I started as a concubine, and I made the crown prince cry with my delicious food.

Seeing Xiao Jingshi's handsome face, which was filled with "I'm very unhappy", Ye An'an's heart skipped a beat at first, and then she found it a little funny.

Why is he here?

Didn't we agree that she could stay home and have a good time for a few days?

He came knocking on our door on the second day?

Moreover, judging from his appearance, he looked just like a big, resentful dog that had been abandoned by its owner.

Ye An'an suppressed her laughter and ran down from the attic.

"Your Highness, what brings you here?" She ran up to him, feigning ignorance.

Looking at her radiant face, devoid of any "pain of longing," Xiao Jingshi felt an even stronger pang of bitterness in his heart, a feeling he had been holding back for days.

He didn't answer her question; instead, he coldly looked her up and down.

Then, he snorted through his nose.

"It seems that the concubine is living a very comfortable life in the mansion."

His voice was cool and had a strange, sarcastic tone.

"It's...it's alright." Ye An'an felt a little guilty under his gaze.

"Is that so?" Xiao Jingshi took another step forward, closing the distance between them instantly.

The cool, pleasant scent of pine emanating from him, mixed with a subtle, almost imperceptible, unique masculine aroma, instantly enveloped her.

It made her heart start racing again, uncontrollably.

"How come I heard," he lowered his head, leaned close to her ear, and spoke slowly in a voice only the two of them could hear, "that the Consort has been enjoying herself immensely these past few days, with a constant stream of guests and revelry in the mansion."

"She was making pastries and dealing with all sorts of random bottles and jars, captivating all the noble ladies in the capital."

"It seems that without me around, Your Majesty's days are actually more exciting?"

His warm breath sprayed onto her earlobe, causing a slight, tingling itch.

Ye An'an felt like her ears were about to burn.

This man!

How does he know everything?

Did he plant a spy next to her?

Moreover, his tone sounded exactly like that of a resentful husband who had caught his wife cheating.

"I...I didn't..." she stammered, trying to explain, "I just...was just hanging out with my girlfriends..."

"Just playing around?" Xiao Jingshi sneered. He grabbed her chin, forcing her to look up and into his eyes.

"You're having so much fun, you've even forgotten you have a husband, haven't you?"

"You're so carefree that you don't even know I'm stuck in the palace, unable to eat or sleep?"

He looked into her eyes, which were darting around nervously out of guilt, and the pent-up resentment and anger that had been building up for two days finally found an outlet.

He originally intended to endure it.

He told himself to be magnanimous and understanding towards her.

It's only natural that she wants to spend more time with her family and sisters after finally being able to go home.

But he couldn't help it.

The thought of her not being by his side made him feel that the entire East Palace had become empty and cold.

He ate the exquisite but soulless food sent by the imperial kitchen, finding it utterly tasteless.

He lay on his large, cold bed, his mind filled with her soft lips and the sweet aroma of milk tea.

He missed her so much he was almost going crazy.

This morning, he even, for the first time ever, spaced out during the morning court session.

He was reprimanded by his father several times.

He knew he couldn't go on like this any longer.

He had to see her.

Now, immediately, right away.

So, ignoring everyone's advice, he made up a lame excuse, "to discuss military affairs in the northern border with the General of the North," and went straight to the general's mansion.

He had expected to see a pretty little girl who was also missing him.

As a result, what he saw was a heartless woman whose career was thriving and who was surrounded by "fans" and had no time to think about him at all.

How could he possibly tolerate this?

"I...I didn't..." Ye An'an felt a mix of tenderness and sweetness in her heart as she looked into his possessive and aggrieved eyes.

This arrogant Crown Prince...

If you miss her, just say so.

And yet they insist on expressing themselves in such a roundabout and indirect way.

Seriously, they're so cute that you just want to tease them.

"Your Highness," she suddenly said, tiptoeing close to his ear, mimicking his earlier tone, in a light, slightly seductive voice, "Have you...missed me?"

Her warm breath and soft voice, like a feather, gently brushed against Xiao Jingshi's heart.

This instantly threw his already restless heart into disarray.

His face, at a speed visible to the naked eye, developed a suspicious blush.

"Nonsense! Who misses you!" he retorted stubbornly, but his eyes unconsciously drifted elsewhere.

"Oh? Is that so?" Ye An'an looked at his arrogant and hypocritical expression, and secretly she was overjoyed.

She decided to add fuel to the fire.

"Since Your Highness didn't miss me, then never mind." She sighed, feigning disappointment. "I was thinking of making you your favorite braised pork tonight."

"I'm still preparing another pot, a fragrant and rich Buddha Jumps Over the Wall soup for you."

"Since you don't miss me, then I'll keep these for myself, my parents, and my sisters to eat together."

After she finished speaking, she turned around and made a move to leave.

"etc!"

Almost instinctively, Xiao Jingshi reached out and grabbed her wrist.

Braised pork belly?

Buddha Jumps Over the Wall?

His wretched stomach and his equally wretched foodie heart instantly triumphed over his pitiful, crumbling self-esteem.

"Who said I don't want to?" He pulled her, not letting her leave, his voice muffled, carrying a hint of grievance and... coquetry that even he himself didn't realize.

"I... have thought about it."

"I miss it so much I can't even eat."

Hearing his words, which were almost a surrender, Ye An'an finally couldn't help but burst out laughing.

She turned around and looked at his handsome face, which was red, embarrassed, and aggrieved, and her heart melted.

"Okay, okay, I know you missed me."

She reached out and patted his head like she would a puppy.

"Let's go, Your Highness."

"Tonight, I'll cook for you the best braised pork in the world."

"I promise I'll make up for all the weight you've lost these past few days."