noise muffled by glass doors.
Haoxuan took a small velvet box from his inner pocket, opening it to reveal the well-preserved handkerchief. "Is this yours? Or rather, was it ever?"
Yuexi glanced at the handkerchief briefly before calmly looking away. "I'm not sure what you mean, Mr. Ye."
"Twenty years ago. Rainy night. Moon Shadow Crisp." Haoxuan fixed his eyes on hers. "That girl was you, wasn't she?"
Her heart skipped a beat, but years of training kept her composed. "A lovely story, but I'm afraid you've mistaken me for someone else. If that's all, I should return."
She turned to leave, but Haoxuan gently caught her wrist. Both froze at the gesture—for Haoxuan, an unprecedented initiative; for Yuexi, a long-absent touch.
"Your eyes," his voice lowered, "are exactly like hers."
Just then, Yuexi's sharp instincts caught a glint of light from the building opposite—a sniper scope! Instinctively, she pushed Haoxuan down as a bullet grazed her shoulder, shattering the glass behind them.
"Stay down!" she ordered, quickly pressing a tiny device from her handbag. Within seconds, manor guards rushed to the scene.
Haoxuan stared in shock. This seemingly delicate Miss Nan Gong reacted with speed and calm far beyond ordinary people. More importantly, she had just saved his life.
"You're hurt." He noticed the torn fabric at her shoulder, stained with blood.
Yuexi shook her head. "Just a scratch." Her eyes scanned the opposite building; the assassin had fled.
This attempted assassination shifted the delicate balance between them. Haoxuan insisted on taking her to the hospital; she didn't refuse. Silence filled the car.
"Someone wants you dead," Haoxuan stated.
"Or you," Yuexi looked out the window. "You have many enemies, Mr. Ye."
"But the bullet was aimed at you." He paused. "And your guards are highly trained—not ordinary bodyguards."
Yuexi didn't answer. As the car stopped at the hospital entrance, she said softly, "Some things are safer unknown. Mr. Ye, thank you for tonight, but please stay away from me."
Watching her retreating figure, a resolute glint flashed in Haoxuan's eyes. Twenty years ago, he couldn't protect that little girl. Twenty years later, he wouldn't let her face danger alone.